If this phrase is new to you, even if you are still in your thirties or forties, read on. Aging in Place means that most of us would prefer to continue living independently in our own homes, safely and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. Aging-In-Place is a concept we all need to consider.
When you picture your life in retirement, what does it look like? Where do you want to live? Do you look forward to moving or would you prefer to stay right where you are? Will your vacation home become your primary residence? Would you like to make some modifications to your current residence or design a new house from scratch? There are a lot of decisions to be made. Making those decisions with an eye to Aging In Place is just a smart thing to do.
Whether you plan to stay put or move, begin thinking about changes you could make to your current home or to the plans for your future home to ensure, wherever you end up living, your home is comfortable and safe for you and other family members now and over time.
Why should you think about this now?
To make life easier:
- Wider doorways make moving furniture in and out of rooms easier.
- Accessible entryways make access easier for busy parents and grandparents carrying groceries while pushing a stroller or trying to hold on to an energetic toddler.
- A friend or family member who is wheelchair-bound could get into your home, maneuver through doorways and gain access to a bathroom, the kitchen and at least one bedroom. That person may be you, your parent, a child or a friend.
Resale value:
- Here in Sussex County, more than 37% of the population is now over the age of 50 and that number will continue to grow as Baby Boomers retire. The numbers of new residents retiring to Delaware and current residents making their beach houses their primary residences will only increase for the foreseeable future. If you decided to sell your home, would you be able to successfully market it to an older couple or a family with someone in a wheelchair? If not, your pool of potential buyers would be severely limited.
Whether you have every intention of living in your current home as long as possible or you plan to sell within the next 5 to 10 years, you need to think about making your home safer, more comfortable, and more accessible for yourself or others.
Posted via email from Gotcha Covered Contractors: Aging In Place/Universal Design
