By Patrick Young
Home is more than where the heart is, and it should also be the one place on earth where you feel most comfortable and safe. This is particularly important when you are a senior or if you’re living with a disability. Your home should offer a guarantee that you’re able to not just move about, but do so with relative ease. Consider these tips to help you in your house hunting effort.
Take stock of your needs.
Needless to say, when it comes to looking for an accessible home, you have to be really particular with what you want and, more importantly, what your body demands. An even better idea is to have a checklist on hand to ensure that you have all the accessibility features that fit your unique situation.
For instance, if you need a wheelchair or a walker to get around, you will want a single-storey home with an open floor plan. You may even prefer certain locations that are closer to family and friends, as well as hospitals, stores, and so on. Do some soul searching, as your safety and comfort ultimately depend on finding a home that’s a great fit.
Some rooms need more focus.
While a fully accessible home has its obvious benefits, there are specific areas of the house that require more attention than others. These are the rooms where you will most likely spend the bulk of your time. Make them your top priority in your housing search and in any modifications you decide to take on.
One such room is your bathroom. Taking into account movement, the use of water, and smooth surfaces, Brian B. Guralnick explains that the risk of falling is serious. At the very least, your bathroom modification should include grab/support bars that are in close proximity to the toilet, bathtub, and shower areas. Installing non-slip flooring is also strongly advised, as well as curbless showers—all of which minimize trip and slip hazards.
Leverage technology.
There’s little question assistive home technology is a boon in many ways, and NBC News points out you may even be empowered by it. With this kind of tech, just about everything at home comes in a ‘smart’ form, running the gamut from thermostats to lights to various appliances, so you can easily control them with just a few taps on your phone or even through spoken commands. Automation is even possible with some devices.
It goes without saying that smart home technology is definitely something worth exploring. It’s wise to keep an eye out for desirable features when on the search for an accessible home.
Don’t forget the outdoors.
Finally, know that having an accessible home doesn’t just end indoors. In fact, spending time in nature is very beneficial and part of a healthy lifestyle. Science Daily explains it can reduce risk of diabetes, heart problems, premature death, and more.
At the most fundamental level, consider installing a fence around your yard, or even repairing an existing one. It’s a boon to your home’s privacy and aesthetics, and can even be coordinated with a porch or ramp design.
On average, this investment will cost you approximately $2,753, with labor at $10 to $30 per linear foot, and $7 to $15 per linear foot going toward lumber. What you pay will vary by length, wood and fence choice, and where you live. For a more accurate idea of how much a wood fence costs, make sure to get a quote from a reputable contractor.
Looking for an accessible home that satisfies your needs will require some research. However, the rewards that such a home offers—like ease of living and more independence—make it more than worthwhile. So heed these tips before you start your search and you’ll be in your home sweet home in no time.
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