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Living independently and comfortably in your own home as you grow older is one of the greatest joys of homeownership. Many seniors rank the availability of aging-in-place features as a critical consideration when buying a house.
Finding a home with appropriate support and accommodations to meet your changing needs requires careful planning, but getting it right is certainly worth the effort.
Benefits of Aging in Place
A 2023 survey shows 92% of older adults want to age in place. The most common reasons highlighted include independence, familiarity and social opportunities.
Independence
Seniors living in their own homes have a stronger sense of control over their routines and life decisions. Comparatively, this level of independence may often be lacking in assisted living facilities.
Familiar Setting
Growing older in an unfamiliar environment can be unsettling as well as inconvenient. In many cases, your senior loved one may have an emotional attachment to their current community and would rather live out the rest of their days surrounded by familiar faces and locations.
Social Engagement
Loneliness progressively becomes more concerning as you get older. Aging in place in your home can provide better avenues for social interaction than in an assisted living facility. A 2020 study found that 75% of nursing home residents felt severely lonely. These feelings of loneliness increase the risk of depression and other cognitive disorders. They can also worsen existing health conditions.
4 Things to Look for in a Home That Would Allow You to Age in Place
If you already own a home and plan to stay there, then it’s a matter of renovating and retrofitting certain areas to make them more livable as you age. However, if you’re just entering the real estate market, these are the five most important things to consider for aging in place.
1. Accessibility Features
Mobility and accessibility are crucial considerations. You’ll want to prioritize features like no-step entry or minimal steps at the entrance, wider doorways, and sturdy handrails. You should also be able to access the bathroom and kitchen with relative ease.
2. Open Concept Floor Plans
The beauty of contemporary open floor plans is they allow your living spaces to seamlessly flow into one another, emphasizing flexibility in design and fixture placements. It gives you more room to move around without going through doors or narrow spaces. The open space can also make integrating smart home features for your convenience and safety less complicated.
3. Single-Story vs. Multi-Story Homes
When budget is less of a factor, deciding between these concepts comes down to how many people you expect to occupy the home. You may have lots of family members, so buying a large multi-story home that can house everyone during the holidays is an excellent idea.
Conversely, you might opt for a single-story residence if you prefer fewer visitors. Most aging adults actually prefer these structures due to the rigors of climbing steps. Then again, technologies like stairlifts, low-rise stairs and elevators effectively negate these worries. You could always stay on the ground floor if mobility becomes too tasking.
4. Proximity to Health Care Services and Amenities
Choosing a home near hospitals and doctors’ offices is crucial for prompt medical attention and ongoing health care management as you age. Similarly, you’ll want a place close to essentials like grocery stores, restaurants and public transportation.
Find a Home That Grows With You
Buying a home that enables seamless aging in place is the dominant trend among current and incoming generations of seniors. These tips are a great starting point and can provide the right mindset for conducting your housing search.
The Kari Haas Real Estate Team is here to support you every step of the way. If you’re considering staying in your home and need financial flexibility, we can help explore options like a reverse mortgage, allowing you to tap into your home’s equity without selling. Additionally, we offer creative financing solutions tailored to your unique situation, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to make informed decisions for your future. Let us guide you through the process with expert advice and personalized strategies that align with your long-term goals.
