Aging in Your New Home
There’s planning ahead and there’s planning far ahead. make sure that when you build your dream home, you build one for life by incorporating features that take into account your needs as you age.
Keep reading for more tips on how to stay in your new house forever. Look at Your Site
Pick a location with a walkable neighborhood or one that’s close to public transportation in case, at some point, you become unable to drive. Make sure to look for wide sidewalks and a lack of steep hills in the area. Your new home should be close to offices and other things you use and places you go frequently. This way, in the event you become unable to drive, you can still get to the things you need to get to without a car.
First-Floor Living
You ban build a two-story home, but make sure you can live comfortably and well on the first floor. Any second-story accommodations can be future quarters for a caregiver and anything you want for now, including office space or guest quarters. Avoid putting many steps up to the front door and have at least one entrance that is level.
Interior Features
Inside the house, plan for wide hallways and doorways to allow for wheelchair or walker access, extra ceiling lights and a double shower instead of a tub/shower combination. Also consider raised vanities, anti-skid tubs, lever door handles for easy opening and electrical outlets that are put in an extra six inches off the floor. In the kitchen, put drawers instead of cabinets on the lower level of cabinets. Drawers are easier to reach into and organize than cabinets. Select rocker-style light switches instead of traditional switches; they’re easier to grab.
Appliances
Pick appliances that tick
Americans with Disability Act-compliant features. This includes a range with front controls so you don’t have to reach over hot pots and room for a wide turning radius in the kitchen in case you’re ever in a wheelchair. Front-loading washers and dryers are easier to load and unload, and, when paired with stands, can also be a comfortable height from the ground.