If you are thinking you want to find the perfect home for retirement and age in place, you are NOT alone! According to AARP, 87% of adults age 65+ and 71% of adults under age 64 want to age in the place the place they make their home. If you are rambling around in the house that no longer feels comfortable, let’s pause. If it has grown way too big and too cumbersome to maintain since the kids are long gone, it’s time to take stock.
What should you consider when choosing the perfect home for retirement?
Let’s take it one step at a time.
First, consider size.
How big should your home be? Don’t look at it from a square footage point of view. No, look at it from the angle of how do you plan to spend your time? What will you be doing? If you really want to just sit and watch TV, you won’t need much space. However, if you plan on pursuing some hobbies that have long been set aside, or some new ones, you have to ask a question. How much space do you need for those hobbies? For instance, if you want to return to woodworking, painting, creating mosaics, or throwing some pottery – you will need a space dedicated to those activities. Don’t get caught up in square footage – look at your space NEEDS. After all, this will be your home FOR retirement, and that means living the way you want.
Secondly, consider the configuration of the home.
Are you no longer bounding up the stairs to the bedroom or down the stairs to the family room? In other words, are stairs starting to bother you? If that is the case, will you find yourself making a habit of napping in the recliner instead of retiring to bed at the end of the day? How about stairs coming into the house? Can you imagine carrying groceries in from the car as they become heavier and heavier? Would an open concept with large spaces that include the kitchen, living room, and dining area be easier to access with a walker or wheelchair? Can the bathrooms be outfitted with grab bars and give you easy access to the shower or tub? Once again, this is a home for retirement living, so make sure you will be comfortable.
Next, consider location.
Experts say that the seniors have access to more services, amenities, and activities in communities with populations greater than 10,000 people. For instance, the availability of public transportation, shopping, senior programs, cultural and sporting events are all greater in larger communities. You might like going to the movies, attending a book club at the library, or meeting other seniors to walk the local park.
Of great importance, think about your social life.
That might seem superficial, or a silly thing, but it is definitely not. No, young seniors like to be out and about with family and friends. It makes them happy. Older retirees have to stay active and social because isolation can translate into depression and actual physical maladies and deterioration. Think about where those you like to have around reside and consider staying within a short distance. Also consider that living in a neighborhood means the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
Next, let’s look at access to healthcare facilities.
Is your doctor nearby? How about a good, full-service hospital, physical therapy facility, or, although you might not like the idea, a rehabilitation center. One thing about aging is that it is wrapped around changing healthcare needs and the location of your home for retirement needs to consider that. For that reason, it is smart to think about the what-ifs and be prepared. If you have to accept the need for a knee or hip replacement, be prepared to get the services you need close to home. If you know there is a good home healthcare service locally, you can get home faster and get services there.
What about the community?
Some of the things that you considered really important in an earlier phase of life – like the quality of schools – is much less important. Of course, you will want to live in a safe place where crime is not prevalent. In addition, property taxes should be considered. That is a cost you will have whether the home is without a mortgage or not. You might be surprised that sidewalks are important to seniors. This is especially true for older seniors who still want to walk but want to do it without having to drive somewhere. Sidewalks in good repair are important for seniors with walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters.
There is time to find your home for retirement
While your retirement days will probably be busy and full, changes will come that you need to address in order to be comfortable and age in place. Consider them now and be prepared to address them in the place you want to call home for retirement through all the years.
Some people in the pre-retirement phase decide that they don’t want the maintenance that comes with most homes. Sometimes that is a major reason to sell their current home and move into a condo or community that is maintenance-free. There are many options available.
If you find that your current home is not really going to accommodate you for all the years ahead, it doesn’t mean you must leave the community where you reside. I have helped many seniors, retirees, and empty nesters find new homes in the same community they have lived in for many years. It’s just a different house, a different address, that will better serve them in their future. It is a home for retirement living.
This is an exciting time of life for many people. In fact, they often approach a home for retirement just like when they were searching for their first home. It’s a wonderful experience. And, you can take your time to find exactly what you need and want. Or possibly custom build a home in the perfect location. There is no hurry or rush. You have time!
If you want help to really determine what is most important to you in a retirement home, give me a call. I will put my expertise to work for you!
Tony