When it comes to interior design, we all know that no matter how lovely the home is, they all come with its spatial challenges. Back in the day, you may not have noticed these challenges so much; however, as you battle the limitations of growing older, your eyes might become aware of them. From narrow doorways restricting the use of walking aids to rugs that can snag, trip, and roll – making the most of your space can be challenging as you grow older.
Yet, if your goal is to spend your retirement in the comfort of your own home with your grandchildren and other family members around you, you will need to start devising ways that help you make the most out of your space so that your safety and independence aren’t challenged.
Whether you decide that you’d like to adapt your existing space, like creating a bedroom for your grandkids or hiring a support worker who could help you out around the house – there are several things older homeowners can do to live out their retirement at home comfortably. We list several suggestions to help you get started below:
Consider First-Floor Living
It’s no secret that ageing presents many issues with mobility, sight, hearing, and more. So, there may have been a time when going up the stairs in your two-storey home was a breeze, yet as you’ve started ageing, it might be more of a challenge.
If this is the case, consider converting to first-floor living, which eliminates any variations in level and makes it easier for seniors to move around their homes. Like a bungalow, first-floor living involves moving everything in your house onto one level and eliminates the use of stairs, so your bathroom, kitchen, sitting room, and bedroom are all on the same level.
You could do this with your existing house and make the most out of the spare space by renting out the upper floor to a close friend or family member or on sites like Airbnb. Alternatively, consider downsizing to a smaller apartment, flat, or bungalow, allowing for more effortless open-plan living.
Purchase Items That Make Daily Life Easier
Another way that elderly homeowners can make the most out of their space is by purchasing home improvements that will make their homes safer and allow them to be more independent. Fortunately, many home improvement accessories on the market can help older adults live a better quality of life in their homes, from grab rails, speciality seating, access ramps and much more.
Moreover, in some cases, you don’t even need to dip into your own finances to fund some of these home improvements, as your local council might be able to provide them free of charge, or you could get them through a disability allowance. However, if neither of these applies to you, you can still find financial help for home improvements like releasing equity in your home.
Now, this begs the question; how much equity can I release? Firstly, you should know that you must be aged 55 or over. It’s wise to consult independent equity release advisers like Retirement Solutions, whose team will be able to give you professional, knowledgeable advice about equity release, how much you can expect, what applies to your circumstances and much more. Consider visiting their website or contacting them directly to learn further.
Don’t Forget The Aesthetics
When trying to make your home suitable for retirement, it can be easy to focus on the aspects that will ensure you can make the most of your space and be the safest and most independent person you can be. It’s equally essential to include features that will allow you to do the things you love, relax, and much more.
This could be something as simple as moving a heavy chest of drawers out of the way of the bedroom window so that you can enjoy the view more, creating a cosy nook where you can sit and read a book or people-watch with a hot drink, or a space for you to practise one of your hobbies.
Although it’s vital that you can make the most out of your living space, these alterations will also affect your physical and mental quality of life. As you grow older, looking after your mental health is vital to avoid developing debilitating illnesses/emotions like depression, anxiety, or loneliness.
Practising hobbies or simply taking in a nice view every day is an excellent way of combating these emotions, so ensure that you don’t forget the aesthetics when making your space comfortable for your older years.
Re-Configure The Layout
Another way you can make the most out of your space as you grow older is by reconfiguring the layout of your home. Depending on your preferences, you might want to try and move as much furniture out of the way so that the risk of tripping is reduced, light can flow throughout the property more, and walking aids are easier to manoeuvre. Consider experimenting with the layout of other rooms, like the kitchen, so it is easy to carry something from the stove to the sink and from the sink to the fridge.