collaborative post
When searching for the ideal family home, oftentimes we don't consider what our needs will be as we age. It is easy to get caught up in the priorities of a young couple, such as a nice backyard for the kids to play in, and plenty of rooms in the house for the family to enjoy. But as we age, our priorities and needs can change.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when house hunting or building your house that will help you to future-proof your home for older age.
Installing a Stair Lift
As we age, mobility can be an issue for many people. Getting around the house can become difficult as a result. One of the trickiest aspects of limited mobility is getting up and down the stairs. As a result, stairs can become a dangerous thing to have in the home.
A simple fix to this issue is installing a stairlift. The great thing is that new stair lifts are compact and stylish. They also add value to your home! Having a stairlift is a simple way to not only future proof your home, but to add access for elderly parents and visitors to the home who have limited mobility.
Having an Open Plan
Narrow doorways, halls and tight spaces can become an issue for older people to be able to navigate especially if they are using a mobility aid. A simple way to future proof your home is to have it be open plan downstairs, leaving plenty of space to get through doors, down halls and around the kitchen. Not only will this be a great advantage for the future, but it is also a nice airy feel for now too.
Easily Accessible Bathrooms
The bathroom is another possible source of concern for elderly people. It can be challenging to get in and out of a tub. And it can also be challenging to navigate around tight spaces in a cramped bathroom. Keep the future in mind when deciding how to arrange your bathroom items and where to have the bathroom located. A bathroom on the ground floor is always a great idea.
The elderly must have someone around to assist them. Even in a well-planned bathroom, there are just some things they cannot do alone, especially for seniors with limited mobility. Apart from the bathroom space and location, consider the functionality of all the items you put, making sure that each one works and serves a purpose. A toilet that doesn’t flush properly can burden an older person. Installing a heavy-duty macerating pump is an easy solution to ensure the bathroom experience is seamless.
Family-Friendly Design
As a couple, it's important to consider a family-friendly design, if having a family is something you plan to do. The needs of a family change as the family grows. Having a room that can be a playroom when the children are young is so handy! And as they get older, that room can be converted into a games room for them. And in the future, it could act as a downstairs bedroom for you.
Entry into the House
One aspect of a home that is often overlooked when it comes to accessibility is the actual doorways into the house. Most homes have stairs into them. And once you are inside, there can be stairs internally between various levels in the home.
It's important to remember that older people could have difficulty coming into a home if there are stairs up to the door. And the steps or lips between rooms internally can also cause difficulty. These can be easily modified with the help of a contractor, creating spaces that will be easily accessible for all.
Taking the time to consider the functionality of the house over the years to come will help prevent having to do renovations in the future. Let me know if you have any tips to add in the comments.
