Whether you are looking for a place to call home in your golden years or need an accessible space to accommodate mobility issues today, you’re now in search of a house that will feel like home. It’s not always easy, but finding a safe and comfortable place to put your doormat doesn’t have to be the biggest challenge of your life. Today’s tips from Dianthus can help.

Start by Searching Listings 

Any time that you’re searching for a home, you want to begin by looking at the types of properties that are available and in your price range. If you’re not sure what you can afford, talk to a lender first. 

Next, a word of caution: many people go into their accessible house hunt believing they’re going to have to fully renovate. This mindset may even be strengthened by the availability of “as is” properties. These are homes that may have issues that you feel inclined to overlook since you’re making updates anyway. If you go this route, you may be able to save money, but you’ll need to hire an attorney, look at local land records, and have the property thoroughly inspected for major issues, like foundation issues. Rockford Mutual Insurance Company notes that there are many signs of structural damage, such as bulging walls, gaps in the windows, and roof leaks; you may want to steer clear of these properties.

Understanding Universal Design

Canada-based Rick Hansen Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating equal access in all spaces, explains that the concept of universal design is simply the process of creating properties that are equitable, flexible, and intuitive for people of all abilities. Look for a home built with the principles of universal design in mind. This may include a no-stair entry, wider hallways, and ample lighting. If you’re having a home built, talk to your architect about universal design and your long-term goals before you get started.

Updates for the Inside and Out

If you can’t find a home that fits your needs now, that’s okay. There are plenty of updates and upgrades that can make an imperfect house an ideal long-term solution. Start with the most pressing needs first. If that is simply getting into the home, consider building an entry ramp, ideally one with a five-foot turning radius. You may also consider a no-barrier bathtub, widened doorways, or a stairway lift for non-ranch-style properties.

Moving with a Disability

Moving is a challenge, regardless of your physical abilities. However, when you are moving someone with mobility or other barriers, then you need to find a moving service that specializes in moving special equipment. If your loved one is homebound, for example, such as if they have severe arthritis or are quadriplegic and use a hospital bed, make sure your mover understands how to move this piece of equipment safely and that they will make it a priority throughout the moving process.

Finding a home for a person with a disability or simply age in place means looking for features that help you live your best life now and in the future. Whether you choose to buy a home as it stands, you want something built from scratch using the principles of universal design, or you don’t mind making a few adjustments, remember that your realtor is your greatest ally throughout this journey. Good luck with your home search, and congratulations on taking this step toward living your best life.

A big thank you to Patrick Young of Able USA for contributing this article to MyDianthus. I’m going to follow with another article in the same spirit to show my son’s finished bedroom and wet room.

Dianthus is a chronological series of posts about our experience and learning from building our family home Dianthus in Hampshire. Questions? Don’t hesitate to ask!