Choosing the right retirement home can be quite a task. The right home for you will depend on various factors, so it’s good to do your research ahead of time. Here are six things to look for in a retirement home.
- Location
The location of the home you choose is important as it can affect your overall experience. To pick the right place, you’ll want to consider various factors, including your lifestyle, proximity to friends and family, and more.
If you’re someone who loves to hike, make sure to settle down in an area with a lot of trails and fellow hikers. Or maybe you enjoy seeing live music and trying new foods. If so, choose a home in an area with a lot of entertainment and restaurant options.
It would be best if you also considered safety as a factor. You’ll want to know what health and medical services are available to you for general health needs and emergencies if necessary. Check which clinics and hospitals are around to see if you’re comfortable using them and if they accept your health insurance.
- Cost
You should determine what your budget is and how much money you’re willing to spend on a retirement home. It may be helpful to consider your lifestyle and what’s important to you. On the one hand, you may want to buy a larger home for family and friends to visit often, especially for larger gatherings during the holidays. On the other hand, you may choose to live in a smaller home to save money for traveling or other activities.
- Structure of the Home
The structure of the home you choose is also important. For example, your physical capabilities may decline as you age, so you may want to move to a one-story home instead of a two-story one. Choosing a one-story house can help prevent dangerous falls and slips that can be detrimental to your health.
Choosing a home with wider hallways can also be helpful for you so you can move around more easily if you ever need to use a walker or wheelchair.
- Appliances & Features
It would help if you also considered the accessibility of different appliances in the home. Your day-to-day activities most likely include using appliances like a dishwasher, microwave, shower, washer, dryer, and more. It’s good to make sure these appliances are in easy-to-reach places, so you don’t need to strain your body as you age.
Other features to look out for can include walk-in showers, grab bars, lighting, and more. Even the shape of a home’s doorknobs can be important to consider. The bottom line here is to make sure everything is as accessible as possible and easy to use.
- Age of Home
The age of a home can have quite an impact on your living experience. If a house is older, it’s more likely to have breakdowns and issues. As you age, it may not be easy for you to make repairs and keep up with household maintenance. For example, older homes tend to have more mold and mildew problems, plumbing issues, and more.
Additionally, home repairs can be pretty expensive. If you’re someone who’ll be living on a tighter budget as you enter retirement, costly house repairs can add up quickly. It’s best to consider the financial pros and cons of moving to an older home versus a newer one.
- Space for Housemates
Living with others in retirement has become more common. If you plan to live with an adult child, parent, or friend, you’ll want to make sure the house you choose has sufficient space. If the home is too crowded, it may cause issues over time.
Another housemate to think about is pets. If you have a pet, make sure they have enough room to move around. As you grow older, your pet can become a hazard and vice versa. Choosing a home with enough space for the both of you to live comfortably together is essential.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it’s best to keep your personal needs in mind when looking for a retirement home. Your lifestyle, budget, health needs, and more should all be considered factors when making a final decision.