For many people, remodeling or shopping for a new home is an exciting process that offers practically endless possibilities. On the other hand, seniors must find a space that meets their medical, social, and ambulatory needs. This can make it difficult for seniors and their loved ones to determine whether the best course of action is aging in place, moving to a different house, or transitioning to an assisted living facility. Assisted Living Movers invites you to consider the following four factors that may influence this critical decision.

1. Safely Navigating Spaces

   The simple act of traveling from room to room can become burdensome when stairs, inclines, and uneven thresholds stand in the way. In some situations, these types of concerns may necessitate moving to a more accessible home. If your home, for example, has multiple stories, features a steep driveway, or is far away from hospitals, it may be time to relocate.

   This Old House notes that sometimes a few minor modifications can make navigating a home much safer for seniors. For instance, people in wheelchairs could hire a contractor to widen doorways or install a stairlift. Applying non-slip materials to stairs and showers can also be helpful.

2. Carrying Out Day-to-Day Tasks

   Even when seniors can easily access each room in their house, regular responsibilities may become inconvenient or hazardous over time. It is not uncommon for seniors to sustain burns while cooking, for example. Preparing food may also require standing on one’s feet for extended periods of time and handling hard-to-reach, heavy items. Simple updates like lowering counters, installing roll-out shelves, and purchasing lightweight cookware can make this space more practical.

   If your loved one is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, he or she is especially at risk of injury while in the kitchen. Although placing locks on cabinets and covers on appliance knobs may prevent some mishaps, assisted living facilities often offer the ideal ratio of independence and supervision for those suffering from cognitive decline.

3. Addressing Medical Needs

   Although living outside the city has its perks, being far away from medical care is risky, says Seniors Matter. One way to address this issue is to move to a new home that is within a short driving distance of a major hospital. Alternatively, seniors could keep emergency alert devices on hand so they can easily call for help when needed. Those suffering from dementia may even be able to benefit from devices that use artificial intelligence to improve communicative abilities. Sun Life notes indicators that it’s time to transition to an assisted living facility include frequent falls and the need for daily medical care.

4. Living Affordably

   When making any decision about living arrangements, it is essential to consider one’s budget. Before you start renovating a space in preparation for aging in place or searching for a more accessible property, be sure to consider the cost of each option. Start by asking a contractor for an estimate on what the necessary home improvements may cost.

   Additionally, make sure you thoroughly research the housing market in your area so you know how much your current and future homes are worth and what sort of down payment you can expect. You can also determine how long houses are sitting on the market, which can help you determine your selling and moving schedule.

   When it comes to finding an affordable and accessible home, it’s important to be especially mindful of now and the future. The right place will be able to accommodate your loved one for many years to come, and it shouldn’t cause financial hardship. You and your loved one may be tempted to consider homes that are fixer-uppers or as-is, but these types of properties may be more trouble than they’re worthand could end up costing a lot in the long run.

Whatever the choice in housing is decided upon, look for a professional moving company like Assisted Living Movers that has experience in senior moves. Such services have transition specialists that ensure the move is as smooth as possible, and they usually create a personalized moving package tailored to your needs.

Whether you are seeking a housing solution for yourself or for a loved one, be sure to look at the issue from all angles before making a final decision. Although change can be hard, you may be surprised by how much easier day-to-day life can be with the proper living accommodations.

Assisted Living Movers provides trusted assistance in moving for seniors that surpass most expectations, allowing you and your family to take your mind off the hassle and worries of the move and focus on settling into your new residence. Call 213-418-1800 now for a FREEin-home consultation!