Everyone gets older, and with aging comes more limited movement options, and for this reason, many of us will be looking for somewhere to retire to that will cater to our needs now and in the future.
1. Why A Retirement Home
There are, broadly, two types of retirement home options open to you: your own personal home, or a retirement facility.
Retirement facilities come in all shapes and sizes, form individual bungalow or apartment-style houses in which you can live independently but safe in the knowledge that help is on-site should you need it, or fully catered for care and nursing homes with easy access to all kinds of help, nursing, and even catering services to keep you fed.
2. Why It’s Important
Finding the right retirement home or facility is a hugely personal choice, and it’s one that you should take care of choosing. This will be somewhere you are likely to spend possibly the last years of your life and maybe somewhere that you will find yourself becoming less and less able to move around.
For this reason, it’s important to pick a home that will cater to your needs and also grow with you. Choosing what is right for you now may mean that you have to move again in the future, but choosing what is right for you now and in the future could mean that you will retain your independence and you’ll be able to stay somewhere you’ve grown to love for much longer.
Here are eight things you should look out for on the hunt for your new retirement home.
3. The Area
Perhaps one of the most important things to look out for in the area in which the home is situated. Whether you will be buying a new house, or joining a retirement community, having your new home in an area you like and feel comfortable with is vital.
You’ll want to get a feel for the local people, and also drive around the area at night to make sure you feel safe and calm and that you could see yourself living there.
4. Social Opportunities
Staying active as we get older can become more difficult, and that not just physically either. When looking for a retirement home, it’s really important to find a place where you can continue to be your sociable self.
The memory home The Auberge at Aspen Park has all kinds of social activities put on for reside4nts, from parties to bingo nights and of course excellent food!
5. Wide Doorways
It’s a fact that as we get older, it becomes more difficult to do daily activities. This needs to be a consideration for your retirement home, and one of the biggest helps your movement is going to be a walking aid or possibly even a wheelchair.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to check that whatever home you purchase or community you join has wide enough doors and hallways to allow you to get around with as little fuss as possible.
6. A Wet Room
Hygiene is important, both to keep you clean and healthy, but also for the mind too. Having a wet room with a walk-in shower or step in bath will make a big difference, especially on those days where you’re not feeling your usual strong self.
It would be best if you aimed to make your wetroom as comfortable as possible, installing grab rails and a seat in the shower might seem over the top, but it could make a big difference to your life and mental wellbeing.
7. On-Site Help
Everyone needs a little help now and again, and as you get older, you’ll likely be needing more help to do your daily activities like dressing and making something to eat.
For this reason, many older people choose to join retirement communities and specific homes that have on-site help and nursing facilities where needed. If you’re not quite ready to join a retirement community-based in a specific facility, consider buying or renting a purpose-built retirement apartment with wardens and quick access to help should you need it. This will keep you safe and usually help take the burden of worry off of your loved ones.
8. Pet Friendly
Will you be taking your furry friend with you to your new home? For many older people, having a pet such as a dog or a cat can be very comforting and help ease the feeling of loneliness, but many facilities do not allow pets.
If you are the sort of person who cannot live without a furry friend by your side, make sure your new facility allows pets. Some facilities may not allow pets such as cats or dogs, but smaller pets such as birds, hamsters, or even house rabbits might be acceptable.
Continuing Costs
Growing old can be expensive! When looking for your new retirement home, this needs to be factored in.
It’s always worth buying less than you can afford if you are buying a new home, as this means you’ll have a little extra in the ‘pot’ should you need it in the future. If you’re moving into a purpose-built facility, ensure that you have read all of the fine print and know exactly what is included in your fee and a chargeable extra.
This is a vital step to make sure you can afford the retirement you’ve been looking forward to.
Assistance With Stairs
The last thing that is important to look for, especially when considering buying a house to retire in is stairs.
As discussed above, moving when we get older can become more difficult, and it’s no secret that stairs will prove a challenge for the older and frailer you become.
Look for a house that is all on one level or, if you are set on the house with stairs, find out if you can install stair assistance such as a stair lifter to make getting up and down the stairs a lot easier.
Many retirement facilities will have elevators and stair assistance already considered, but it’s worth asking the question while you’re looking around.