Downsizing Property Cheatsheet: Key Considerations for Senior-Friendly Living
When selecting a new property for downsizing, it’s essential to consider features that make the home safe, accessible, and comfortable for aging in place. Here are some key factors to keep in mind, inspired by insights from occupational therapists:
- Lot Slope and Ramp Potential
Check the slope of the property. Steeper slopes increase falls risk, while no or gentle slopes allow for easier navigation. If there are multiple steps to enter the home, adding a ramp may not be feasible, as for each 1″ of rise, you need 1 foot of slope to be added to the ramp. If multiple steps are present, consider if there would be space for a porch lift to be added instead of a ramp. - Garage and Driveway Access
Look for an attached garage or covered parking that provides safe, level access to the home. An attached garage means you do not need to navigate icy, slippery paths to your car in the wintertime. Avoid properties with too many steps or uneven surfaces between the garage and entrance. - Single-Level Living
A single-story layout minimizes stair usage, making it easier to navigate the home safely. Look for floor plans that have all essential rooms (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen) on the same level. - Open Floor Plan
An open layout with fewer walls and barriers promotes easy movement and reduces the risk of tripping, which is especially important as mobility needs may change over time. - Width of Walkways and Hallways
Wider hallways and doorways (36″ wide) provide you with greater freedom of movement and an easier time maneuvering walkers and wheelchairs if they’re needed now or in the future. While many doorways will be less than 36″ wide, observe if there is the space for them to be expanded if needed in the future. - Bathroom Accessibility
Notice whether the tub or shower has a ceramic surround. Fibreglass is not safe for grab bars to be installed into as it can crack, reducing how secure the grab bar is. Walk-in or barrier free showers provide easier entry into the one’s shower, than stepping over the ledge into a tub shower. Standard height toilets (15.5″) can be harder to sit and stand off of over time. Notice if a comfort height toilet is already in place or if one could be added. - Laundry Room Location
A laundry room on the main level is ideal to avoid trips up and down stairs. If there is no laundry on the main level, consider if there’s a closet space that could be converted into a laundry area. Having this frequent task easily accessible reduces your falls risk. - Ample Lighting and Large Windows
Bright, natural lighting makes the home safer by improving visibility. Make sure all areas are well-lit, particularly hallways, stairways, and the front entry. Consider adding motion sensored lighting to these areas. - Accessible Kitchen Design
Opt for cabinets and shelves at an accessible height to reduce strain. Lower cabinets with pull-out shelves and wide pantry access make for easy, safe use. Cabinets that have “D-shaped” handles or can be pushed to open eliminate the need for a tighter grasp that’s required on knob style pulls. These styles can be helpful if you experience reduced strength or pain and stiffness in your hands. - Closets and Storage
The more closets and storage, the easier it is to keep clutter off the floor where it can become a trip hazard. Depending on location, these extra spaces can also be converted if needed to make bedrooms or washrooms larger, or be utilized for an alternate purpose such as a laundry room as mentioned above.
While these are all physical factors to consider if looking at a home, you should also consider the safety of the area you are moving to, its walkability, how close it is to public transport, how comfortable you feel getting from your home to friends’ and family’s homes, recreation facilities, the grocery store, your doctor’s etc. Aging-in-place is more than just having your physical environment well set up. It is ensuring you feel safe and confident engaging in the activities you value most and that if there are activities you’d rather not participate in such as cooking, cleaning, snow removal etc., you know how to get support in those domains. Occupational therapists are experts at assessing function and will consider how your physical, emotional and cognitive well-being all influence your ability to do what you want. We offer adaptive ways to approach your tasks, can prescribe equipment, guidance on home modifications and how to get connected to the community supports you need. If you are beginning your aging-in-place planning journey, visit: https://ot2u.ca/aging-in-place-planning-calgary/
Tips from:
Lauren McDonald (Butchart)
Occupational Therapist & Owner
P: 403-276-OT2U (6828)
E: info@OT2U.ca
W: www.ot2u.ca
By considering these key factors when choosing a new property, you can create a more accessible and comfortable living environment that supports independence and safety for seniors in the long term. If you need assistance with downsizing and organizing, our professional organizing services are here to help. Let’s work together to make the transition to a senior-friendly home smooth and stress-free!
