Best future proofing ideas

[LeaveMyBuddliaAloneDerrick]

just starting the process of downsizing into our last move and would appreciate any ideas on future proofing
the property already has a stair lift (we don’t need yet but nice to know it’s there) and higher than normal plug sockets

so far we have lightweight pans, good grip utensils and a 2 drawer dishwasher …and that’s it!!

please help!

Based on my experience of caring for my elderly father - no sharp edges to anything, wide doorways, large walk in shower with controls at other end to shower head, loos at comfort height, reduce/remove trip hazards, no step up/down for external doors, minimal clutter, good insulation and efficient heating.

Although, the most important thing you can do is maintain your strength, balance and mobility.

coul I ask why this? shower with controls at other end to shower head

So you can turn the shower on before you get in so it’s not freezing.

My parents bought a chalet bungalow so it has the main bedroom and bathroom downstairs. They’re 80 now and still up and down the stairs no probs ( my dad actually makes a point of going up and down 5 times a day to make sure he can still do it) but when/ if it’s not possible they won’t need to move.

How old are you? Do you have health issues?
We’re mid seventies and are about to upsize again, couldn’t stand the space in the downsize house.
In my opinion, All you need is a downstairs we, with possibly of putting in a shower and a reception room that you can turn into a bedroom.
But I’m with the spirit of AllJoyAnd No Fun’s parents. In other words don’t give in to being old until you have to.

WC* although ‘we’ could have been appropriate 🤣

Get yourself a Japanese style toilet.

I've got a downstairs loo and rooms that could be turned into a bedroom. Apart from that I'll adapt should I need to, as and when.

Plan furniture to give clear walkways

walking distance to the shops. then you aren't reliant on a car, and having a daily walk to buy milk / bread is good for both physical and mental health.

and a downstairs loo

for the rest, you can wait and see what you need. different people have different needs and you can't future-proof everything.

Location of your final home is very important too. If you can only access shops by driving, then its not ideal. A dear friend downsized and bought a mobility scooter. He got half way home from the shops when the battery died because he'd over estimated how far it could travel.

DH I bought our hopefully forever home 4yrs ago. It was a complete renovation so we made the entire down stairs on 1 level.
-Makes cleaning with the robo vax very easy

• Added a walk in bathroom/shower downstairs with shower access wide enough for a shower chair on wheels to access the shower

-A large extension can easily have a stud wall added to make a downstairs bedroom. We left outlets hidden behind the plaster work to add radiators if needed in the future if we ever needed to convert this room

A few ideas IF you are refurbishing:

Zero threshold shower and space for a seat in the shower if you need one later

Handles on doors rather than knobs - much easier to grip

Downstairs bathroom if space or at least put in hidden plumbing for it.

Make cleaning as easy as possible so eg hard floors downstairs. Wall hung toilet and basin. Removable covers on sofas/armchairs. Flat kitchen cabinet fronts rather than grooves/frames to collect dirt. Large not small tiles, no white grout.

Comfortable, large kitchen handles, not small and fiddly or J groove or push to open. Drawers rather than cupboards. Don’t put anything used often too high up or low down.

Embed a doormat into the hall floor rather than having it sitting on top as a trip hazard.

Choose furniture with soft edges eg upholstered bed frame not wood or metal

Plan kitchen so you don’t have to carry hot things or heavy things or boiling water far - so eg kettle lives near sink, hob is near sink for draining

I’ve had a sure stop fitted instead of a normal stop cock and hospital style taps. All my light switches are also extra large and can be switched on/off using my palm/elbow even a book etc. Sockets are higher too. All my furniture fits me - I’m short so I can reach all the shelving etc. I have a full shower/ bathroom upstairs and downstairs. I live close to the town center so could easily ditch my car and catch buses/trains/walk. I try to do lots of varied exercise and keep my weight under control - hopefully future me will be thankful.
I also try to do lots of hobbies and activities to keep up my social circle wide and varied. Meeting new people and being social is a skill which needs to be used or you lose it and it’s then easy to get confined to four walls and I think that ages you quicker than anything. Plus it does make me grateful (on occasion) to come home to peace and quiet!

Great idea. Avoids 'bungalow legs'.

70 next year. Going strong atm but want to plan ahead and ideally only do a big refurb once. Am happy to downsize and free up some £ and am embracing minimalism so not worried about upsizing