7 features every senior-friendly home must have
Retirement village life isn’t for everyone.
Some want the independence and privacy of their own home. And fair enough. But if you choose to live independently, you need to be sure it’s fit-for-purpose – now, and in the future.
The design and layout of a home starts to become even more important as we age. Why? Because our needs change and comfort, safety and ease of living become necessities, not niceties.
A senior-friendly home should be free from obstacles, easy to move through, simple to care for, safe and comfy.
On the hunt for a home that’ll see you through? Here’s what to look for.
1. Wider hallways and doorways
This not only works for mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs, but it makes moving through a home easier in general. Plus, it adds to the open, airy feel of the home.
2. Single-level living
No stairs to navigate means everything you need is right where you need it, making your daily routine smooth and safe.
3. No-step entries
Since navigating steps can become trickier as we age, no-step entries make sense in a senior-friendly home.
Even if mobility isn’t an issue, it can still offer that extra bit of ease. Think: carrying groceries, collecting deliveries or navigating prams should the grandies visit.
And of course, it’s set up for wheelchair or walking aids should they be needed in the future.
4. User-friendly kitchens and bathrooms
In the kitchen, everything should be within easy reach, with cabinets at comfortable heights and appliances that are straightforward to use.
Bathrooms should be equally practical. Look for:
- Walk-in showers
- Grab bars where you need them
- Accessibility-height toilets
- Wall fixings to install shower seat if needed in future
- Non-slip flooring
5. Low-maintenance landscaping
Upkeep shouldn’t be taxing in a senior-friendly home. Features like raised garden beds, low-maintenance planting and durable materials are ideal.
Water tanks can be handy, too, as it means you won’t be affected by water restrictions. And garden sheds make storage easy.
6. Strategic lighting
Good lighting is important, especially as our vision changes. Check for well-placed lights to ensure rooms are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights in key areas, like hallways, bathrooms and carports are ideal and reduce the risk of accidents.
7. Comfy indoor temperatures
Look for homes with energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions like heat pumps or double-glazed windows.
These won’t just keep you warm in winter and cool in summer but also help to reduce energy costs.
Proper insulation is also key, as it keeps the home cosy without needing to rely heavily on heating systems.
What else should I look for?
Customisable look for new builds
While practicality is key, look and feel shouldn’t go out the window. After all, your home should feel, well, homely. And reflect your taste and style.
Even if you’re buying a pre-designed home off plan, you should have the option to choose from a range of interior designs including colours, textures, finishes and features.
Location
Location can make a big difference to life in later years. So think about where you want to be and the type of neighbourhood you’d like to be surrounded by.
All Kingston’s senior-friendly homes, for example, are nestled in welcoming communities of like-minded people – all a similar age.
That way, there’s the option of both privacy or social interaction.
Plus, each home is close to the kinds of amenities you’ll likely need later in life like healthcare facilities, supermarkets and greenspaces.
Kingston’s senior-friendly development
Kingston has a range of purpose-built senior-friendly pre-designed homes in Te Awamutu, available from December 2024.
Each 68sqm home sits on a 180sqm section and is designed to make daily living easier, with prices starting at $595,000.
And if you want to avoid the hassle of multiple moves, talk to us about trade-in options for your current home.
Ready to explore senior friendly living?
