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Older and Wiser Housing Options
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Top Tips for Navigating
Older and Wiser Housing Options
Priorities can change significantly
with age, and along with those often comes a desire for a different
housing situation. A supportive, comfortable environment can make
all the difference in whether or not you grow older independently and
safely, and whether you end up in a less desirable situation. To
help with your decision, here’s information on two of the primary
housing options that offer a more independent lifestyle for older
people: assisted living and senior-friendly houses.
A hand when you need it
Oftentimes, older adults enjoy
significant mobility and independence, yet need a bit of assistance
with daily activities. Perhaps dexterity is waning and it’s
challenging to button a shirt, or a balance
issue prevents bathing without help. For those who
need a hand with routine, fundamental tasks, an assisted living
arrangement could be the perfect solution. It’s an environment
that allows freedom and independence with just enough support and
structure for seniors to bloom.
If you’d prefer assisted living, you
should first get an idea of prices because they vary widely. There
are numerous assisted living facilities with a wide selection of
amenities and advantages. You can choose from one-bedroom and studio
apartment-style options. All are home-like living spaces, rather
than institutional ones.
On top of the richly varied settings,
there are plenty
of perks to evaluate. For instance, you can receive
assistance with personal needs, such as taking medications and
preparing meals. Some facilities are within walking distance to
museums, some are pet-friendly, and some provide park-like walking
paths. Because there are so many wonderful choices, many people find
it helpful to tour facilities when weighing their options.
Senior-friendly house
For some seniors, a home designed for
aging in place can make good sense. Since there are not many homes
on the market already designed for aging in place, and since needs
can vary widely, many seniors elect to modify an existing residence.
Here are some of the more common home modifications seniors choose to
help create a more senior-friendly property:
- Rethink the exterior. Seniors often prefer low-maintenance home options whenever possible. Spending hours in the hot sun, climbing ladders, bending, and stooping are all things that many people want to leave behind in their golden years. With that in mind, an easy-care exterior is often a first choice for seniors. The Plan Collection suggests siding options such as vinyl, fiber cement, brick veneer, or manufactured stone. Another recommendation is a maintenance-free deck for savoring sunshine and cookouts, and low-maintenance landscaping to reduce labor in the yard.
- Ease the entryway. Seniors often struggle with climbing steps as they get older, so an easy-to-navigate ramp can help older adults stay on the go. Age in Place recommends installing at least one entryway with a 36’-wide door frame, ensuring all sidewalks are smooth and well-lit, and avoiding letting plants and shrubs overhang the path.
- Structure your space. A living space on the ground floor helps seniors avoid climbing stairs. The house should provide ample, even lighting throughout, and the floorplan should be spacious enough for navigating with equipment like a cane or a walker. Also, all walkways should be open, well-lit, and clutter-free.
- Interior ideas. Throughout the home, remove all slipping and tripping hazards such as electrical cords, damaged carpets, and throw rugs. Bathrooms can be particularly dangerous for falls, due to the combination of water and smooth surfaces. Install grab bars for support and a taller toilet to ease transitioning, and consider adding non-slip flooring to help with traction.
If your home is too large for your
means or can’t be sufficiently modified, it may be time to downsize
into a smaller and less expensive home that’s already accessible.
When you’re looking for an accessible home, you’ll want to
research home prices and estimate your income and expenses to get
an idea of what you can afford. You’ll also need to
account for moving costs. The easiest way to find a moving company is
to do some research online.
Aging might mean you need a little
support with getting around, but you can still live an independent
life. Decide if you prefer an assisted living environment or home
modifications. Priorities might shift as we age, and sometimes
that’s a wonderful thing.
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