Retirement Home Checklist
8 Things to Include in a Retirement Home Checklist
Others don’t think about relocating until all their children have grown and they’re old enough to notice they have difficulties managing themselves on their own. These natural occurrences push people to look into investing in a retirement home. They want to comfortable once they retire. Most of all, they want to the security and stability only a retirement home can offer.
House hunting for a retirement property is different from looking at apartments or a Tagaytay condo for sale. It’s a different market as it caters to a diverse crowd. Retirement home buyers don’t need to be near school or the amenities on the 5th floor of a complex. Instead, buyers are looking for safety features that will prevent them from getting into accidents.
Whether you are house hunting for your future or preparing for your parents’ old age, you must think about your lifestyle. It affects the type of home that suits your needs. To help you make your decision, below are 8 things you need to for in a retirement home.
1. The right community
The property must be in an area near the people dear to your heart. If you enjoy Sunday lunch with family and game night with friends, then your retirement home must be in an area close to them. But
the right community doesn’t stop there. You must also enjoy the area. Some people enjoy the energy of the city so they settle in a condo. Others prefer to bask in the friendliness of their neighbors. All of these are vital when selecting a community.
2. Number of rooms
When their family members leave, old couples are the only ones left at home. That’s is why a lot of couples prefer to downsize once their children have their own families. Before setting in a three-bedroom condo or a six-bedroom bungalow, you have to think ahead of time. Are people coming over often? Will they staying over or dropping by for a few hours? A guest room should be enough for occasional visitors.
3. Stairs and steps
You must watch out for stairs. These aren’t friendly to wheelchairs and canes. They are also a pain for those with weak knees. As much as possible, look for homes with a single-level living. Moving around the house becomes easy when you don’t have to climb a lot of steps.
4. Wide spaces
Contemporary homes feature open floor plans as it encourages socialization. Those who love to have guests at home should opt for large living and dining areas. A wide hallway and doorway is also a must for a retirement home. Wheelchairs and walkers will have no problem when there’s enough room to pass by.
5. Bathroom
Bathrooms can be customized to fit future needs but old people looking for a home in the market need these features now. Aging makes it challenging to step in and out of the shower. They need handles or bars for support. They also need a shower or tub where they can be wheeled in. If there’s a tub, it must be large enough to fit a personal aide.
6. Counters, shelves, and storages
You might have no problem reaching an appliance or a book now, but old age can certainly catch up with you. You might have trouble bending down, reaching up in the future. Hence, you must take note of the counter’s height. Is it on a comfortable level? Will you be able to reach the refrigerator and microwave with ease? The same goes for the things you hide under the bed. You might not be able to bend over to reach the suitcase or boxes of shoes.
7. Maintenance
Some communities offer lawn maintenance. You won’t have a problem once snow piles up or when your grass needs weeding. The services they provide are helpful once you realize you no longer have the energy to get those things done. Other than your lawn, you also have to think of home repairs. Being part of the homeowners association will be worth it if they provide service especially to the elderly.
8. Facilities for pets
A lot of old people prefer to have a pet or two to keep them company. If you already have some, you must think of them too. Your dogs must have space for bathing. Meanwhile, cats need an area for their litter boxes. You also must consider their daily needs. Some pets require exercise. It can exhausting go through the elevator each time your pet needs some fresh air.
Accepting that you will change as you age is the only way to age gracefully. You may get weak and crinkly but your dreams and personality are what makes you a unique individual. Don’t let old age define what you need and look for in a home. However, remember to use this as your guide to a comfortable life in the future
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