Key Housing Features for Seniors Wanting to Age in Place
Aging in Place
As people age, their balance and agility deteriorate in many cases. When looking for a home where you can age in place, it's more about comfort, convenience, and safety rather than luxury and space. If you're on the hunt for the ideal home to safely enjoy your golden years, follow some of these valuable tips from Artesia Christian Home.
Size
Many seniors downsize when moving to reduce the cost and effort of homeownership. The financial advantages include lower utility bills that come with smaller rooms and a possible windfall from the sale of your home, which can boost your savings and add to your retirement fund. A smaller property also has other advantages, such as lower maintenance and less cleaning.
Low Maintenance
A low-maintenance home features exterior materials that rarely, if ever, need painting, such as vinyl doors, windows, and sidings. As you get older, bending down and kneeling in the garden begins to take its toll on your knees, so look for gardens with raised beds. Consider a property with a small lawn or even artificial turf if you like the look of grass but don't want the hard work that goes with it.
Manageable Property
Regardless of the size of your house, there can be qualities about your property that make it more or less manageable. For instance, a home with a large yard or with fruit trees can become burdensome, even if you substitute some of the grass for artificial turf.
It’s also good to inquire about easements before purchasing. What is an easement? An easement is a legal right granted to someone other than the property owner to access the property’s grounds without expressed permission by the owner. This could occur if your property blocks access to another property, and the owners need to walk across your grounds to access their own. It could also be a power company that can access your meters or power lines when needed, regardless of your consent. Understanding any easements can reduce anxiety if you feel someone is trespassing on your land.
The Rooms
Look for ways to make each room of your house more accessible and easier to maintain.
- Bathroom. Ideally, your bathroom features nonslip floors and disability aids, such as grab bars near the toilet and shower. A walk-in shower is ideal. Choose showerheads that are adjustable or handheld and toilets that are at a comfortable height.
- Kitchen. Many seniors like familiarity, so look for homes featuring appliances similar to those in your previous home. One out of every four American adults experiences a fall each year, so ensure the kitchen in your new home features adequate lighting. Shallow sinks close to the stove and pullout pantries are other features aging home buyers need to look for in a kitchen.
- Bedrooms. Seniors tend to age in place more successfully in one-story homes. A bedroom on the same level as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room means you don't have to tackle the stairs at bedtime, something you may find difficult. Consider a home featuring an en suite bathroom to limit the time it takes to get from the bedroom to the facilities.
Steps You Need to Take Before Buying a Home
One of the first things to consider when buying a new home is getting a loan and what type to select. The type of mortgage you qualify for will depend on your credit history, income, and how much you need to borrow.
Conventional mortgages, for instance, are low-cost loans that come in a range of down payment options. In addition, customers enjoy a higher degree of flexibility with conventional loans as they offer adjustable and fixed-rate term options. Furthermore, customers who can afford a 20% down payment can avoid mortgage insurance.
As you help your loved one prepare for their move, understand that many seniors find it challenging to leave items behind when they move, believing they may be useful in the future. For this reason, ample storage space is often essential when searching for a new home. Just make sure that the storage areas are also accessible.
Comfort and Safety
Everyone should be able to enjoy their golden years, no matter where they decide to live. If you choose to age in place, follow some of the tips above to ensure you can do it comfortably and safely. If you decide that moving into a progressive retirement community is best for your current and future needs, consider Artesia Christian Home. They offer options from independent living to memory care.
Written by:
Hal Salazar
