Aging in Place Checklist: Preparing Your Home for the Next 25 Years

We just moved into our downsized retirement home a month ago and here are some observations about it. While not in a "retirement community", there does appear to be many retirees here. There are many single story homes, including ours. We were coming from a two story house and tired of the steps and the big yard, pool and extensive landscaping. The new house has none of those. The front yard maintenance is done by the HOA and you can have the landscape company do the back yard too for a fee.
Inside the house, there are some things we didn't anticipate or think about before we signed the contract. The builder didn't offer or ask us about levered door handles. I had installed them at the previous house and I immediately missed them. That will be among our first modifications. We also had a touchless kitchen faucet previously and we have already purchased one for the new home. While the doors to the bedrooms are wide enough for a wheelchair, the doors to the walk-in closets are narrow and the door to the master water closet is too. The WC itself is very small and wouldn't allow entry with a wheelchair.
The ceilings in the new houses we looked at are very high. It is a dramatic look but I soon found out that I couldn't reach the smoke alarms with my 6 foot ladder. I had to buy an 8 footer to get to them. In Texas, they put the furnace in the attic as in most places there are no basements. Because of the high ceiling, the pull down attic stairs are high and steep. Scary going up there to change the filter. Furnaces should be placed on the main level so you can get to them easily and so should water heaters.

It would be great if your reviews of various communities highlighted what percentage of the community homes have these features. While you can design your home with universal design it does do you much good if none of your neighbors have. You could easily end un in a neighborhood where you can friends.

Concerning "Public Transportation:" As one ages, mobility may also become an issue in using some public transportation (buses). So, if one has not learned yet, learn and practice using technology (smart phone, tablet, computer) now before one really needs it. Technology is not difficult to use and understand. My dad (95 and living in his home) uses his tablet to have stuff delivered from Target and other businesses. Just practice and don't be afraid.
In today's world, one can have just about anything delivered to the home (including toilet paper). Using Uber/Lyft can get one out of the house. Use video communication programs to visit with family and friends from around the world. Join the friendly world using the technology available at one's fingertips.

My husband and I are in our early 60s, retired, and very athletic and fit. We recently had our bathroom remodeled to remove an unused garden tub, and used the space to expand the shower to be 9' long x 4-1/2 feet wide. We installed a bench at each end and grab bars. We were adamant with our contractor that we wanted a curbless shower, not a shower pan with a lip. It cost more because he had to tear out some concrete and dig down in order to get the required slope to the floor. We imagined we wouldn't need these features for accessibility for perhaps another 20 years. Lo and behold, I took a hard ankle turn and broke my leg in 3 places in early January. So grateful for the ability to wheelchair or crutch in and out of the shower, use the handheld sprayer, and sit on the bench. These features can be necessary at any stage of life - so if you are considering a bathroom remodel, keep that in mind.

Have had two hip joint replacements and true that one level living was helpful for a week, but recovery is quick. Was no problem getting in and out of shower with low curb. I have concerns curbless showers will have more water outside shower stall and create slip hazard. Had 90 years young visitor and she had no issues getting over a low curb shower entry. Slipping on wet floor is the bigger risk. When remodeling it’s important to push contractor to install wider doors and plot what if you were in a wheelchair access to all the house.

So I took the quiz and there were two areas where we are very deficient. The first was hard to overcome because our home is built into the grade. You drive into the garage at one level but the real front and main living area are up one flight of stairs. Good news is that the builder talked us into having a dedicated space for an elevator. RIght now that space is closets, but we have the option, if needed, to convert to an elevator. The other is grab bars. Like most folks, we don't have them. But since a handyman is coming this week for another project, we are on the way to the hardware store to pick some up for him to install. It will be inexpensive peace of mind.

I was pleased with two areas where our home is in good shape (but not with some others). A couple of years ago we switched all main doors to lever type handles. It wasn't expensive to do, and boy, what a difference. No more coming in from outside with a load of stuff and having to juggle or put it down to get the darned door open! The other good areas for us is that we have no overhead cabinets, everything is below the counters. Not only is that easy, but improves the sight lines.

When installing grab bars, think carefully about what you need. We have one bath/shower that is a fiberglass she'll. There's no support in the wall to screw into, so we ended up with a suction cup option. That I a problem over time as the suction may (will) fail and either it drops off or fails when grabbed (very dangerous!). Tile showers take special installation that will cost more but should be safe. Consider your situation and options carefully.

Just a quick note about kitchens. No matter how old (or young) you are, IF you have a chance to re-do the kitchen, I would suggest that you consider all drawers on the lower level. A friend suggested that to us when we moved north and had to re-do the old kitchen, so I designed it with drawers of all sizes - each with a purpose. I LOVE IT!!! Nothing falls out, no getting on my knees to dig in the back. The drawers pull all the way out so pots, pans and mixing bowls easily lift out. The dishware is in one and just lift out easily. I can put cereal boxes or other light weight food in the over-the-counter cupboards. Has been the BEST idea!!

After looking to purchase a home in late 2019 we finally decided to downsize to a Resort style 55+ Apartment Community in the city that provides everything that you need. Many activities and major shopping right next door for only $1400 per month in sunny California!!