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Find a step-free, safe home you can stay in for life, plus tips on funding it with super and care services.
We all get older. Our requirements change. Perhaps you notice as you advance in life you struggle with your stairs, or you require assistance with day-to-day responsibilities. That’s why it’s so important to consider what type of home will let you live alone for as long as you can. That’s a term used frequently as “ageing in place,” and it’s as much about making your home prepared to accommodate your evolving requirements.
And what should you bring with you? Being accessible is a biggie. A step-free home with wide doorways into wide corridors can be a big bonus if you ever need a wheelchair or walking frame. Consider features like lever-style doorknobs, which are more gentle on your hands than knobs, and bathrooms with grab rails and step-free showers. Location is a necessity too. Being an easily accessible distance from medical centres, transport, and your support network—whether your whanau, your friends, or community services—can be a comfort as you get older. Consider what you want to be doing right now, and would that be any different? If you enjoy gardening, a home with a very small, low-care garden would be perfect. Or if you enjoy keeping social, a home in a retirement village with plenty of activity would be perfect for you. It’s a balancing act between what you enjoy doing right now and what you may need further down the track.
While searching for your ideal care-friendly home, prioritise features that will simplify your daily life as you age. Access is at the top of your agenda—think about one-level houses or a house with a lift, as well as wide doors and corridors for mobility support. No-step entry or a ramp is an extra point scorer too. And safety first too; look for non-slip floors, lots of lighting, and potential panic call systems for reassurance. Flexibility is a point to consider too—can a house be adaptable with you? For instance, can a room be changed for a stairlift, or can a room be adapted as a carer’s room? And garden spots matter too; a cheap garden or deck can be a great place to enjoy with no maintenance. And don’t dismiss technology—clever home technology like voice-controlled lighting or a home protection system can make day-to-day living a piece of cake.
The design deserves a mention too. An open-floor design means you can move about freely, and a lower-floor main bathroom and bedroom are a bonus. Storage for medical supplies is convenient, and in a bathroom you should be able to find walk-in showers with seats as well as toilets with grab rails. In a kitchen, you should be able to find countertops at a comfortable height along with user-friendly appliances. If you can, choose a home with your laundry positioned on your bedroom floor—no-one likes lugging wash up and down in ascents.
No matter how good your A+ home is, you can still use a little assistance occasionally. That’s where Home Care Service comes in. Home Care Service delivers professional carers to your door for assistance with your personal care, housework, or medical care. And the great news? They come with a tailored design for you—you can receive a little bit of assistance a few hours a week or full-time assistance, depending on what you require. A thought-out home makes those services a more integrated part of your life.
Choosing an appropriate home for your care requirements is a large decision, so take your time. Begin with what you absolutely require and what would be fantastic to have, as well as what’s a no-go—having that list prepared can get you to zero in your search. View properties with a relative, your significant other, or advisor for a second point of view. Consider what your requirements are going to be ten or so years from now as well. Getting professional advice is a good idea too—a finance expert can encapsulate what taking your super means for you, and an estate agent who’s well versed in retirement houses can guide you towards good choices. For instance, learning how to buy a house with super can open up additional funding pathways when you’re weighing up the right property.
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