Aging in Place: What To Look For in a Senior-Friendly Home in Mississauga

With the rising cost of senior care and a growing number of energetic Baby Boomers wanting to maintain their active lifestyles, more older adults are deciding to age in place. If you or a loved one can relate, consider adding these 12 must-haves to your home-buying wish list to help you find the perfect place to live independently for as long as possible.

1. Covered zero-clearance entryway 

As we get older, it’s not uncommon to require a mobility aid to get around more safely and independently. When looking for a home to age in place, look for a well-lit, step-free entryway to allow access to wheelchairs or walkers. A covered entrance is also beneficial because it provides shelter from the elements when coming and going from the home.

2. Single-storey layout

When choosing a home to age in place, look for a single-storey design without any stairs to avoid adding a stairlift or costly elevator down the road.

3. Non-slip flooring

The floors of a home create hidden hazards that can be life-threatening to seniors. Surfaces, like tile, area rugs, stone and concrete, can be slippery and make it difficult to maneuver around with mobility aids. Instead, look for a home with wood, vinyl, linoleum, cork or rubber flooring. These materials are easier on joints and offer more shock absorption in the case of a fall. 

4. Adequate Lighting 

Well-lit spaces are essential to any home, but especially for seniors. Be sure that all rooms offer ample lighting and that the most-used areas of the house are fully illuminated, such as the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. If possible, look for a home with motion-sensitive lighting to switch on and off when entering and exiting a room.

5. Ample clearance

Tight, cramped spaces are what you want to avoid when buying a home to age in place. Instead, look for a layout with plenty of room to maneuver in hallways, doorways and bedrooms to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.

6. Table-height kitchen seating

Islands are a popular choice in kitchens, but this type of raised seating can be difficult for seniors. Instead, look for a home with table-height kitchen seating that is easier and safer. This seating arrangement also provides more knee clearance and accommodates someone in a wheelchair.

7. Cabinet drawers and pullouts

Look for plenty of draws and pullouts to promote safety and independence in the kitchen. These cabinet features make it easier to access items, promote maneuverability and reduce the need for reaching.

8. Lever door handles, faucets and light switches

In general, lever-style door handles, faucets and light switches are more accessible for seniors to grab than knobs. If a home is missing this feature, it’s a quick fix that promotes aging in place.

9. Wide cabinet pulls

Similarly, smaller knobs are more complicated to grab than wide cabinet drawers and door pulls. Again, if a home doesn’t have this type of pull installed, it’s an easy change with a significant impact.

10. No-step shower threshold 

Unlike a bathtub or a shower with a threshold that must be stepped over, a curbless battery is much easier and safer to use, plus it can accommodate a wheelchair or walker if needed. Look for grab bars in the shower area and bathroom, as well, to promote safety and independence. 

11. Convenient laundry

Look for a laundry room located on the main level of a home instead of in the basement. Proximity to the bedroom or bathroom is desirable too. 

12. Accessible outdoor space

Part of the draw of aging in place is enjoying all the comforts of home, including the outdoors. Look for a home with an easily accessible outdoor area without stairs, large steps or difficult obstacles like thresholds. 

Your Mississauga Lifestyle55+ Affiliate

If you’re a senior wanting to stay in your current house or find a new home to age in place, a Lifestyle55+ Affiliate is a great resource to tap into. We are specially trained in understanding the needs of mature buyers and sellers and have a network of transition experts to help you make the right move.

Contact Deborah Clerk, Real Estate Sales Representative at Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage, in Mississauga, Ontario, to discuss your options.