Perfect Retirement Home

WHAT'S A PERFECT RETIREMENT HOUSE FOR YOU?

Since I began my journey in the construction and real estate business, I have gained valuable insights into the crucial aspects of building a personal retirement residence. It all began when I agreed to assist a friend in selling beachfront houses tailored for retirees. Initially, my role was limited to addressing customer inquiries, but as time went by, I found myself actively engaging with clients and ensuring that we addressed all their technical concerns. This experience has allowed me to recognize a recurring pattern, prompting me to explore this avenue further.

Recently, I conducted an online survey to gather insights from various individuals on their ideal retirement home. With a thousand responses collected, I have been able to incorporate their valuable opinions into the layout and design of the beach houses I want to build. The ultimate objective behind this endeavor is to create a living space that caters specifically to the needs and desires of retirees. By taking into account their preferences and requirements, I hope to construct a retirement home that offers comfort, convenience, and a sense of fulfillment. This project is driven by the belief that every person deserves to enjoy their golden years in a place that truly feels like home. Below are some of the responses which I received during my online survey.

"I am considering the possibility of moving to a retirement home in the future, and I have come across a wonderful gated community that offers individual flats with excellent maintenance. The community provides an array of services, such as cleaning, mopping, and even laundry assistance if required. Additionally, there is an in-house restaurant with a variety of menu options for those who prefer not to cook in their flats. The community also boasts a clinic with a nurse, doctor, and physiotherapist readily available, along with an ambulance service for emergencies. Furthermore, there is a pharmacy, supermarket, and ATM conveniently located within the premises. The well-maintained roads, lawns, and gardens create a serene environment, and there are also amenities like a gym, yoga center, meditation hall, and a temple/prayer hall. Currently, I am able to manage life in a regular flat in a good area of the city, but in the future, I may consider shifting to this retirement home"

"At the age of 67, my retirement has brought about some changes in my life, although not in any significant way. With my main work slowing down, I now have plenty of time to engage in various projects. Fortunately, my house is spacious enough to accommodate a gym, workshop, kitchen, a large back deck for star gazing, as well as garden and wooded areas. Since we don't require many bedrooms, we have converted them into functional spaces such as offices, a library, and craft rooms. My wife is an excellent organizer, while I still handle the physical tasks around the house. In the evenings, we enjoy watching television for about an hour or two, and we also make it a habit to take nighttime walks"

"There are several important features to consider when looking for a house. One of the most crucial is having a ground level master bedroom with a full bathroom. This is essential in case of any injuries that make it difficult to climb stairs. It is also beneficial to have a walk-in shower and bathtub, and if necessary, a walk-in tub can be installed. Additionally, having three bedrooms, including the master bedroom, is important for accommodating overnight guests and a live-in caregiver. Another important aspect is having a kitchen and washer/dryer on the ground floor. In summary, the ground floor should be easily accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers, and should have all the necessary amenities to live comfortably without having to climb stairs. While not essential, having wide hallways and doorways is recommended"

"I selected a single-story 3-bedroom, 2-bath house with a garage. It was previously owned by an elderly lady, and it is perfectly suited for someone in that stage of life. The light switches are levers, making them easy to operate, and the doorways are wide, allowing for easy wheelchair access. The master bedroom has double doors, providing ample space for mobility aids. The house has a great room concept, allowing for easy navigation with a walker or wheelchair. With two spare bedrooms, I can have one as a guest room and a future caregiver room, and the other as a dedicated space for my cats, complete with a litter box and extra litter. The yard is not too big, so I hire mowers to maintain it. I purchased the house at the age of 69, and now at 75, I continue to enjoy its comfortable and accessible features"

"The only thing I would change about my house is the steps. I live in a split-level with the laundry down the basement with the bed and bath on the second floor. My knees and back are getting tired"

"Two bedroom one floor home with nice yard and a small garden. Near public transportation in a safe area in the suburbs"

"My retirement home will be designed as a single level, with two stairs leading to both the back yard and the front yard or garage. This layout offers convenience and accessibility, as it would be easy to construct a ramp in case I have difficulty with stairs in the future. The front steps are positioned in such a way that there is a step followed by approximately 6 feet of porch before reaching the next step. This means that a ramp could be constructed gradually, providing a smooth transition. Additionally, I intend to enter the back yard from the gate, rather than from the house, so there will be no need for additional ramps in that area. Considering my current entrance through the garage, I may only require a ramp inside the garage itself, especially if I no longer drive in the future"

"When I turned 65, instead of moving into a retirement home, I decided to keep working in Asia just like I had been doing for the past 40 years. At the age of 78, my son came to visit my wife and me in Thailand and proposed that we relocate to live closer to him and his family. However, I reached a compromise with him by suggesting that we live in an independent senior complex. He agreed to this arrangement, so our two children furnished our suite in Calgary. It has been 5 years since then, and we are still content and satisfied with our decision"

"Living on a tranquil and pristine Tropical Island offers the perfect escape from the stresses of daily life. Each morning, you can indulge in a refreshing swim in a spacious pool, invigorating your senses and keeping your body in shape. Your relationships with your children are not only good but also thriving, as they have found their own path in life and are steadily making progress. The freedom to drive a car, motorbike, or scooter adds convenience to your lifestyle, allowing you to explore the island at your leisure. Dining out becomes a delightful experience, savoring delicious meals without the hassle of cooking. Engaging in various sports activities such as tennis, swimming, running, cycling, and even surfing keeps you active and energized. With impeccable eyesight and a reduced reliance on medication, you enjoy optimal health, complemented by the pleasure of indulging in great food each day. Finally, your nights are peaceful and rejuvenating, as you effortlessly drift into a restful sleep"

"One level custom build in a small town. My wife is obsessing over this right now. Probably this very minute. She is afraid I will die and leave her stuck in our country home. We have a long floor plan that looks like a bungalow from the street. The garage sits to the side at an angle and is contacted by a cloak room. This is the part I’m having trouble with. It’s difficult to see the angle from a drawing. I bought foam core board to try and make architectural models of the two main sections to see how I can put them together. About forty five years ago I watch a house burn starting with a small automobile fire in a connected garage. I also like the way two separate structures can create garden areas easily. If you position them with a nod to prevailing winds you can have a real breeze way"