Health problems and increasing bills can force many older people to have to move out of what was supposed to be their ‘forever home’. This can mean leaving behind everything you worked hard for. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case – by planning ahead and taking certain measures, you can feasibly stay in your home. Below are some tips on how to do this.
Make senior-friendly home improvements
Once mobility issues kick in, you may find it hard to climb flights of stairs or even answer the door in time. However, it is possible to make senior-friendly improvements that can make it easier to independently navigate and maintain your home. This could include measures such as:
- Installing stairlifts or adding wheelchair ramps
- Installing a grab bar next to your toilet
- Installing a walk-in shower
- Installing a smart doorbell so you can answer the door from your phone
- Installing other smart features controlled via your phone such as smart lighting, smart HVAC and smart shutters
Hire people to help around the home
If tasks like mowing the lawn or cleaning the house become too strenuous, you can hire people to regularly take over these tasks for you. Hiring a carer may eventually become necessary to help you with everyday tasks. What if you need a full time carer on hand? This is when most people end up having to move into a care home. However, there is still the alternative solution of live in care. Of course, it’s important to work out what option is realistically affordable.
Take advantage of financial assistance
In the UK, those over the age of 65 are entitled to an array of different types of financial assistance. This includes attendance allowance, council tax reduction and various grants to help with energy bills. There are also solutions such as disabled facilities grants and care services via the NHS. Alongside government support, it could be worth looking into what local charities can provide. You can find information on local assistance online.
Make money-saving investments early
Making certain investments early can reduce the amount of money you may have to pay out in the long run. This could include paying off as much of your mortgage as you can or investing in features like solar panels or insulation to reduce energy bills. Setting aside a retirement fund is particularly important. It’s important to not just have money for everyday expenses, but potential emergencies.
Conclusion
Continuing to live in some types of property may not be realistic (such as a top floor apartment with no lift), however most homes can be made livable. You just need to be prepared to make improvements when the time comes and to ask for help so that you’re not overexerting yourself. Making financial investments early and exploring different types of financial assistance will make this possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make improvements or seek financial assistance – planning ahead will open up more options and ultimately reduce stress so that you can enjoy your latter years.