- Designing a retirement home with accessibility, low maintenance, comfort, and security in mind.
- Utilizing universal design principles for indoor spaces and choosing drought-resistant plants for outdoor spaces.
- Incorporate comfortable seating areas, soft lighting, and simple artwork to create an inviting atmosphere.
- Install motion sensor lights, window and door sensors, security cameras, and a monitored alarm system for added security.
Retirement can be a great time to finally live in the home that you always dreamt of. It is that one time in your life when you can put aside all other responsibilities and focus on creating an environment perfect for you. While there are many 55+ communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes out there, creating your own retirement home can be a far better option for many seniors. If you have decided to create your own retirement paradise, here are a few tips that can help you make your home the perfect setting for you or you and your spouse.
Create a home that is accessible to you.
With age, it is common to face mobility and accessibility issues. Therefore, when designing your retirement home, make sure that special care is taken to make it accessible. This means ensuring that the doors and hallways are wide enough for a wheelchair or walker, installing grab bars in the bathroom, and designing exterior pathways that are easy to navigate. If you are building a new home, make sure to create it with universal design principles in mind.
Keep the home low maintenance.
As retirees, you do not want to spend all your time and money on home maintenance. Therefore, opt for easy-to-clean surfaces and simple fixtures. As an alternative to traditional high-maintenance home design, you may want to consider energy-efficient appliances, flooring, and HVAC systems that will help you save money and time on maintenance.
You should also have a maintenance-free lawn. This means choosing plants and flowers that are drought resistant as well as hardy and require minimal upkeep. You should also have an automatic sprinkler system installed to make sure your lawn is always well-maintained without you having to spend time on it.
Just remember to have these sprinkler systems checked by professionals once or twice a year to ensure that everything is working correctly. For example, you might want to call in a professional sprinkler winterization service provider to help you with the maintenance of your system in preparation for winter. This will help you make sure your system is ready and working for spring.
Create cozy and comfortable spaces.
Your retirement home should be a place that feels cozy and comfortable. This means incorporating design elements that create a warm and inviting environment. Think about adding comfortable seating areas, soft lighting, and simple artwork, all of which can go a long way in making a space feel warm and inviting.
Improve home security.
With age, it is normal to be concerned about home security. Therefore, when designing your retirement home, make sure that security features are in place. Here are four simple security features you should consider installing:
Motion sensor lights.
These lights will come on when they detect movement around the house and deter intruders. Motion sensor lights can also make it easier for you to navigate your home at night.
Window and door sensors.
Installing sensors on all windows and doors will help detect any intruders and alert the local police if needed. Window and door sensors will also be able to detect if someone is trying to break in.
Security cameras.
Having security cameras installed around the house can help you keep an eye on your property. This is especially important if you are living alone as it could provide some assurance that no one is entering your home unnoticed.
A monitored alarm system.
Installing a monitored alarm system will provide extra security for your home. This system will alert the local police or fire department if it is triggered.
By ensuring your retirement home has adequate security measures, you can make sure you and your loved ones are safe and secure while enjoying the peacefulness of retirement.
Creating your own retirement home can be a great way to make the most of this phase in life. With careful consideration and planning, you will be able to design a space that is comfortable, accessible, low-maintenance, cozy, and secure.
By following these tips, you can create the perfect environment for yourself or your spouse as you enjoy all the beautiful opportunities that come with retirement living. So go ahead and start designing your dream retirement paradise today!
