Even before your retirement, there will come a time when you will be thinking of finding a place to settle down--that home where you would want to spend your senior years. Arar Han, a certified Aging in Place Specialist, advises through her blog in Zillow that the home you will choose today will have a great impact in your options years down the road. She then gives these guide questions to consider when scouting for that house:
1. Is the neighborhood "walkable"?
A walkable neighborhood is one that is safe for pedestrians, with well-maintained and well-lit sidewalks. It is near the places you regularly frequent - retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, including your doctor and a pharmacy. Han continues by saying that the best place for aging is in a centrally located place which will allow you to walk or take public transit, because as you age you will love not having to drive everywhere.
2. Are there local social opportunities?
Look for a home near community centers and other places where enjoyable activities and a chance to meet new people are offered. Check for parks, libraries, museums and places of worship, or those that offer interesting classes and volunteer opportunities. As you get older, you will find that these resources become even more important. You will be looking for enjoyment in the things you do, no matter what your age is.
3. Is it the right size?
Many love the looks of a big house with its sprawling green lawn, but ask yourself, are you prepared to maintain it? The bigger your house is, the more upkeep it requires. If you are not able to take care of the home yourself, will you be able to hire the services of a landscape or home maintenance team? Finding a new home can be a perfect time to downsize, for you to have a smaller place to manage.
4. Is it accessible?
As you would want your new home to be easy to live in, both now, during and even after your retirement, you may need to consider these as must-haves:
- A single-floor layout and no entry stairs
- No random steps in the house for you to trip over
- Thresholds that are flush with the floor, no bumpy steps or ramp
- Wide walkways, roomy space in the hallway or corridor
- Plenty of lighting
- Extra floor space for easy maneuverability and movement
- A walk-in shower with a seat
- Storage space that is not difficult to reach
- Counters that are neither too low nor too high
Han warns that if you struggle with the house now, it will only get worse as you age. Find a home that you will be comfortable in.
5. Can you modify it for aging in place?
What if you have found a house you love, but it isn't designed with accessibility in mind? If that will be the case, Han recommends these easy renovations:
- Adding handrails to both outdoor and indoor stairs to keep your balance
- Replacing round doorknobs with lever handles which are easier to open
- Adding non-slip surfaces in the bathtub and shower to prevent falls
- Installing handrails in the bathroom next to the toilet and bathtub for extra support
- Choosing chairs and sofas with back support and strong armrests
- Install more outdoor and indoor lighting for better visibility
- Choosing countertops and tables with rounded edges
