Looking for your new forever home? While you may have several more years or decades of agility ahead of you, when looking for real estate, consider how well the property will function for your needs as you get older. The guide below looks at some of the features that you’ll appreciate in your golden years.

4 Home Features to Help You Age in Place

1. One Floor

Stairs can be hard on your knees—and, if you have an unsteady sense of balance, there is a greater risk of taking a tumble down them. Since bones become more brittle with age, this also means you are more likely to become seriously injured by a fall than someone younger. Therefore, look for a piece of real estate that is one story.

2. Open Floor Plan & Wide Passageways

Those who need a walker, wheelchair, or another mobility device to get around can still live independently. However, taking care of your needs will be easier if there is space to maneuver. This means ensuring that hallways are wide enough for a wheelchair to go through and that there is room to move and turn around in your living spaces.

3. Bathroom Upgrades

Look for homes with large bathrooms that can be outfitted with safety features such as handrails and grab bars.

If the bathroom only contains a shower, make sure there is room to convert it into a walk-in tub with a shower seat and handheld showerhead should the need arise. These updates will make bathing and using the facilities much easier.

4. Consistent Flooring

If there is a different type of flooring in one room compared to the next, the place where the transition occurs can be a trip hazard. Therefore, if you choose a home with a mix of carpets, hardwood, and tiles, make sure the edges are clean and well installed. Alternatively, you can renovate the house to have one consistent material throughout. Non-slip options include vinyl, carpet, cork, or bamboo.

Looking for a place in the Ozark area where you can age in place? Talk to the experts at Gilbert Realty Co in Mountain Home, AR. Their team of licensed brokers and real estate agents will help you navigate listings to find one that suits your specific needs. Call (870) 425-6282 to get started or visit them online to view their current listings.