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Mentor

Downsizing, To Move or Not to Move? That is the Question

Posted by Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor @rosemarya, Apr 12, 2020

At some point as we age, we will have to make a decision about leaving our homes and downsizing. Maybe in our own town or to another town. Maybe to smaller home, condo, apartment, or assisted living/senior community.

When the time comes to downsize, seniors can struggle with a multitude of emotional, physical, and financial challenges.

How do you make an informed decision about when to downsize?
What tips do you have to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 15, 2020
In reply to @funcountess "Hi Ginger, When I did a total gut job in one bathroom I wanted a low..." + (show)
@funcountess

Hi Ginger,
When I did a total gut job in one bathroom I wanted a low rise tub, as I felt getting older I did not feel safe with the tall tub anymore.
KOHLER company makes such a low rise tub, and I had the plumber install it.
You can also get a walk in tub, it has a door, and you just walk into it. They are getting very popular.

What projects are you working on now?
Take care

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@funcountess The original cast iron tub is fairly low, so I am okay with that, using the grab bars. It has been many decades since I took a bath. Like @ess77 getting up from a bath would need a crane ;)) The new bathroom could probably have the fiberglass unit pulled out and a walk in shower placed in.

Being winter has set in pretty much, projects include gathering all our leaves up. Neighbor is taking them all for their plants, so I half-suggested they could help with the cleanup, also! And we are chopping up large pieces of dry wood to feed the always-hungry fireplace. Sewing and crafting when weather is too unfriendly.
Ginger

REPLY
2 replies
davej | @davej | Dec 16, 2020
In reply to @Erinmfs "Was your new home built for a wheelchair, or was it a retrofit? My house has..." + (show)
@Erinmfs

Was your new home built for a wheelchair, or was it a retrofit? My house has 17 stairs in it. If I became physically disabled, it would be tough to maneuver the 17 stairs in it. I often think I should cut my losses on this home, and trade it in on a 1 level, ranch style. Or perhaps, find an apartment, I'm frustrated with all of the old home repairs!

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Grass isn't always greener on other side. So remember new houses have issues as well. The 17 steps seems like a lot of steps to me so I'm assuming you have a multi floor house. I have freinds that have not been in their kids bedroom for years house is so big no need to go into that part of house. Maybe you could look at same scenario only use part of house that makes sense. Good luck have a blessed day. Dave

REPLY
davej | @davej | Dec 16, 2020
In reply to @ess77 "Hi, Ginger. I planned to remove my tub/shower in the master bathroom to install a walk-in..." + (show)
@ess77

Hi, Ginger. I planned to remove my tub/shower in the master bathroom to install a walk-in shower. I wasn't able to get it done before I got physically worse and unable to shower in that bath due to no grab bars or safety helps. So, I use the 2nd bath upstairs that I had fixed for my mother when she lived with me. Added grab bars, installed a rain shower, etc. I am able now to enjoy showering in that bath, safely. But, there was a time several months ago I couldn't get into the tub to shower. And, it's been years since I could take a bath in a tub! I can't get down into the water without danger!!!! And, God forbid I attempt to get up! It's a real dangerous situation. So, I now have a shower chair that I can use if/when I need to sit, getting weak or pain increases of whatever. I'll have the walk-in done in a few months, after I'm stronger and have more reno work done that's scheduled. Walk-in showers are lovely for those of us who shouldn't use bathtibs at all. Wish you well in this fun journey. Blessings. Elizabeth

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Make sure you put down a no slip mat on bottom of tub or shower that will help prevent slips and falls but make it easier to get in and out dave

REPLY
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Dec 16, 2020
In reply to @gingerw "@funcountess The original cast iron tub is fairly low, so I am okay with that, using..." + (show)
@gingerw

@funcountess The original cast iron tub is fairly low, so I am okay with that, using the grab bars. It has been many decades since I took a bath. Like @ess77 getting up from a bath would need a crane ;)) The new bathroom could probably have the fiberglass unit pulled out and a walk in shower placed in.

Being winter has set in pretty much, projects include gathering all our leaves up. Neighbor is taking them all for their plants, so I half-suggested they could help with the cleanup, also! And we are chopping up large pieces of dry wood to feed the always-hungry fireplace. Sewing and crafting when weather is too unfriendly.
Ginger

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Ginger, are you considering a fiberglass walk-in shower? I have a freind who had one installed and she loves it. My plan was/is/may be to have the old tub out and re do the wall tile/add floor tile and grab bars, etc. We'll see. I think I already have the tiles in storage, so costs now will be mostly labor. Just more to consider, weigh pros and cons and make decisions alone, with no consulting my firance nor anyone. This is when I feel so alone, head toward depression. So, I'll work on that today and move ahead in some way.....be safe, and know you have those right here who care and want the best for you! Blessings. Elizabeth

REPLY
1 reply
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Dec 16, 2020
In reply to @gingerw "@funcountess The original cast iron tub is fairly low, so I am okay with that, using..." + (show)
@gingerw

@funcountess The original cast iron tub is fairly low, so I am okay with that, using the grab bars. It has been many decades since I took a bath. Like @ess77 getting up from a bath would need a crane ;)) The new bathroom could probably have the fiberglass unit pulled out and a walk in shower placed in.

