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Deciding Whether to Age in Place
Choosing to remain home has several often unconsidered benefits. Typically the utilities and taxes on a home you’ve already paid off are less expensive than nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The comfort and familiarity of home can also slow memory problems common with old age. Staying in an environment you know intimately strengthens connections in the brain, while moving to an unfamiliar place brings about the strain of forming new ones.
There are social benefits to staying home in your twilight years. The connections you’ve made with friends in your community remain intact and you’ll avoid the “first day at a new school” type of experience of meeting dozens of unfamiliar people in a retirement community. Elders who stay in their hometown also get a sense of independence and competence by continuing to support themselves as they had before.
If your current home is too much to manage, but you are not ready to move into a retirement community, consider renting an apartment or smaller house. Nationwide, the average rental of a two bedroom home is $2,106 per month.
Finding and Funding the Right Contractor
When possible, any renovations done to your house should be handled by a professional. Finding the right contractor can be tricky, but proper research and care will streamline the process. Be sure when you’re shopping to consider price as well as reputation. A cheap contractor isn’t the bargain they seem to be if every review details shoddy workmanship or malpractice.
If you lack the immediate funds to support the renovations you want, consider refinancing your home by taking out an additional mortgage. This will provide you with the funds you need and will further establish this as your permanent home by tying you to it financially once again.
Selecting the Right Modifications and Products
Now that you’ve established who will be doing the work and how they will be getting paid, it’s time to consider just what changes need to be made to your house. Tubs with stairs or doors can be constructed to give seniors an easier time getting into and out of the bath. Doorways can be widened to make way for mobility aids, ramps can be installed to provide wheelchair access for houses above ground level, and kitchens can be completely overhauled when islands and other cluttered components make getting around difficult. Be sure to consider your unique needs when deciding on renovations.
In addition to structural changes, a variety of products can be purchased and installed to make senior life easier. Stair lifts can bring seniors between floors when walking up and down entire flights is difficult or impossible. Smart home kits can allow lights, televisions, and even thermostats to be voice-activated or run on a schedule. As technology advances, new ways to make aging-in-place easier are being developed faster than ever. You can always look online for new ways to ensure a safe and comfortable home life.
If you’re no longer willing or able to drive, consider converting your garage into a useable space. Without a vehicle in the way, the entire space can be used for storage, giving you more room to get around inside your house. Public transportation and transit planning services will allow you to still get around while maximizing your home’s functionality.
Aging in place has never been easier. Just be sure to do your research to find the renovations and services that fit your unique needs.
About The Council for Disability Awareness
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