If you plan to retire soon, you may want to make a few changes to your home. Changing a few things about your home can ensure that you’re much safer as you age. While not every senior citizen has a lot of health issues, some do. This is why it is always worth making sure your home is perfect for your retirement.
Below, you will find a few ideas as to how you can make a few changes to your home. Not all of these ideas will be suitable for you, but they may all be worth considering.
Your Mobility and Your Home
– Stairs
If you struggle to make your way up and down the stairs you may want to consider installing a stair lift. If this is not something that you can do right now, consider adding more hand rails. Rails such as this can help you to walk up and down your stairs a little more safely. Rails can start at the lowest step and continue passed the highest step. They can even be installed in passageways to make them a little easier to negotiate.
– Chairs
Ideally, there will be enough chairs in all of your rooms so you can sit down easily. You may need to purchase some new chairs that help you to sit down and stand up. Chairs such as this can typically be raised before you sit in them and when you’re getting out of them.
If you’re the type of person who loves to have people around you at home, make sure you have plenty of chairs for them. If your room is small, you may need to opt for some small but high-backed chairs. Chairs such as these can often be very comfortable. You may also want to consider using the best hearing aids so that you can hear what everyone is saying.
– Rugs
If you have a few rugs in your home, please make sure that they are not a trip hazard. Your rugs should not curl over or under. Ensure that they are firmly stuck to the floor so that you can safely move around.
If you’re prone to falls, it may make sense for you to remove your rugs and install carpets or hard flooring instead. Just make sure that you buy flooring or carpets that you like as you’ll have to look at them every day.
Making Bigger Changes to Your Home
You may want to consider making some bigger changes to your home. If you want to stay where you are, many people want to stay in their own homes after they retire. However, changes may need to be made from time to time.
– Installing a new bath
If you like to enjoy a bath, you may want to consider installing a new one. You can purchase baths that open at the side, eliminating the need to climb into and out of a bath. This type of bath can be much safer than traditional ones as there is a lower risk of falls.
You can buy some very nice baths that are suitable for those with mobility issues. They can complement or match the décor in your bathroom.
– Installing a wet room
If you don’t mind taking a shower from time to time, you may want to consider installing a wet room. Wet rooms can be ideal as everything in it is made to be waterproof. You can take a shower as and when you need to, not worrying about water splashing everywhere. In addition to this, there is no step up into a shower.
Wet rooms can be ideal if you want to sit down while you take a shower. They also make maneuverability a lot easier, especially for those who have walking aids or use a wheelchair.
– Adding an Extension
Adding an extension can be ideal if you want to avoid using the stairs. Adding a downstairs bedroom could mean that you can stay in your home. If mobility is a real issue, this is an option that’s well worth considering.
Consider moving to a new home
You may want to consider moving to a new home. If your home does not currently meet your needs, a new home could. While it is only natural for you to want to stay in your current home, you will get used to your new home. Try to look for a new home that only has one floor. This can ensure that you don’t need to walk up any stairs.
Here are a few more things that you may want to consider about moving into a new home:
– Live near friends and family
Consider living close to your friends and family. Not only will you be able to see them more often, but they can help you from time to time. There may be times throughout your retirement when you need extra care. Living close to your loved ones means that they can check on you now and again.
– Live close to places you like
Let’s imagine that you like to play golf most days. Your new home could be close to your favorite golf course. You won’t have to travel very far to play golf, and it could potentially help you to stay active.
– Add call points
Many people add call points to areas of their homes, such as washrooms and kitchens. Should you fall ill, you can pull on a cord and help will be on the way. You could potentially have cords such as these around your home, so you always have access to them.
The introduction of mobile phones has meant that call points aren’t as common as perhaps they once were. However, call points can be ideal if you don’t have your phone with you. If you do prefer to use your mobile phone instead of a call point, it’s important that you know how to use the basic functions of the device, in case of an emergency.
Use the above tips to help you make your home perfect for your retirement. If you’re in reasonably good health, you could be retired for many years. Make sure your home is a pleasant place to be and one that caters to all of your needs.
