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Retirement is a time most of us look forward to all through our hectic work lives, and there is no better place to spend it, than at home, surrounded by our friends and family. Most people would love to retire at home, as opposed to a nursing home or senior living facility for as long as possible.
A Guide For Aging In Place
By investing in IRA accounts, maximizing tax deductions, and making sound investment decisions, it is very much possible to retire with a sizable corpus in hand. Add to this, concepts such as reverse mortgages, reverse insurance, and more, luxurious aging in place is no longer a dream, but an attainable reality for most individuals.
That being said, however, money is far from the only consideration when it comes to planning the perfect retirement home for aging in place. In this article, we cover a slew of other things that matter, along with how you can ensure everything is perfectly lined up for your golden years.
Location & Accessibility
Choosing the right location is paramount for a retirement home, and the right location should preferably have healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and recreational facilities, among other things.
A few other aspects in this regard might include walkability, availability of public transportation, proximity to friends and family, safety and security. There are plenty of neighborhoods that offer the perfect mix of these, some particularly earmarked for retirement, but not necessarily old-age, or senior living homes.
Single-Level Living
As retirees age, navigating stairs can become increasingly challenging, and a retirement home with a single-level floor plan eliminates this obstacle, allowing for easy movement and reducing the risk of falls.
A single-level layout promotes convenience, making all areas of the home accessible without the need for stairs or elevators.
Open Floor Plan
An open floor plan is highly desirable for retirees, as it creates a spacious, inclusive living environment that facilitates easy movement while promoting social interaction.
It further allows for flexibility in furniture arrangement, accommodating potential mobility aids and ensuring smooth navigation throughout the home, while making it possible to change and renovate without spending too much time or money.
Safety Features
It is common to feel anxious when you start to age, from slips and falls, to theft, burglaries, fires, and natural disasters. Everything is that much more of a threat than when you were young.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options to deal with any such anxieties, ranging from grab bars and slip-resistant flooring to walk-in bathtubs and showers. This, when coupled with security cameras, alert systems, and smoke detectors can make for a stress-free living, for the elderly.
Low-Maintenance Design
Retirees want to spend their time enjoying retirement, not engaging in extensive home maintenance. Consider opting for low-maintenance materials for both the interior and exterior of the home, this includes features such as vinyl or laminate flooring, durable countertops, and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Additionally, landscaping choices should require minimal upkeep, such as native plants that thrive in the local climate.
Technology Integration
Integrating smart home technology can greatly enhance the quality of life for retirees. Features like voice-activated controls, automated lighting, and remote monitoring systems offer convenience and peace of mind.
Smart devices can further assist with various tasks, from controlling the thermostat to monitoring home security, ensuring retirees feel safe and comfortable in their retirement homes.
Wrapping Up
Designing the perfect retirement home for aging in place requires careful consideration of various elements, which isn’t always easy. However, by Investing the necessary time and effort into creating the ideal retirement home, retirees can sail into their golden years with a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment where they can age in place with grace and dignity.
Other posts you might enjoy:
Transitioning An Aging Parent to a Better Quality of Life
Creating a Genuine Community for Aging In Place
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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown
