| Your senior years should focus on carefree living. For | | | | quality of life for seniors in their homes. But let's not |
| many older adults this means downsizing to an | | | | forget that we want to equally ensure that same |
| apartment or assisted living accommodations. A larger | | | | quality of care in preparing a senior to relocate. |
| home may no longer suit your needs; requiring more | | | | Asking seniors to make rush decisions and perform |
| maintenance and house cleaning than a smaller home. | | | | physically demanding tasks are not in their best |
| Staying in your current home may also pose health | | | | interest. Starting several years ahead is the best way |
| and safety risks if you live by yourself. This is | | | | to make this transition comfortable for seniors and |
| especially true if you have mobility or health issues or | | | | family members. |
| if your neighborhood has changed so that you no | | | | Visit apartments and retirement living options to see |
| longer feel safe. | | | | what kind of arrangement would suit you best. Begin |
| It can be difficult for an older adult to leave their | | | | by thinking about what you will really need in your |
| home particularly if it holds many family memories. | | | | new home. Distribute possessions amongst family |
| Recognizing the benefits of downsizing and making | | | | members, donate to charity, or sell them to finance |
| the choice to move is preferable to being forced to | | | | your move. |
| move in a hurry later due to illness or injury. Today's | | | | Be realistic about how much space you will have in |
| retirement and assisted living options offer safety, | | | | your new home and what items will you actually use. |
| security, companionship, and activities. Take control | | | | Do you need china for a setting of 10? Minimize and |
| of the situation by making the best choice now and | | | | keep only the things you love and need. You may |
| deciding what to do with your accumulated treasures, | | | | not need a service for 10 but definitely use the good |
| memorabilia and possessions. | | | | china and many of your precious well loved items |
| It is never too early to get family and friends | | | | that you often saved for special occasions. Decide to |
| involved and think about what you would like them | | | | use them all now. |
| to have and what they would actually like. Often we | | | | Will your sofa fit in your new place? Do you use all of |
| are misguided in what each family member really | | | | those kitchen gadgets? Moving items that will not fit |
| would like to receive. We forget that our family | | | | in with your new life is a waste of time by repacking |
| members have also accumulated many things over | | | | and disposing and money by paying movers to move |
| the years and that they are also looking for ways to | | | | the extra boxes. |
| simplify their lives and their spaces. They may not be | | | | It will take some time to adjust to your new life and |
| able to take the family treasures and heirlooms you | | | | you need to give yourself time to adjust to your |
| had envisioned them having. It is better to know this | | | | surroundings. It is equally important to remember that |
| earlier to avoid the emotional strain and have time to | | | | it also takes considerable time to plan ahead for |
| deal with the logistics that go with such decision | | | | creating that new life. Take the time required to |
| making. | | | | make your move manageable and don't cut the |
| Moving for anyone is a marathon and for seniors it | | | | planning short at the risk of your emotional and |
| has added stresses. This is not something that should | | | | physical well being. |
| be done quickly. Much is done today to ensure the | | | | |