Seniors have many options when looking for a home to spend their golden years in and all those choices can be overwhelming.

That’s why it’s essential to narrow down the field and think carefully about what your specific needs are when it comes to a home that will be accessible and safe. If you have mobility issues, you might need a house that is one story, with wide doorways and enough space in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom to maneuver. Thinking about preventative measures, such as making sure the risk of falls is reduced, is also crucial.

Knowing what to look for in a home only comes with careful consideration of your needs and how they may change in the future. Talk to your doctor, partner, and family members to work out a plan for your health and safety while aging in place before making a decision on a home, especially if you currently have any health or mobility issues. This will allow you to create a profile for the perfect home that fits your needs.

Here are a few tips on what to look for when you’re ready to search for a home.

Safety
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury for seniors, and about 60 percent of them occur in the home. That means that during your search, you’ll want to look for features that will help prevent falls, such as extra lighting in dim spaces, curbless showers, smooth thresholds, and flooring that will provide a sturdy walking area. Many seniors find that low-pile carpeting is the best option since it’s soft enough to provide some cushion without being too much to handle when you’re wearing sturdy shoes around the house.

Location Is Key
The location of your new home should be centralized in an area that’s close to the places you visit most often. So, start your search in neighborhoods that are near your favorite grocery store, your doctor’s office, the library, your church, or the home of a close family member or friend. This will help to give you a sense of community and will make it much easier for you to keep appointments and stay in contact with the people you want to see the most. You might even find a 55-plus community that’s right for you. It’s also a good idea to look for amenities in the area, such as a community garden, a park, or restaurants.

Ability to Modify
When looking for a new home as a senior, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not always meet your needs. In this case, you might need to consider making some changes down the road, so the ability to modify certain areas will be important. For instance, you might decide to install a ramp on the front porch, but if there are space restrictions or too many landscaping considerations, the project will be more expensive and labor-intensive. Think about your possible future needs and how easy it will be to accommodate them.

Easy-to-Maintain Yard
Yard work can be extremely intense for seniors to try to handle on their own, and it can be costly to hire a service to come in and take over. When looking for a new home, take into account the size of the yard and the type of landscaping included, and give special consideration to low-maintenance landscaping. While gardening can be great exercise and even a way to boost mental health for seniors, it can be too much work for many older adults, so it’s important to take stock of this area before making a decision

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Mike Longsdon from ElderFreedom.net