Suitability of your current home

Many of us find that as we get older we start to think more seriously about where we want to live.

Considering your housing options

Where we live can have a big impact on our quality of life and new considerations that come with age can change how we feel about our homes, such as needing some extra support to meet changing needs.

Downsizing may also come to mind when planning for the future and considering moving house. 

Current home suitability

When considering their housing options, many people start by spending time thinking about how suitable their current home is for their future.

Things to think about could include:

• How do you feel in the space you have? Do you use it all? If not, why?
• If you have a garden, are you still enjoying looking after it yourself, and does anything impact your ability to use your outside space? 
• Are you noticing new physical challenges that prevent you from getting around and enjoying your home? For example, are you feeling less confident on the stairs?
• Does your home require a lot of upkeep and how do you feel about property maintenance?
• How affordable is your current home? Could moving give you an opportunity to reduce your outgoings on utility bills, council tax, repairs and maintenance or enable a significant lifestyle change?
• Are you where you want to be? Would you rather be nearer to certain amenities? Or with better or more accessible transport links?
• Would you like to live closer to family and friends? Or somewhere with more opportunities to meet new people.

Small changes or a move?

Some people find that they are happy in their current home and want to stay where they are. Sometimes repairs or adaptations to your home are all that are needed to make living there more comfortable, and extra support from a gardener, cleaner or home help service can make life easier.

However if you decide that where you are living is not right for your future, then finding out as much as possible about all the housing options available to you gives you the best chance of making the right choice.

Extra care housing

If you are still independent but could benefit from some extra support from time to time, such as having someone help with certain tasks and a 24/7 hour emergency call service, then housing with extra care could be for you. 

Also known as assisted living or housing with care, extra care housing is just like living in an independent flat, but with the added benefit of care and support from an on-site team of professionals when you need it. These types of estates also offer a sense of community and can have health and leisure activities nearby making them a popular choice for over 55s.

If you’re considering other housing options, why not read this article to see if a care home is the right move for you?

Free online Housing Options self help tool

You can use the Elderly Accommodation Counsel's free online Housing Options Tool to help you think about a range of different aspects of your home and how you live in it. It will help you to review the suitability of your current home and where relevant, can present some alternatives and solutions.

Considering new housing options with Anchor

Should you decide that your current home is not right for your future, help is on hand to help you make the right move.

Contact our friendly team today for further information about the support and housing options we provide to help you make this decision as smooth as possible.