Preparing your home for Aging in Place

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, I am frequently called to meet with my friends, clients and their families about the various housing options for seniors. Aging in place is an option many people choose.

While there’s plenty of snowbirds that choose a warmer climate to move to, there’s also a growing number of seniors that are choosing to stay in their own homes or to purchase a smaller more accessible home in the same area or closer to family.  I feel that this article is helpful because it addresses the option of aging in place. After reading the article, I believe you will be closer to determining if this option is right for your family.  I am always available to meet with you and your family to explore the many options available to our seniors.

How to prepare your home for aging in place

Though aging in place doesn’t necessarily constitute a big move, like migrating south might, there are still plenty of considerations to remember to make sure the home is manageable and comfortable to live in as you get older.

Layout considerations

Whether you are staying in your own home or moving to a slightly smaller home in the same area, it’s important to make sure your home has the right layout in order to make mobility and accessibility easy. A one-story floor plan, or a floor plan where your bedroom and necessary facilities are on the first floor works the best for aging in place, as it’s possible you may need a walker or wheelchair at some point.

Accessibility adjustments

Consider making other adjustments, including handrails in bathrooms for additional stability assistance, and widening doorways to accommodate a wheelchair, should you need it in the future. Swapping doorknobs for lever handles could also help, in case you run into any arthritis or joint issues in your hands and wrists.

Think about your location

Aside from making sure the home is easy to move around in, and accessible in case you have any health issues, you’ll also want to consider the location. It’s important to make sure that the area you’re planning to age-in-place in is close to medical facilities, senior support facilities, and has a good public transportation system, just in case you’re not able to drive in your later years. Proximity to friends, family members, and activities that you enjoy could also be something to consider if maintaining relationships and social circles is important to you.

Keep your yard manageable

Other things you may want to think about as you decide if your home is right to age in place in could include the size and manageability of your yard, the age and condition of your home, and the safety of your neighborhood. Lots that are large and a little worn down could prove to be more troublesome as you age and aren’t able to perform some of the tasks needed for upkeep. If you are planning to move to a new home to age-in-place, you may want to consider somewhere with a small yard, or a community where lawn and house care are available or provided.

Though for many people aging in place may be the ideal plan for retirement, it may not always be feasible. Checking through the above considerations can help you plan and adjust to make sure your home will suit your needs as you get older.

This article originally appeared on the National Association of REALTORS® website. As a REALTOR® with the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® Designation, I find their blog full of helpful information and you can see more here.  

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