Single level living, anyone?

@babette I think if you are only thinking about the recovery period, and you love your home, then you may regret moving to a single store home now.
We are thinking about it and probably will, something my husband wants to do very much, but I am 71 and my husband is significantly older. He’s in great shape for his age, goes to the gym three times a week, has NO current health problems, but is tired if having to do the stairs. I actually think they are good for us, forcing that exercise on us!
JK

@babette I have had a replacement in 2011 followed by a reconstruction because my range of motion was below 90. The results were the same the 2nd time. We are staying in our 2 story cape cod because it forces me to continue bending my knee.

I should add that I have MS and also that my husband's commute would be radically shortened by this move. So, while my response to my TKR was the kick off for seeking one one-story living, there are other factors, too.

@babette - I think you would be thrilled with single level living. We too have stairs into the house and the stairs to the second level. Fortunately, when we renovated in 2008, we configured the house so that our total living area would be downstairs - MBR w/ bath, Kitchen, Dining, LR, powder room, study and screened in porch. Upstairs are two guest bedrooms with a bathroom between them. I can't say enough good things about the arrangement. I have had 2 knee replacements and both times I felt so independent - even in the early days when I was using a walker. I could get to the bathroom, go to the kitchen for water if my husband was outside gardening, sit and watch TV or even use my computer. I think you will be delighted. And if your husband's commute is shorter, that is icing on the cake. I'm wondering what is holding you back? Why are you questioning the move? I guess the better way to phrase it is - what downside do you see?

@debbraw The only downside I see is leaving this bucolic New England coastal town. But after 9 years here, it's really taken a toll. We've considered staying in town but the only neighborhood we love is the historic district which is chock full of very old, charming houses with *lots* of stairs, many very narrow and very steep. Not at all sustainable.

We are looking, though! We have several options near dh's office, the most intriguing of which is a gorgeous loft space in a re-purposed mill. It would be a huge transition but a great one in many ways.

Thanks for the support and encouragement!

@babette. I sold my home with steps, and bought a single duplex with no steps and no basement. I live alone so its perfect for me. I have three bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen, dining and living room and a nice size fenced in yard. I have copd, lung cancer and a bad back and I must say it is so much easier. I did it while I could make a lot of the decisions now instead of putting it off until decisions had to be made for me. Good luck on your decision.

@babette - Oh my stars! I just love your descriptions - what charming options you have! We lived in Boston for about 10 years before we retired. I just love New England - both Boston with its downtown urban vibe as well as the beautiful small coastal towns. Please keep me posted. I'm enjoying a trip down memory lane vicariously!

@sakota9 So happy you made the move. I especially resonate with your point about being proactive. Our friends think we're "way too young" to be doing this, but I've seen family members wait for a crisis and that I will not do!

@babette When you are older it's just so much more difficult too. Frankly, my husband and I are old and tired now and going through 30 years of accumulation is a very daunting task. A lot of the reason we didn't move sooner was first that we wanted space for when our son and daughter come home. Finally, we had the whole house painted inside and out to get it on the market and I came down with cirrhosis so that tabled moving.
JK

JK: I know. I don't want to do this any time following my next knee replacement, which means I want to do it this spring/summer. And, yes, downsizing is utterly overwhelming. There are personal organizers who specialize in it, for a price. Maybe it would be worth it for you to consult one when you are ready. I'm so sorry to hear about your cirrhosis. Keep moving forward as best you can!