What is a senior services residence?
An alternative to the traditional retirement home, the senior services residence offers a living environment designed for independent older people, along with services that meet their needs. When is this option the right one? How much does it cost, and what financial support is available? A closer look at a form of housing set to grow.
Who is a senior services residence for?
The senior services residence is designed for older people looking for both independence and security.
What is a senior services residence? Definition
A senior services residence is a form of housing for independent older people. It brings together private homes (apartments or small houses) within a building or a “senior village”, along with shared spaces.
Residents can benefit from collective services tailored to their needs:
management of the residence and shared areas,
catering,
on-site supervision,
leisure programme (entertainment, sports activities, workshops, etc.),
laundry,
housekeeping, and more.
Discover OBEO’s personal services: https://www.obeo-residences.com/services-a-la-personne
When should you consider moving into a services residence?
Moving into a senior services residence is particularly well suited to older people who no longer want, or are no longer able, to stay in their own home, for the following reasons:
their home is too large, expensive to adapt for ageing or to heat, hard to maintain, insufficiently accessible, far from the shops, and so on;
they want greater security;
they want to break out of isolation;
they want to plan ahead for a future loss of independence and live in a secure environment.
What services are offered in senior services residences?
Senior services residences offer a wide range of services to ensure the comfort, safety and well-being of their residents. These services generally fall into two categories:
core services, included in the rent,
optional services, tailored to each resident’s individual needs.
Core services in a senior residence
Core services are included in the rent and available to every resident. They generally include:
Security: continuous supervision, with a team available day and night, and a security system to guarantee residents’ peace of mind.
Access to shared spaces: residents can enjoy many communal areas, such as landscaped gardens, swimming pools, gyms, libraries and relaxation lounges. These facilities invite people to share time together and build friendships.
Entertainment and activities: a varied programme runs throughout the year. It may include painting workshops, general-knowledge classes, board games, gentle exercise sessions and organised outings to encourage sociability and well-being.
Reception and general services: a reception desk open 7 days a week for residents’ comfort, mail handling, and more.
Optional services for an additional fee
In addition to the core services, senior services residences offer a selection of optional services designed to meet each resident’s specific needs. These can be taken à la carte or as a package.
Optional services often include:
Catering: an on-site restaurant service offering varied menus prepared by chefs and adapted to seniors’ nutritional needs. Themed meals are sometimes offered.
Personal services: home help, laundry, administrative assistance and support with everyday activities, such as help with washing and dressing or meal delivery. More and more residences provide these services themselves, so residents do not need to call on an outside provider.
Personal care: hairdressing, beauty treatments and other well-being services are available on request for residents who wish to look after themselves without leaving the residence.
Transport and accompaniment: escort services are available for trips outside the residence. They are useful for medical appointments, shopping or visits to family and friends.
A flexible, personalised offer
One of the main strengths of senior services residences is precisely this flexibility. Residents pay only for the services they use, allowing them to shape their daily life around their own wishes and needs. This bespoke approach lets them live with complete peace of mind, choosing the services that are most relevant to them.
Senior services residences therefore offer a living environment that combines comfort, independence and a rich social life, allowing seniors to make the most of their retirement.
How do senior residences support independence?
Senior services residences are specifically designed to support older people’s independence while providing a secure and stimulating environment. They use a range of strategies to achieve this.
Housing designed for safety and independence
The home itself is laid out to promote residents’ independence.
The apartments are fitted with features suited to ageing, such as:
step-free showers,
support handles,
well-designed lighting,
wide doorways for wheelchair access.
These features guarantee safety and make it easier for residents to move around, so they can stay independent for as long as possible.
Discover OBEO’s personal services: https://www.obeo-residences.com/services-a-la-personne
Services that support independence
The services offered by residences are designed to make daily life easier while respecting residents’ independence.
For example, meals can often be taken in the communal restaurant or self-service, giving seniors the freedom to set their own rhythm.
Residents are free to call on an outside support service, or one that has a partnership with the residence, to access services that help them stay at home. For example:
home help,
meal delivery,
small repairs,
gardening,
caretaking.
Discover OBEO’s personal services: https://www.obeo-residences.com/services-a-la-personne
Social engagement
The environment and the activities on offer are designed to keep residents socially and physically engaged. They encourage initiative and allow seniors to stay active and involved in their community.
For example, many residences regularly organise themed events, such as cultural evenings, seasonal celebrations (music festival, Christmas, and so on) or festive dinners. These events give residents the chance to come together in a celebratory atmosphere, strengthening community bonds.
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