What Seniors Need to Know About Finding a New Home

If you're like most people, you look forward to your golden years. It's a time in your life where you can focus on your needs and your desires. Maybe you're ready to downsize to a home of your own or move someplace sunny and warm. Regardless of why you want to move, you have to consider what you need out of your living space. Your independence, healthcare needs, and assets are a few of the considerations. The following tips presented by Live in Montana Real Estate can help you with your new journey.

Look for Accessibility

Make accessibility your priority. According to the CDC, one out of five falls results in broken bones or head injuries. You are more likely to suffer a fall if you live in a home with broken or uneven steps, clutter or area rugs. Tile flooring and one-story homes with no steps or sunken rooms are safer for older adults.

If you use a wheelchair or walker, your doorways need to be wide enough to get around. Your bathroom is also one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. Adding handrails to any bathroom creates a more senior-friendly environment. Any space in the home can undergo modifications. For example, you can have a kitchen remodeled so that all of your necessities are always within reach.

Think About Help

Many elderly patients have chronic health problems that require some maintenance care. Arthritis, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes are four of the most common conditions older adults face. If you need help in your daily life, consider whether you need home healthcare or prefer an assisted living facility.

There are a variety of different assisted living facilities. ALFs have around-the-clock staff who care for you in a home-like environment. These facilities are built around socialization, allowing you to live in a private apartment but engage with neighbors and staff.

If you do not require 24-7 help with daily functions, purchasing a senior-friendly home and hiring a home care provider may be a better choice. Non-skilled home care providers may do light housekeeping and help with personal care. Skilled providers, on the other hand, have medical experience.

Learn the Market

Whether you are buying a new or selling your old home, consider having a real estate professional like Live in Montana Real Estate do a market analysis. Essentially, this means studying the current values of properties within your area. Unlike an appraisal, a market analysis provides you with insight into similar homes in the area. When you assess, find out if it is a buyer's or seller's market.

Different factors affect the market, including schools, crime rates and the season. For example, a home may be more difficult to sell when it's cold and snowing. At the same time, a home in a neighborhood with excellent schools may always sell quickly. Knowing the market helps you understand how much you may be able to sell for and how much you may have to pay, in a down payment and on average, for the new house. Think about your assets and your monthly income before deciding on a property.

As an aging adult, you have to think about your safety and your convenience above all else. Some homes are designed for accessibility. Whether you choose to live independently or in assisted living, there are always steps you can take to find a place or renovate your own to prioritize health and safety.