If you have recently become disabled or are living with mobility restrictions, you may be thinking of ways to make your home safer. Home accessibility features are important for helping people with disabilities live quality, independent lives, but finding accessible homes can be a challenge. Here are some ways you can find a home or make your own home more accessible, brought to you by John R. Wood Properties.
Finding a New Home
Start Your Search Online
If buying a new accessible home seems like your best bet, save yourself some time by beginning your home search online. You can easily look for homes that are accessible in areas you are interested in by using search filters. Many sites have made it simple to find accessible homes, or look for other amenities, by using filters to sort out homes that fit.
Work With a Realtor®
Another strategy for simplifying any home search is to work with a licensed, experienced realtor. Realtors tend to know their local markets and may even be able to find listings for you that have not made it online yet. In a competitive market like Burbank, that can definitely work to your advantage. A realtor will also be able to find out more information on homes in your desired area, set up showings, and work to get the best price and fit for your home needs.
Prepare Your Budget and Expectations
As you search for a new home, it helps to have some knowledge about current home prices and availability on the market. A quick search for home values in various areas helps you get a good idea of how much you should expect to pay for your new home.
You should also figure out how many homes are currently on the market and how many of those are accessible. Sellers and buyers markets can mean very different things in terms of home pricing, so know whether you can offer less or if you should expect to pay a bit more. You’ll also need to budget for the move. When hiring movers, don’t just choose the cheapest moving company you can find. Read up on reviews from real customers to inform your decision.
Seniors have more options than ever when it comes to housing, so don’t overlook something that might be the perfect fit. Consider all the possibilities associated with getting older in your community, whether that’s a retirement community, nursing home, or apartment shared with a roommate or in-laws. Every senior is different, so every senior’s situation is different as well. That means it is imperative to find the right housing choice for you–especially a good choice that just needs a little more accessibility to be perfect.
Making Your Home Accessible
Focus on Helpful Fixes
If you want to stay in your current home indefinitely, you may need to make a few adjustments. Safety should be your top priority, and taking steps to prevent falls should top your upgrade list. Bathrooms tend to be the focus of fall prevention since slippery surfaces can cause serious injuries. Focus your attention here by installing grab bars, walk-in showers, and seats to make daily life easier. You can also make adjustments to accommodate a wheelchair throughout your home. Installing ramps, widening doors, and lowering counters are just some of the fixes that can make life easier for those who use a wheelchair for mobility. For peace of mind, you might also want to consider installing a security system to help monitor your home.
Finance Your Upgrades
Paying for accessibility upgrades does not have to cause you undue stress. You can use the equity in your home to take out a loan to cover expenses. If you receive benefits from the VA and your disability is service-related, you may qualify for funding to help you complete upgrades. Lastly, you can look into grants and funding assistance designed to assist people living with disabilities in making their homes more accessible and safer for them to live in.
As a senior, taking an active role in your overall health is the best way to take more control over your life. By taking care of your mind and body, you are taking the steps you need to improve the quality of your life and live out your happiest years yet.
Reaching over 200 countries, John R. Wood Properties places your home among the largest network of elite buyers and brokers on the planet. Our purpose is to enrich the lives of the people we serve and our communities.
Article Contributed by Patrick Young, (ableusa.info)
Photo Credit: Pixabay
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