Changes That Can Enhance Quality Of Life As You Age
By Kent Elliot
Once you have been retired for a few years, you start to think about how you’ll spend the rest of your days. Many of us want to maintain our independence at the place we’ve called home for as long as we can remember. Aging in place is a great option, but it isn’t always the best one. Let’s explore the choices available so you can determine your best direction.
Living alone
Living in your own home has its perks. You know the layout, you know your neighbors, and you may be getting close to paying off the mortgage. But living alone in our golden years may necessitate a few changes that can make things safer and more accessible as our abilities change.
One of the first areas of your home you can evaluate for safety is the bathroom. The combination of surfaces and wet can be naturally hazardous, especially if you lose your balance. If you find that you struggle to get in and out of a traditional bathtub or that there is not enough room to accommodate a walker, it might be time to invest in a professional remodel.
In the NYC area, remodeling the bathroom is relatively affordable, coming in at between $6,853 and $16,605. As an added benefit, many buyers are willing to pay a premium for a recently updated master bathroom, so this is an investment that could pay off when you are ready to sell later on.
A housewide upgrade worth considering is the flooring. Old carpet should be replaced with something that isn’t buckled or stretched or swapped out for hardwood. This is another job worth hiring a pro to handle, and Oak & Broad notes you can purchase hardwood flooring for as little as $2 per square foot.
Most projects can be managed yourself or with the skills of a handyman. For instance, another room to consider is the kitchen. A few simple changes to keep you cooking comfortably include extra lighting, replacing small cabinet knobs with D-style handles, and using a lever-style faucet on the sink. Also consider lowering the counter height or buying a 30-inch high kitchen island, which will make it easier to prepare food if you’re seated.
Stairs are another naturally hazardous area in the home. You should have handrails on interior and exterior steps so that you have something to hold onto as you navigate up and down.
If you’re not 100 percent certain of other changes you can make, look for a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, which can walk through the house with you and point out areas you might’ve missed.
Community care has its perks
Even with home modifications, taking care of a big home sometimes becomes physically, mentally, and financially challenging. Because of this, many seniors choose to downsize. This transition is not without its stress, either, as most smaller homes will still need some senior-friendly changes. Sometimes it makes more sense to move into a turnkey property that has the needs of seniors already in place.
An independent living community – or assisted living, if you need hands-on care – has plenty of benefits for active seniors. Perhaps the most significant is that it can help you avoid social isolation. The Association of Health Care Journalists points out many ways in which isolation can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health. These include things like depression, illness, and engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
Within a community-based campus, you not only have access to a built-in social network, but you also have transportation, healthy meals, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. There are many senior living options to choose from in New York, and prices range from about $1,500 per month to more than $17,250. Do your research, tour several facilities, and make sure to compare amenities and services before making a selection.
When it’s time to choose where to retire, be open to your options. Sometimes, living at home makes the most sense. But if your health begins to decline, there are plenty of other options, and you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and budget.