As you begin to age, it can become more and more difficult to take care of your home. Depending on how large of a house you live in, there is a lot to worry about when it comes to making repairs, decorating, cleaning, and just general upkeep of a space.
Once you reach retirement you will likely have more free time on your hands in order to take care of such things, but you also may be very tired or in poor health which can make running a household and taking care of a home feel extremely overwhelming for anyone.
If you are over a certain age and need to update your home to keep up with your changing needs, here are 3 home renovation tips for senior citizens.
Simplify Things
Once people get older, they tend to begin to realize that simple is better when it comes to most things – including the home. Getting rid of “stuff” you don’t need is one of the first things you might be inclined to do once you retire.
Another great way to simplify things in your home is by renovating. Take out walls to make your space bigger, more open, and less complicated.
If you live alone or just with your spouse, there is no longer a need for 3 extra bedrooms (or however many you have). Consider making your home smaller so that you have less to look after.
If this isn’t an option, you may even consider downsizing by moving to a different home that better suits your new lifestyle.
Ask For Help
When you’re a senior it can be more difficult to get around and do things than it was when you were younger. There is nothing wrong with this and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about!
When attempting to plan any renovations on your home, ask for help from friends and family members.
They will be happy to offer their advice and opinions on the changes you should make to your home, and many will even stick around for some of the heavy lifting once renovations begin!
You can even ask a trusted accountant to help you with the budgeting portion of renovations because that part can be very stressful and having a professional’s help can make it all more seamless.
Reduce Stairs Or Add Ramps
If you don’t live in a “ranch style” one-story home and you plan on staying in that home for the foreseeable future or the remainder of your life, you may want to consider adding in ramps or trying to reduce the number of stairs. As people get older, they tend to become less mobile.
Even if this hasn’t happened to you yet, there is a chance that it could at some point – and it would be a shame for you not to be able to get around your own house with ease.
Ramps and grab bars can be very helpful, but doing away with stairs is one of the best things you can do – if it’s possible. It could be an expensive renovation to choose to knock out one of your upper levels in favor of keeping the house on one level, but it may be worth it if you want this to be your forever home.
Renovating your home as a senior citizen can be a daunting project, but you can do it! Hopefully these tips will help you figure out what you should be thinking about first.