Being winter has set in pretty much, projects include gathering all our leaves up. Neighbor is taking them all for their plants, so I half-suggested they could help with the cleanup, also! And we are chopping up large pieces of dry wood to feed the always-hungry fireplace. Sewing and crafting when weather is too unfriendly.
Ginger

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Well, my goodness! Anyone who gets your wonderful leaves to help their plants.....of course they must do most of the work! Shame on them if they don't automatically do it! You are lovely to give them the gold mulch for their plants. Just my thoughts.....Elizabeth

REPLY
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 16, 2020
In reply to @ess77 "Ginger, are you considering a fiberglass walk-in shower? I have a freind who had one installed..." + (show)
@ess77

Ginger, are you considering a fiberglass walk-in shower? I have a freind who had one installed and she loves it. My plan was/is/may be to have the old tub out and re do the wall tile/add floor tile and grab bars, etc. We'll see. I think I already have the tiles in storage, so costs now will be mostly labor. Just more to consider, weigh pros and cons and make decisions alone, with no consulting my firance nor anyone. This is when I feel so alone, head toward depression. So, I'll work on that today and move ahead in some way.....be safe, and know you have those right here who care and want the best for you! Blessings. Elizabeth

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@ess77 If we decide to do that, it might have to be replacing the original cast iron tub and surround. I truly don't think the previous owner was thinking straight when they added the on-suite. Apparently she was whining about a soaker tub, the doorway is only 23" wide! Surprised the contractor agreed to that.

These days there are options to think about, so take your time. If you have friends or neighbors who have retrofitted their spaces, get feedback from them the best way to do it.
Ginger

REPLY
1 reply
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Dec 16, 2020

Sue, I like that idea of have the extra space year round when you replace your porch with a family room. Would that be the only thing left to have your home the way you want it, so you can live there comfortably for many more years? If so, get going, lady! I say that as I haven't gotten anything more done on my reno work! I'm a little slump right now, weather change w/rain and cooling and my body goes nuts! Pain, joints ache, hands/wrists/fingers arth is quite painful, feet....everything hurts now and more. More THC:CBD right now! off computer and rest in recliner, maybe a hot tea is good.....Blessings, Elizaabeth

REPLY
1 reply
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Dec 16, 2020
In reply to @gingerw "@ess77 If we decide to do that, it might have to be replacing the original cast..." + (show)
@gingerw

@ess77 If we decide to do that, it might have to be replacing the original cast iron tub and surround. I truly don't think the previous owner was thinking straight when they added the on-suite. Apparently she was whining about a soaker tub, the doorway is only 23" wide! Surprised the contractor agreed to that.

These days there are options to think about, so take your time. If you have friends or neighbors who have retrofitted their spaces, get feedback from them the best way to do it.
Ginger

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Not at this point. I'm pretty isolated these days, as I suppose are you and everyone.....I'm just feeling blue. It'll pass. For some reason, and I do believe it's related to the weather, I woke up this morning not my happy to be alive self. I'm aching all over....that takes the joy ourt of the day.....Well, it's drizzling, been raining all day and last night, gotten much cooler - 59 degrees now at 4pm., in the low 40's tonight. Then the next few days are a bit cooler, 30's at night. I'm complaining about my weather!!!! The news just now is talking about the horrible snow/ice/wind storm....but folks in New York, Penn, Ohio, Boston, etc live there on purpose and are suppposed to have that weather. That's one reason I'm in Florida, where it's not supposed to get cold much or for long. Good thing. My body would have so much trouble in snow and ice and cold! Blessings to everyone in the bad weather, the covid shut-downs!!!!!!, etc. I used to own a shop and we would never have survived the covid losses. Few small businesses can.....i'm having some hot tea w/honey and heading upstairs to crawl into my big bed. Just got a 'heavy' comforter. Love it. heavy, with glass balls inside that make me feel hugged and loved and warm. Think I like it! Blessings to you all. Elizabeth.

REPLY
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 16, 2020
In reply to @ess77 "Sue, I like that idea of have the extra space year round when you replace your..." + (show)
@ess77

Sue, I like that idea of have the extra space year round when you replace your porch with a family room. Would that be the only thing left to have your home the way you want it, so you can live there comfortably for many more years? If so, get going, lady! I say that as I haven't gotten anything more done on my reno work! I'm a little slump right now, weather change w/rain and cooling and my body goes nuts! Pain, joints ache, hands/wrists/fingers arth is quite painful, feet....everything hurts now and more. More THC:CBD right now! off computer and rest in recliner, maybe a hot tea is good.....Blessings, Elizaabeth

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There are a few other matters, but this is a long held wish. Especially if we can figure out how to add direct access out the back of the lower level at the same time. My husband is not on board with the extensive work I would like to do. He's more inclined to just replace floor and door of the existing porch. But I have a big family that likes to get together and it would really expand our gathering space and my views of gardens and birds. Plus I envision one organized shed with proper shelves and lighting where I don't bump my head on the low door, or have to guess which shed the tool or pot is hiding in!
Sue

REPLY
MGMolly | @Erinmfs | Dec 17, 2020
In reply to @gingerw "@Erinmfs The house was built in 1955. The doors and hallways are wide enough for a..." + (show)
@gingerw

@Erinmfs The house was built in 1955. The doors and hallways are wide enough for a chair. The cemented ramp runs from the driveway straight to front door at a gentle incline. This made moving large furniture in easy! I am pretty sure this was a retrofit. The grab bars are old-time monsters. The third bedroom was made into an on-suite 2nd bathroom by previous owner to us, and the soaking tub/shower she installed can't be used by me. It is too high for me to step into with my knee issues, and the doorway is too narrow for crutches, cane or a chair. The tile floors are not smooth, and present no slipping issues.
Ginger

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my house was built in 1960. I juust found a nice handyman, he came today. So important to find good handymen, he hung a mirror for me, fixed the door to the attic.

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