As retirement approaches, relocating to a new house may not be the preferred choice for majority of individuals. The attachment to their current community, proximity to familiar places, and the comfort of their existing home all contribute to this sentiment.
Consequently, considering the option of transforming your current home into a retirement-friendly environment becomes an appealing alternative. By making specific improvements now, you can create a safer and more suitable living space for your future.
Here are 5 home improvements to do before retirement.
1. Install grab bars in your bathroom
As retirement approaches, prioritizing the installation of bathroom grab bars emerges as a crucial update for your home. Even if you currently feel physically capable and in good health, it is essential to recognize that your mobility needs may change in the near future.
Bathroom grab bars offer a valuable support system, providing stability and assistance when moving around in the bathroom. While you may not presently require them, incorporating these fixtures as a preventive measure can significantly reduce the risk of slips, falls, and accidents in the shower or bathtub.
The presence of grab bars adds an extra layer of security, particularly when you consider the wet and slippery conditions that are often present in the bathroom. By providing a reliable point of grip, these bars help you maintain your balance, whether you’re stepping in and out of the bathtub or maneuvering in the shower.
2. Install a ramp
As individuals age, the presence of no-step entryways becomes increasingly important. Even a single step or two can pose significant challenges without the aid of a railing for support.
By eliminating or reducing the number of steps required to enter and exit your home, you can effectively decrease the risk of falls and enhance overall safety.
Ensuring a seamless transition from the outside to the inside of your home is a simple yet impactful modification. By eliminating steps, you create an accessible pathway that accommodates individuals with varying mobility levels, including those who may rely on mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs.
This modification not only benefits retirees but also provides convenience and inclusivity for visitors of all ages and abilities.
3. Consider single floor living
If it is possible to adapt your home to facilitate single floor living, it presents the opportunity to comfortably reside in your home throughout your lifetime. Creating a living space where essential areas such as the primary bedroom, bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and living room are all located on a single floor can greatly simplify your daily activities and navigation.
By modifying your home to eliminate the need for stairs, you can enhance your ability to carry out daily tasks with ease and reduce physical strain. Transforming a first-floor office or dining room into an additional bedroom, for instance, can provide the convenience of having all necessary living spaces on a single level.
Even if this additional bedroom is not in constant use, the absence of having to ascend stairs at the end of a long day can be a significant improvement in terms of comfort and convenience.
4. Lower all cabinets
As you age, prioritizing features that enhance convenience and accessibility becomes increasingly important. For instance, opting for lower cabinets that are easier to open and close can greatly improve your kitchen experience.
Avoid the common pitfall of transforming your kitchen into a space that may not cater to your evolving needs. Instead, focus on modifications that will support your long-term comfort and functionality. Lower cabinets are particularly beneficial as they eliminate the need to strain or stretch to reach items, reducing the risk of accidents or discomfort.
By incorporating this feature into your kitchen remodeling plans, you can create a space that accommodates your changing requirements as you age.
5. Make doorways and hallways wider
While it may not currently be on your radar, there may come a time when you require short-term rehab at home, such as after knee surgery or any other temporary mobility limitations. It is important to consider the possibility of such situations and make proactive modifications to your home to accommodate them. One crucial aspect is ensuring that doorways and pathways are wide enough to allow easy movement throughout the house.
Wider doorways and pathways provide the necessary space for comfortable navigation, whether you are using a wheelchair, a walker, or any other mobility aid. While you may not anticipate needing these accommodations in the immediate future, it is wise to plan ahead and make these modifications now to avoid potential challenges and limitations later on.
