How to Get Home Ready for Retirement
As you approach retirement, it's a good idea to modify your home. As your body ages, you may face difficulties with movement--for example, you may need to use a wheelchair or walker. Some simple home renovations for retirement can make a big difference in your comfort and safety. Try to get your home ready for retirement while you are still working, so that you can more easily afford the renovations you may need.
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Remodel the bathroom. Bathrooms present a big challenge for those in retirement with disabilities. Even though you may be agile now, there may come a day when you can no longer get in and out of the tub or easily sit on the toilet. Remodel your bathroom so there is more space--you want to be able to fit a wheelchair in the room, should you ever need one. Create a walk-in shower and make sure there is a solid wall by the toilet to allow you to install a rail to help you stand up and sit down.
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Create a downstairs master suite. If you have a two-story home, you'll want a bedroom that's downstairs, should you ever have a hard time using stairs. If you don't have the space for a separate master bathroom, you may be able to separate the bath and toilet in the downstairs bathroom, allowing for a bit more privacy.
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Make the house more open. A cluttered home is not a good fit for retirees. You may need space in the future for a walker.
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Consider your flooring. Certain types of flooring, such as hardwood or slate floors, may be more likely to cause accidents. Additionally, wheelchairs are difficult to navigate on carpet. Cork flooring is a good option.
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Create a home gym. Maintaining an exercise routine will help you ward off fat and build muscle. It also can improve bone density to prevent breaks should you fall. Create a space in your home that allows you to exercise. You may want to purchase a bicycle or elliptical machine, which offer low-impact solutions for cardio exercise. Resistance bands can help you build muscle.
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Purchase items to save on energy costs. One of your biggest costs during retirement--assuming you've paid off your mortgage--will be energy costs associated with your home. Consider making the switch to solar or wind energy or purchasing energy-saving appliances to help you trim expenses.
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