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Home-buying
Tips for Seniors in Need of Accessible Homes
(Guest article by Patrick Young)
According to a 2011 Housing Survey,
less
than 1 percent of US homes are wheelchair accessible —
and fewer than 5 percent of properties would meet the needs of
residents with moderate mobility impairments. With the right
modifications, however, about 33 percent of properties would be
accessible to individuals with mobility impairments and disabilities.
If you’re aging
in place and looking for ways to make your home
environment safer and more comfortable as you grow older — even if
you don’t hold a disability or use a wheelchair — you may be
thinking of purchasing an accessible home. However, modifying your
current property could be a better solution in some cases, especially
if you can’t find an accessible home that meets all your needs. For
some important tips that will help you to find a safe and comfortable
home that accommodates you as you age, read on!
Finding Senior-Friendly Accessible Homes
While finding an accessible home isn’t
as easy as it should be, it can be done if you know which features to
look for and take the time to hire a good real estate agent to assist
you in your search. Below, you’ll find a few steps you can take to
increase your chances of finding a senior-friendly home that meets
your changing needs:
- Make a list of the features you’ll need in an accessible home, such as a one-level floor plan, non-slip flooring, and at least one fully accessible bathroom.
- Hire a real estate agent with plenty of experience in assisting senior clients.
- Meet with a trusted mortgage lender to explore your financing options.
- Begin your search for an accessible home.
While your real estate agent can help
you to find accessible homes for sale, you can also browse online
through websites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin. However, you’ll
need to remember to filter your search to include the words
“accessible” or “handicap accessible.” Additionally, your
local Center for Independent Living may be able to assist you or
connect you to other valuable resources in your area.
Financing the Purchase of Your Accessible Home
In addition to finding the perfect
senior-friendly home, you’ll need to meet with a mortgage lender to
obtain financing for your home purchase. Your loan options may
include a standard mortgage, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM),
or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Additionally, according to
PennyMac,
former service members may qualify for a VA loan, which is a type of
mortgage that offers lower interest rates and other great benefits
such as no down payments or mortgage insurance premiums. If you meet
income restrictions, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)
may be able to assist you in financing your purchase as well.
Making Senior-Friendly Modifications to Your Home
If you can’t find accessible housing,
making a few senior-friendly modifications to your current home can
be an excellent alternative to buying a new property. Not only will
these home
modifications improve your quality of life as you age
in place, but they’ll also reduce your risk of falling and injuring
yourself. Depending on your wants, need, and budget, several of these
modifications may include the following features:
- Installing grab bars near all toilets and bathtubs.
- Replacing carpeting and ceramic flooring with vinyl or hardwood.
- Replacing all door knobs with senior-friendly lever handles.
- Eliminating any tripping hazards, such as rugs or cords.
- Opening up living areas by removing excess furniture.
- Widening doorways and hallways to accommodate a wheelchair.
- Lowering cabinets and countertops.
- Installing a chair lift or elevator, especially if you live in a multi-level home.
To assist
you in financing your home modifications, finding a
reliable contractor, and determining which types of improvements to
make, contact your nearest Eldercare Locator.
Finding an accessible home that meets
your changing needs isn’t always easy, but these tips will help you
to find or modify a property that allows you to safely and
comfortably age in place. Fewer homes are available to meet the
changing needs of seniors and individuals with limited mobility, but
an experienced real estate agent can help you to explore your options
and make decisions that will benefit you well into the future.
By: Patrick Young.
