Adapting to your home or finding a new one

Elderly, and old, people can do much to achieve this. Below we consider some of the things older people have identified as important to make it possible to ‘stay put’ comfortably and provide tips on how to maintain independence as we get older.If you are finding it difficult to manage, but would prefer not to move, there may be ways in which life can be made easier or safer. If you have recently been unwell, or are coming out of hospital, you may be concerned about coping in the future.

A variety of organisations can help on a range of options, depending on your needs and circumstances.
It might be worth considering moving to a new home without stairs, in a more convenient location, in better repair, easier to maintain or without a large garden. There are services to help you find a suitable home and to help with all that’s involved – from packing, to finances to arranging the move itself.

A new home without stairs, in a more convenient location, in better repair or without a large garden might be within your reach. There are services to help find a new home, and others that can help organise and arrange a move.
Prompted by an ageing society, as well as the needs of younger disabled people, Government policy is driving the development of new homes with design features to make them more flexible and functional for all.

Retirement homes:

These come in all shapes and sizes, and although they include sheltered and extra care housing, many simply provide homes that are designed well for older people.
Whatever options you are considering, you might find it helpful to think about some of the following:

Layout and size: Is the arrangement and size of the rooms convenient? Would a downstairs toilet be useful? Do you need a spare room for visitors? Is there enough storage space?

Upkeep and maintenance: Will the house be easy to look after? Does it need any major repairs? Is it well insulated? Does it have effective heating?

Location: Is it close to the shops, Post Office, library and other facilities you use regularly? Are there good public transport links? Is the area noisy? Have you visited the area at night to get an idea of how safe it seems?

Cost: Will the move make you better or worse off? As well as the rent or mortgage, other things to consider include Council Tax rates, maintenance costs and service charges. And is renting worth considering, even if you are an owner now?