How to create your forever home

As we age, our homes may require adjustments to remain safe and accessible. From installing stairlifts and ramps to creating accessible bathrooms and kitchens, there are many ways you can modify your home so you can live comfortably and independently without the need to relocate.

Whether planning ahead or making changes now, this guide is a helpful resource of things you can consider to create a forever home where you can confidently age in place.

Tips to create a forever home

• Add accessibility aids
• Future-proof your home
• Upgrade your home technology
• Create plenty of storage space
• Prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability
• Install non-slip flooring and adjustable lighting
• Consult with professionals

Add accessibility aids

Accessibility aids are created to improve a person’s quality of life by encouraging independent living, which can improve the user’s confidence and comfort in their own home.

There are a variety of aids that people with limited mobility can install in their homes to help them with daily tasks, and below are some examples that you could consider.

• Stairlifts: If you struggle to get up or down your staircase, a stairlift is a mobility aid that could be of benefit to you. Depending on the type of staircase you have, you will need a straight or a curved stairlift, and if you decide that you would like to install one in your home, you are welcome to speak to an expert advisor here.
• Walk-in baths and showers: One of life's great pleasures is relaxing in a hot bath. However, a bath is far less enjoyable when you are worried about slipping or you’re worrying about how to get in and out of the bathtub. There are a selection of walk-in baths and showers that are designed for the older people and those with limited mobility, to put the ease and comfort back into bathing.
• Ramps: If your home has a step either inside or outside, something that you could purchase to help you avoid tripping are ramps as they allow a smooth transition between step heights. Ramps are perfect for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
• Grab bars: They can help prevent falls and accidents by providing a secure handhold, and they can be installed in many places, including bathrooms, hallways, kitchens, and near staircases.

ALSO READ: What are the benefits of stairlifts?

Future-proof your home

Your needs will change over time, and you might consider and incorporate design elements that can accommodate changes to your mobility and lots more.

A forever home should be spacious enough to suit your current lifestyle but not so big you and your significant other find yourself with an abundance of empty rooms when you become empty nesters. Allow your home’s design to have as much flexibility and adaptability as possible.

Another future-proof design that people could consider is having multi-purpose rooms in your house that can serve as either a home office, guest room, or play area.

Choosing modular furniture that can be rearranged to suit different uses is also something that can help you future-proof a home.

ALSO READ: Future proofing your home

Upgrade your home technology

Smart home technology is constantly advancing, and integrating it into your home can offer convenience and security for years to come. There are lots of different smart home features that can future-proof your home, ranging from voice-controlled appliances to technology that can help make your home more user-friendly.

By staying ahead of technological trends, your home will remain modern and functional for years to come.

Below are some examples of smart home features which have become popular in recent years:

• Smart lighting and security systems that can be controlled remotely.
• Energy monitors that can help track and optimise your electricity usage.
• Voice-activated assistants to manage daily tasks.
• Smart locks and surveillance cameras for added safety and security.

Create plenty of storage space

Storage becomes more important over time, and having enough space for your belongings can prevent clutter and can help make your home more organised. By including storage solutions in your home will help you make the most of every inch of the space you have.

Having built-in wardrobes, under-bed and smart storage as well as shelving can help maximise your space. Using your garage and attic spaces for seasonal items is a popular way to create more space, and organising spaces such as your pantry and kitchen are great ways to create more space around your home.

Creating space for storage is something that Helen from the blog 2 Adults 3 Children has done to future proof her home: “This is a big one that we have already started making a change on – We have removed absolutely everything from the loft to stop us having to go up the ladders. This involved binning or donating a lot of belongings that we no longer need (baby clothes, anyone?) We have since completely filled the loft with good insulation to stop us putting anything back, which keeps the upstairs of our house really warm and reduces energy bills, too.”

Prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability

Having a home that is energy efficient is not only essential for lowering utility costs but also it means that you are doing your bit to reduce your energy use. Installing sustainable features into your home can also potentially increase its long-term value.

Many modern homes will now have solar panels installed, use energy-efficient appliances and lighting to reduce power consumption, and incorporate smart thermostats to properly regulate your home's temperature.

Installing proper insulation and double-glazed windows can help keep your home warmer throughout the year.

Rachel from the Cosy Home Blog, says it is important to consider energy efficiency when creating your forever home: “Future planning isn’t just about the layout—it’s about how your home functions, too. Energy-efficient homes save you money on bills and are better for the planet (win-win, right?).”

ALSO READ: Why a stairlift is an energy-efficient, low-cost addition to your home

Install non-slip flooring and adjustable lighting

Using slip-resistant tiles, carpets, or treated wood floors can help minimise the risk of falls, and this is especially important in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms where floors are more likely to get slippery.

Another home modification that you can consider when creating a unique forever home is adjustable lighting options that can suit various activities and moods throughout the day.

The lighting can be created to suit various rooms, with brighter lights in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms and mood lighting options for rooms such as bedrooms and living room areas.

Consult with professionals

If you are building a forever home or you are developing your current home and don’t know where to start, then you can consider consulting with professionals.

By working closely with architects, builders, and designers, they can help translate your vision into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home, hopefully making you happy for the rest of your life.

They can also advise you on the cost of making adaptations to your home or to build a new one. By having these types of conversations, you can plan your budget to allocate funds for quality materials, potential future renovations, and any unexpected costs.

ALSO READ: How to make a home safe for older people with limited mobility

Creating a unique forever home

This guide has taken you through some of the things you may want to consider before renovating or building a property that you intend to be your forever home.

By incorporating accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability, your home can evolve with your needs, ensuring it remains comfortable and functional for a lifetime.

This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, who provide a range of home mobility products such as stairlifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch.