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You have received a windfall ...

(88 Posts)
DaisyAnneReturns Mon 19-Oct-26 15:14:50

... not huge but let's say several thousand.

You have decided to spend it on future proofing your old, or even older age. What would you spend it on? It can be on you (eyes, teeth, hearing, mobility), your home etc., but it should be something/s that helps you protect your physical mobility, mental well-being, personal autonomy and independence going forward.

Grammaretto Tue 20-Oct-26 22:04:39

I already pay a gardener. She's essential. Luckily in Scotland I don't need Aircon and I still have an open fire to keep warm.

Teeth are my priority. I can live on one floor and have a walk in shower so why am I downsizing? I'm beginning to think it could be a mistake.

A windfall to help travel bills. A visit, business class, to NZ to visit my DS and his family.

Could I afford that?

Nanny27 Wed 21-Oct-26 02:48:09

How much would it cost to have one of those lifts that goes up through the floor? I reckon one of those would allow me to stay in my own home as long as I wanted.

Grammaretto Wed 21-Oct-26 03:48:56

Not impossibly expensive Nanny27 As little as £14,000 according to Grand Designs magazine.

DaisyAnneReturns Wed 21-Oct-26 08:05:03

WithNobsOnIt

It would depend on how much the windfall was.

The amount is just a processing point so we can exchange ideas. If if helps you could set it as more than £5,000 but less than £10,000. Suggestions for future-proofing ahead of aging is really the point. I hope that helps.

mokryna Wed 21-Oct-26 10:06:12

DaisyAnneReturns

Air-conditioning is good future proofing. My first thought was teeth - but I was in the dentists chair when I thought of the question smile

Another thought has been wooden floors to replace carpets. My back really doesn't like hovering these days and I doubt it will get better as the years pass.

A word about vacuum cleaners. I think you have to think about your back when you buy a new vacuum cleaner, even for wooden floors. My DD has a Miele as I do but I have the extra beater added. Hers sucks up the dirt very well on both types of floor but my back pushing and pulling it backwards and forwards kills me, whereas mine with the beater attachment is easy-peasy no problem with my back, well worth the extra money. She also has one of those automatic ones but they only wipe the dust, they don’t do much to suck it up but that’s my opinion.

mokryna Wed 21-Oct-26 10:08:15

My friend is having electric awning installed and the price isn’t much different form the air conditioning I hope to install for one room but that is France.

mokryna Wed 21-Oct-26 10:08:44

from not form

DaisyAnneReturns Wed 21-Oct-26 10:17:05

mokryna A word about vacuum cleaners. I think you have to think about your back when you buy a new vacuum cleaner, even for wooden floors. My DD has a Miele as I do but I have the extra beater added. Hers sucks up the dirt very well on both types of floor but my back pushing and pulling it backwards and forwards kills me, whereas mine with the beater attachment is easy-peasy no problem with my back, well worth the extra money. She also has one of those automatic ones but they only wipe the dust, they don’t do much to suck it up but that’s my opinion.^

That's really helpful - I'll have a look.

Schnackie2 Wed 21-Oct-26 10:29:35

I had a small windfall a few years ago and used it to pay privately for psychiatric assessment to get appropriate medication. Has really changed my life. (I also took a lovely trip to France and Spain, solo, to get some winter sun.)

BlueBelle Wed 21-Oct-26 12:04:19

I d like to renew my falling down, small but useful conservatory, and have a downstairs shower fitted in (in case)

readsalot Wed 21-Oct-26 12:06:32

A cleaner every other week to blitz the house. While he/she is there I would be at my physio getting help to keep my body in peak condition. Interesting to see different responses.

Tooyoungytobeagrandma Wed 21-Oct-26 12:28:41

New kitchen with self ckean appliances and an oven at chest height. More storage for baking stuff so I don't have to move so many things to get to one particular ton etc. Currently having quotes which have varied from 16k to 35k!!! Could have an extension the higher quote 🤔