As you age, your home will need to reflect your evolving needs and lifestyle preferences. Some choose to age in place, while others downsize to a more accessible home. Others may opt for a nursing home or senior living community. No matter what you choose, you’ll want to make the space your own with some stylish, personal, and comfortable changes.
Add Stylish Climate Control
Temperature discomfort becomes more harmful as you age. If your home is too warm or too cold, it can exacerbate joint pain or even lead to deadly heat-related illnesses. Certain medications, like some blood pressure medications, can even make heat illnesses more likely. You’ll want to make your home’s climate control as efficient and sustainable as possible. Add more insulation to the floors, windows, ceiling, and walls. Repair any cracks in the door or windows as well. Equip your home with a smart thermostat and adequate ventilation in every room for more comfortable temperatures. Replace your HVAC system with a new, energy-efficient model. Portable climate control tools can also be seamlessly integrated into rooms. Picture a colorful retro floor fan or a sleek patio fire pit. Ceiling fans work wonders. If you reside in a nursing home or senior community, portable temperature control can be highly beneficial.
Make Your Spa Bathroom Safe
Bathrooms are only getting bigger with each home renovation. Increase the size of your bathroom as you add steps to your skincare routine or enjoy more frequent soothing baths with age. Heated floors and sizable counter space can help the bathroom become a luxurious spa that caters to all of your needs as you age in place. Make the space more accessible as well. Add a non-slip mat to the floor, and install a walk-in tub for easy access. Handrails can be stylish and accommodating for all ages, not just older adults. At the nursing home, you won’t be able to add all of these amenities. Consider making the counters work better for you with removable shelving and stylish organization bins.
Put Your Kitchen Within Reach
Cooking and meal prep are activities you’ll need for your whole life, even if you’re not the one preparing the meals. Ensure your cabinets and counters are easily accessible, in case you experience mobility limitations later in life. Lazy Susans or pull-out shelves are excellent for finding items in a pinch or storing easy-to-reach spices. Ensure there’s sufficient space for eating and meal preparation. You likely won’t access kitchen spaces in a nursing home, but you can make meals easier with some safe spice storage racks in your room for added flavor. A candy jar for your grandkids when they visit is also charming.
Create a Family Accent Wall
Whether you own your home or live in a nursing facility, you can make the space truly yours by adding treasured memories and personal touches to the decor. One of the most charming ways to do this is with a family accent wall. Choose a wall that you’ll dedicate to family photos, pet portraits, crafts, artwork, drawings from your grandchildren, and anything that reminds you of your loved ones and favorite things. You can hang framed photos or pin postcards to the wall. Hang sun catchers or crafts from hooks or along the window. Personal items like these can really help ground and calm you.
Mind the Rugs
While rugs are a stylish decoration, you’ll want to choose them wisely. In nursing homes, rugs may not be allowed if they pose a significant trip hazard. In your house, select rugs that are easily traversed and won’t bunch up to create trip hazards. A rug can cause a fall at any age, but when you’re older, tripping can be dangerous. Thin rugs that can be secured to the floor with corner grippers are smart choices.
Don’t Be Afraid of Home Technology
Smart technology can be very beneficial in a home. You can play your favorite music with a simple voice command or change the temperature without leaving your bed. Security systems can store relevant camera footage on your phone for future reference. These accessibility features will become increasingly useful as you age. You can stay safe, comfortable, and entertained without strain.
Build an Exercise Space
A good fitness or movement routine helps maintain your physical and mental well-being as you age, enhancing mobility and overall health. Dedicate a space in your home to simple and easy activities, such as yoga, swimming, or dancing. Installing a swimming pool can be a profitable venture if you’ve got the time, money, and space for it. They require a lot of maintenance, which you may want to hire help for as you age, but they’re excellent for fitness and joint health without tiring you out. You can bring smaller fitness tools to a nursing home setting, such as small wrist weights or resistance bands, to help you stay in shape even on days when you’re feeling less active.
Plant a Garden
Gardening can be enriching and enjoyable throughout your life. As you retire, you’ll have more time for a dedicated outdoor space to watch birds, attract butterflies, enjoy the flowers, and even grow food at home. Start a garden hobby at any time to enjoy now or later in your golden years. You may be surprised how much you enjoy birdwatching. You may be allowed to hang up a bird feeder outside your nursing home window, too.
Take Note of Community or Neighborhood Rules
If you’re living in and decorating your own home, you can afford to take more liberties with decor and renovations, as long as they comply with local building codes. If you live in an HOA neighborhood, you may need to obtain permission to make certain renovations, such as changing window treatment colors or painting your home. If you’re retiring in a senior community, especially one like a nursing home, you’ll be able to decorate to a limited extent. Swapping out most furniture, adding decorations, or bringing your own textiles is typically allowed, but you will need to check the community rules first, preferably in writing, to ensure documentation. Once you know what is or isn’t okay, you can begin decorating. You deserve a safe and comfortable space to make your own. If your permitted decorations are taken or stolen without your consent, you have every right to file a formal complaint. You may also want to consult with a lawyer. Recently, a Peoria nursing home resident obtained a lawyer for abuse involving financial exploitation. Your personal property is included in these types of cases. Knowing the official rules and policies of your community beforehand can help mitigate harm and protect your rights. As a bonus, you won’t spend money on decorations that aren’t allowed!
Conclusion
The key to a comfortable and stylish living space over the years is safety, accessibility, and enrichment. Make sure the space can grow with you, even when you’re limited in mobility or memory. Add a personal touch wherever you go to help you feel comfortable and serene.
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