Many homeowners downsize to a smaller home and move to a senior living community once they retire. However, more and more retirees are deciding to stay in their homes lifelong, thanks to smart planning. If you’ve done your due diligence, you can enjoy a stress-free retirement without having to leave your home. Moreover, moving into a completely new place takes some getting used to.
There are a few essential steps you need to take, if you decide to spend your senior years at home
Age-Proof Your Home
Living a comfortable senior life at home requires some adjustments. After all, you never select your home keeping in mind retirement and aging-in-place. Some ways to age-proof home are as follows:
- Reduce the number of pieces of furniture in your home
- Install slip-resistant flooring, especially in the kitchen and bath area
- Make sure there’s plenty of lighting in all rooms and hallways
- Install railings if your home has stairs or a porch
- Repair uneven walkways in the exteriors
- Eliminate potential obstacles
- Turn your bathroom into a bigger, safer space
- Make sure there are no open or tangled wires
Plan Ahead when Remodeling
If you plan to remodel your place, remember that you want to avoid the hassles of remodeling repeatedly in the future. For example, you may not need a wheelchair now, but having enough floor space and enlarged pathways for a wheelchair or walker in the future, is a good idea.
Technology Can Make Living Convenient
Maintaining safety can be a major concern when you live a senior life. However, technology can help.. There are many ways to enhance safety and comfort using modern gadgets and devices. These may need some getting used to but it’s a bargain for a super convenient lifestyle. You can install:
- External security cameras and safety sensors
- Smart thermostat
- Video doorbell
- Smart medication dispenser
- Fitness bands/monitor
- Medical alert systems
- Home-automation systems
Move Downstairs
If you live in a house with two floors, it would be sensible to move downstairs. Stairs can become a hazard as we age and be physically exhausting too. If moving downstairs is too difficult, you may want to consider installing a chair-lift for easy access.
Get Rid of Potential Obstacles
Make sure your home is free of any kind of excess clutter. Remove unwanted decorative items like throw rugs, showpieces close to the floor, expensive glassware etc.
