If you’re about to retire or planning for your senior years, one of the major decisions you have to make is where to live. A reduced activity characterizes these years because one is off active employment.
It is also characteristic of this stage to need less space in the home because your children are no longer living with you. The house you lived in most of your active life suddenly feels too big. You need an expert’s advice and help as you plan for your home. That’s the kind to find at retirement living in Florida. Use these tips to hasten your decision making.
- The size of the house
You need the right size of the house, not too big or too small. It should comfortably accommodate you and your spouse and allow for a few guests. Pick a design that allows for some luxury, such as a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a beautiful aquarium, all designed to utilize your space smartly.
For instance, you can have a spacious outdoor space to entertain visitors and relax. An outdoor laundry area and built-in robes make a small house feel bigger.
- Mind the location
Take a look at the locality and ask yourself a few questions. Is the neighborhood friendly? What is the proximity of your intended home to social amenities? Are you too far away from your family?
Where you build your retirement home should add quality to your life. Find a place where you can access a hospital, shopping stores, private or public courts for games and sports.
You may choose to rent a place to build your home, so you’ll be paying an annual rental fee. Alternatively, purchase a block that will have no further financial obligations after settling down. It is imperative to consult a professional to help you make the best decision.
- Single-storey
As you advance in age, doing the staircase can be a real pain in your bones. Now that you’re building for your retirement do away with them and get comfortable living in a single level house.
Additionally, settle for land with a flat gradient to avoid winding bends and navigating steep paths, and driveways to access your home. A flat ground will reduce the need for steps leading to the hose.
Considering the health challenges that come with old age, you need a wheelchair-friendly house.
- Low maintenance
Laborious tasks become impossible with old age. Choose features that do not need tooth and nail to maintain. The last thing you want is to have to maintain your compound regularly. This includes the outdoor plants, the flooring in every room, the lighting fixture, to the garage.
If you need to bring a professional to advise on maintenance-friendly home assets, do not hesitate to do so. You’ll save yourself a great deal rather than ignoring it, only to realize when you’ve moved in.
- Accessibility
Some people may build a family home that will also serve as their retirement abode. When you do so, consider leaving enough space to allow mobility and accessibility.
Allow for extra space in the bathroom, doorways, and bathroom. Such space may come in handy in the future when you need a wheelchair for movement.
Consider having a ramp in one of the external doors and smooth walkways for ease of access.
Additional considerations
You can add the following to the final design of your retirement home. These tips can go a long way to make your life better.
- Install uniform in every room to avoid straining the eyes. You need the least light adjustment or illumination controls to avoid minor accidents such as slips and falls. Use dimmer switches to help control glaring light.
- Install toilets you can use from a comfortable height without having to bend or squat.
- For the bathroom, you can go for walk-in instant shower entries or shower surround with a low step-over.
- Avoid tall countertops, sinks, and working surfaces because they may need you to bend or stoop. Instead, have multi-level countertops, and shelves that you can pull out and return even if one was in a wheelchair. To the cabinets, add firm pull-out handles and inserts. These features will make drawing and pushing cabinets much easier.
- Install rinse tubs with low levels and easily accessible lever controls.
Winding up things
The residents’ safety and ease of accessibility should be a priority when factors consider retirement home. Many home builders and real estate experts are providing features that are mindful of the unique needs of old age and retirement. Choose the best.
