Last updated on April 28th, 2022 at 08:07 pm
There are ways to make any home more appropriate and easier to manage as we age. However, getting started can seem overwhelming. If you need help determining where to begin, and if aging in place is right for you, here are some ways you can start the process.
Benefits of Aging in Place
While change can sometimes be exciting, the idea of retiring and staying in our family home can be just as appealing, and it can be difficult to leave the place where we have built a lifetime of memories. When you stay in your home, there is no need to downsize your life and get rid of your household goods.
You don’t have to worry about packing, moving, and trying to adjust to a smaller-sized living space. You don’t need to relocate and learn to navigate a new town or state. You also have the benefit of keeping your friends and loved ones close by. As you age, aging in place may help you retain your independence. You know your neighborhood and can feel confident navigating it. You can continue to see to your own needs and do things that are familiar to you.
Basic vs Complex Modifications
If you are looking for ways to adjust your home to make it easier to live in, there are modifications you can make. Add ramps to entryways and repair any cracks or uneven walkways. You can create a place for you to put your packages, purse, or grocery bags when you come inside, which allows you to keep your hands free. Creating more lighting, especially overhead, will be of great use.
Two rooms that will need the most work, work that should often be done by a professional, are the kitchen and bathroom. A wall oven should be installed so you don’t need to lift heavy things over a hot door and risk injury. You can have pressure-balanced valves installed to make sure that water temperature stays constant and does not scald. You can install grab bars yourself, but you will want a professional to put in a new shower or tub, preferably with a bench for you to sit on when bathing.
How to Find the Right Contractor
Renovation is stressful, and finding a good contractor can alleviate some of that stress. Before you go to a professional for an estimate, know exactly what project you want to be completed and what room you want it done in. Ask friends, family, and even your neighbors or coworkers for references.
Get at least three bids to compare, and do not hesitate to interview each contractor. Ask pertinent questions, including when the contractor will be able to start, and if they will be subcontracting any of the work. If they don’t have employees, it could be a sign they will use day laborers who may not know the specific ins and outs of your home.
When to Downsize
Sometimes, we need to make tough decisions. It may not be your first choice, but downsizing could be the best thing for you or a loved one. If your home is large, it may simply be too exhausting to try to maintain. You want to live in a clean, dust-free home, but vacuuming and dusting eight rooms weekly could become too much work.
If you suffer from pain or have weakness in your joints, stairs may be too hard to keep using. If you decide that it is time to downsize, figure out your home-buying budget, contact a realtor, and review listings in your area to get an idea of what it might cost to buy a new home in your community. Look at smaller homes for your downsized lifestyle and begin to think about which items and furniture you’ll be able to keep when you move.
If you do your research and plan properly, you can successfully modify your home. However, if there is too much work or the home is simply too large, don’t hesitate to look at new properties, ones easier to modify, to be your new sanctuary. It is your home, and you deserve it to be everything you desire.
Guest Author Claire Wentz Caringfromafar.com
Image Courtesy of Pixabay
