Keys to Your Golden Years: Unlocking the Ideal Home for Aging in Place in Melbourne

elderly m/f couple with dog on white couch looking at a tabl

Posted: November 7th, 2024

The Comforts and Challenges of Aging in Place

Your home is so much more than a place to eat and sleep. It’s a place where you make memories: where your kids took their first steps, where you welcomed home a new puppy, where you hosted parties for holidays, graduations, and birthdays. Over time, your home becomes a part of you, the beautiful backdrop for some of your life’s most important moments. That’s why it should come as no surprise that it’s a great comfort to stay in our homes as we age.

According to the AARP, 77% of individuals aged 50+ expressed a desire to age in place, living out their golden years in the homes they’ve come to love. At first glance, this may seem like a non-issue–isn’t it easier to stay where you are instead of seeking out a new retirement community or nursing home? However, aging in place brings along a unique set of challenges that should be addressed to ensure long-term comfort and security.

Challenges Seniors Face in Their Current Homes

The following are a few commonly cited challenges that come with aging in place.

New and increased mobility issues. Aging tends to bring on mobility issues that may require the use of assistive devices like chairs, scooters, and walkers. Unless your home was designed with ADA accommodations in mind, you may find difficulty navigating your home with your new mobility devices. Narrow doorways, steep stairs, and high countertops are all common barriers for seniors with reduced mobility.

Long-term care needs. Many older adults will need long-term care assistance, whether it’s for medical needs, self-care help, or assistance with errands and other such tasks. However, long-term care is expensive. While some people turn to their adult children and family members for assistance, others do not have that option, so living at a nursing facility may be a better fit.

Cognitive and sensory decline. As eyesight and hearing weaken, homes may need adjustments like brighter lights, visual aids, and better acoustics. Living alone as an older adult, it may be difficult to make such adjustments and perform the needed upgrades within the home.

Why Aging in Place Matters

Despite the aforementioned challenges, aging in place can offer significant quality of life improvements for older adults.

Emotional and psychological benefits. Staying in a familiar environment can reduce stress and anxiety in seniors, providing a sense of continuity and comfort.

Maintaining social connections. Over time, many of us develop strong relationships with our neighbors. Moving to an assisted living facility can be difficult as it means meeting a whole new set of people and attempting to make new friendships. By staying in place, older adults have the opportunity to maintain these friendships, staving off isolation during the golden years.

Preserving independence. Independence is an important factor in quality of life, as it helps older adults maintain physical and emotional fitness. Independent adults tend to remain active, building strength and making important decisions in their everyday lives.

So, we know that aging in place is a net positive for many older adults, but it takes some preparation and insight to find the right place. Let’s dive into that now.

Features to Look for in an Age-in-Place Home

Every adult’s needs are unique based on their health and lifestyle. However, there are a handful of accessibility features that are almost universally helpful for people who wish to age in place:

Single-floor layout. Stairs present a challenge for anyone with mobility issues; even for active adults, they can be hard on the knees and hips. A single-floor layout is easier to adapt to and thrive in.

Wide doors and hallways. Narrow hallways can prevent those with mobility devices from being able to easily navigate their homes. Many home designers create homes with expanded hallways and doorways to offer ease of movement for people with scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs.

Non-slip flooring. Slip-and-fall accidents can be traumatic, especially for older adults. Non-slip flooring, paired with the proper footwear, can make all the difference. You may be able to install heavy mats or other similar flooring in your space.

Lever handles, not doorknobs. To use a doorknob, you need to grip it tightly and twist your wrist–both of which are difficult for adults with arthritis or injuries. Lever handles are much easier to manage.

Smart home technology. A newer solution to accessibility issues, smart home technology can be a boon for older adults by offering voice-activated assistance, automated lighting, and much more.

Why Melbourne, FL, is the Perfect Space to Age in Place

You may know that many adults choose to retire in Florida. Beyond our sparkling water vistas, Central Florida offers several benefits for adults who want to retire in style and stay in place as they age! For one, Melbourne’s year-round mild climate helps residents stay comfortable throughout the year. Here in Melbourne, we don’t need to worry about icy roads or other such weather concerns that could affect mobility.

Additionally, there are several retirement communities throughout the area that have activities and resources tailored to the older population in the area. Neighborhoods like Bridgewater give 55+ adults the option to retire in a resort-style environment, with a full social schedule, fitness center, and other similar amenities. Even outside of your neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of support networks, healthcare centers, and senior centers designed with your needs in mind.

Finally, Melbourne is the perfect location to age in place in style. With the help of your Realtor, you can find an accessible home that has all the comforts and luxury amenities you could dream of. Several neighborhoods offer custom-built homes with accessibility in mind. If you’re looking for something that’s upscale and also functional, look no further–you’ll find it here.

Are you considering aging in place throughout your golden years? The local real estate experts at Ellingson Properties are ready to help you find the perfect home for your needs. To learn more, call us at 321-750-7050 today.