Many older adults join assisted living communities to expand their social circle here in Colorado Springs, CO. Residents who choose companion living gain the benefit of daily interactions with a peer and a familiar face who can potentially help them break the ice with others in their new community.

What Is Companion Living?

Companion living is when two seniors move into the same apartment in a community and split the space and associated costs between them. For many, it's a budget-friendly move that can help make care and services more affordable.

When exploring companion living, you'll often see terms such as "semiprivate" or "shared apartments." Here in The Gardens at Broadmoor Court, we refer to our shared residences as companion suites.

The Companion in Companion Living

When residents share an apartment, their roommate offers the potential of having a live-in friend. The policies and practices of individual communities dictate how residents are paired in companion suites.

Some communities try to help foster bonds between roommates by pairing individuals who share similar lifestyles or interests. A good pairing can provide a companion you can identify with and whose company you can enjoy.

Other assisted living communities follow a first-come, first-served policy, especially when space is at a premium. In these cases, you may not be able to choose your new roommate. However, even individuals whose personalities and lifestyles differ can become good companions through mutual respect, compromise and communication.

Sometimes seniors arrange their own pairing by asking a friend who also needs a change in living accommodations to move into the community with them. This option offers both individuals a familiar face upon moving in along with the benefits of provided care and amenities.

The Golden Rule

Whether you're friends or strangers, you and your new roommate stand to gain from treating each other with kindness and understanding. As soon as possible, work out a plan detailing how you'll use the space in your apartment and share storage and closets.

Discuss your typical routines so there are no surprises over predawn activities or late-night movie marathons. Be honest about your expectations for family visits and bathroom use.

Although establishing ground rules takes time, it's a worthwhile investment to remove the guesswork from your daily interactions. As with any relationship, open communication and consideration for each other ensure you can work together to resolve issues. When tackling difficult or ongoing problems, you can also ask the staff for help and guidance.

Allies in Health and Hardships

As companions spend time together, they naturally learn each other's habits and routines. They're usually the first to notice when something is off in someone's daily pattern and can help sound the alarm about potential problems or call for help if a fall or an accident occurs.

Having a companion also results in more staff visits and supervision in your senior living apartment, as they assist both you and your roommate.

Is Companion Living Right for You?

Retirement and aging can be both exciting and unsettling. Having a companion means the two of you can help each other as you face new situations.

As with any good friend, you can introduce your roommate to your favorite pastimes and benefit from a source of support when challenges arise.

Social interaction can help lift the spirit and inspire greater engagement in daily life. While companion living isn't right for everyone, for many seniors, a good companion can enhance life and make every day more interesting.

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