Getting a tax refund can feel like getting a “big kid Christmas present,” Everyone deserves a little treat now and again, but we suggest spending most of your tax return on things that can improve your quality of life. Think of this as the gift that keeps on giving.
You Can’t Put a Price Tag on Aging in Place
There is a reason you have probably heard the term Aging in Place more frequently over the past handful of years. If it can be done safely, aging in place is a wonderful idea with many benefits. There is simply no substitute for being in a comfortable home you love surrounded by familiar and warm memories.
It’s unfortunate and inescapable, as we age our physical and mental abilities will begin to decline. While this may mean you need to have help for certain daily living activities you once were able to do independently, aging in place enables you to keep as much independence as possible and still have the help and support you need. You get to decide when to eat, what to eat, and what activities you want to fill your day with.
Make Memories
Aging in place isn’t just about hanging onto cherished memories, it’s about continuing to make memories to cherish. Staying in the home you know and love gives you the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of a warm and inviting home.
You’ll make new memories of holiday dinners, celebrating your grandchildren’s birthdays and visits from friends who pop by because they were in the neighborhood.
For most seniors, staying in your own home simply provides opportunities for a more fulfilling life that can be difficult to cultivate if you live outside your home.
Invest in Your Independence
“Aging can be fun if you lay back and enjoy it.” -Clint Eastwood
Far be it from us to argue with Clint Eastwood. But we would say, aging can be even more fun if you become proactive.
Investing your tax return in something that makes your life easier is key to enjoying your life while staying in your home.
If the stairs to the second story or down into the basement have just become too much, it may be time to think about investing in a stair lift. Or it may be something as simple as purchasing a new washer or dryer, so you don’t have to worry about bending over to load and unload your laundry.
Take a moment to stop and think about the things you dread doing in your day-to-day life. Now, take a moment to think about how you can spend your tax return to make those dreaded chores a little easier.
| Plan ahead for home repairs or renovations You certainly wouldn’t hop in your car and take a trip across the country on famed Route 66 without checking your oil and making sure your car was up to the challenge. You should take the same approach if you plan on staying in your home for several years. Ask a contractor you trust to come out and make sure your home is in good shape. Planning ahead will again give you peace of mind now and in the future. |  |
| Other potential home improvements Being able to comfortably and safely use your toilet, tub, or shower is a huge part of maintaining your independence. Restoring independence in the bathroom can often be done without making major home repairs or buying costly equipment. Installing grab bars is a simple and cost-effective way to eliminate the danger and fear of slipping and falling in the bathroom. If standing in the shower is a bit too challenging, a shower seat or commode shower chair may just be exactly what you need. It gives you the freedom to shower and use the restroom without worrying about falling. When thinking about renovating a home to age in place successfully there are two things people often overlook: the width of the door frames and having enough light to see comfortably. Walkers and wheelchairs have bigger footprints and require extra space to maneuver; a 36-inch door frame is ideal for helping you stay mobile and independent in the home you love. As we age, our eyesight worsens; proper lighting may not be as crucial as having something to avoid slipping and falling in the shower, but it certainly goes a long way toward helping you feel more comfortable in your home. Invest in making every area of your home a well-lit area. There’s no better time to plan than now! Creating a home that is safe and accessible as you age is possible, and we’d love to help you accomplish this goal. |  |
