Home is where I want to be Date:03/11/2010 - 17:39

Written by guest poster Valery Tessier-Leon

Home sweet home. Never have these words sounded more “sweet” then now. Most of us have had to reevaluate our priorities and short and long-term goals over this past year. Some decisions are easy, yet others are more difficult or even financially driven.

I’m starting to see a trend with younger retirees wanting to stay in their homes. Of course this concept isn’t new, but I feel the economy has encouraged more of this trend. People are also thinking ahead and taking into account mobility and independence to execute tasks around the home. Comfort today and in the future is a priority.

Over the past year, I have seen an increase of people looking down the road and considering making adjustments to their home while they are in great health. Sometimes they want to eliminate potentially challenging areas inside the home such as narrow doorways, a laundry room in a basement, or even sleeping quarters in a different level. Sometimes the outside of the homes are a priority such as stairways or access to cars. Either priority, most homes can be easily adapted to meet current or future needs.

Solutions can range from changing the function of a room or moving about walls to adding space to the house on the main living floor or even adding a lift or residential elevator to the home.

This is more than a growing trend; this is a growing need for our aging population. The key to a successful adaptation of the home is good planning and design, universal design. By eliminating the physical boundaries, the home will no longer feel like a confined space and will become as functional as you desire. Because we too understand that home is where you want to be.

If you have questions for Valery, you can email her by clicking here.