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.

@colleenyoung

Dian, I encourage to look up "My Help Navigator" https://myhelpnavigator.auntbertha.com/ It is a social care network that connects people and programs — making it easy for people to find social services in their communities. You will find free and low cost help in your area.

Here's the link to My Help Navigator: https://myhelpnavigator.auntbertha.com/

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Thank you Colleen!! I hoped someone would know more official resources. I hope we hear back from Dian soon.

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@colleenyoung

Dian, I encourage to look up "My Help Navigator" https://myhelpnavigator.auntbertha.com/ It is a social care network that connects people and programs — making it easy for people to find social services in their communities. You will find free and low cost help in your area.

Here's the link to My Help Navigator: https://myhelpnavigator.auntbertha.com/

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Why should I have to beg when we worked and earned pension .I was a caretaker for family who got sick.This country has been greedy and immoral for at least 40 years.Wish you all the best.

.

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@becsbuddy

@dianrib Good morning. You sound very down-in-the-dumps. This has been such a hard year for everyone . Did your hard times come on suddenly or has it been a slow and steady process?
Have you tried contacting social services in your town?

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Thanks. Pension slashed 12 years ago
Doing our best

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@happy2bhear

Dian After I survived Stage 3 breast cancer- double mastectomy, severe osteoporosis, and now Stage 3 chronic kidney disease I could join you easily.

I won’t though bc I know there is always one more option. You are looking for that by writing to us. We’ve all been there. Having no cash is the scariest. I lost insurance at the end of cancer treatment. I went for my final appointment and the desk said I needed to pay $65,000 for that one appointment. I left. My doctor called me and said to reschedule and there would be no charge. There is always an option Dian. And it is never to decide all is lost. Go to nearest church for food. They will set up up w food bank. Call utilities they will pay your bills from an account that customers give to for people like you.
Please reach out to any of your doctors to find free prescriptions. Depending on your illnesses, they can find longer term help for you.

Most of all, please keep talking and reaching out. We are here for you. My God bless you and look into your particular needs. 🙏

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Bless you 😸 Thanks

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Another possibility to consider is building exactly what you want. We designed and built our home completely ADA compliant - wheelchair wide doors, walk in shower, easy open windows, double railings for stairs, etc. But I will say that an inheritance made most of it possible. There may be grants and programs available for financial assistance.

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@barbq

Another possibility to consider is building exactly what you want. We designed and built our home completely ADA compliant - wheelchair wide doors, walk in shower, easy open windows, double railings for stairs, etc. But I will say that an inheritance made most of it possible. There may be grants and programs available for financial assistance.

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That is a great suggestion. We have a few ADA compliant features set in place in our downsized home.

I just told my beautiful husband a few days ago we need to change cabinet knobs. As joints get stiffer grabbing round hands can be challenging. I remember my mother n law suffering from joint disease went to open a cabinet and couldn’t get the grip and fell straight back suffering a mild concussion. That always stuck with me.

Now we are transitioning from youth to aging, making our home aging friendly is at the top of our list. One day at a time one project at a time. Budget and planning is the key 🔑
Thanks for sharing! Happy aging gracefully 🥂

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@riana1

That is a great suggestion. We have a few ADA compliant features set in place in our downsized home.

I just told my beautiful husband a few days ago we need to change cabinet knobs. As joints get stiffer grabbing round hands can be challenging. I remember my mother n law suffering from joint disease went to open a cabinet and couldn’t get the grip and fell straight back suffering a mild concussion. That always stuck with me.

Now we are transitioning from youth to aging, making our home aging friendly is at the top of our list. One day at a time one project at a time. Budget and planning is the key 🔑
Thanks for sharing! Happy aging gracefully 🥂

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My daughter is only 41, but has RA and other issues. She just deliberately bought a home that will allow her to "age in place", and is including features like lever door handles and shower grab bars as she works on each room. That's planning ahead!
Sue

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Hola a todos: recién me incorporo al blog pero contenta de ver este tema. Vivo con mi Mamá de 91 años y yo tengo 65. Nuestra casa es amplia y cómoda pero las recamaras estan en el 2o piso y estoy enfrentando retos de adaptación pues mi Mamá ya no tiene fuerza para levantarse y caminar. Me he enfocado en sus necesidades sin considerar que pronto tendré las mías. Gracias por hacerme ver que urge planear.
Una pregunta: qué significa ADA?

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DERECHOS EN RAZÓN DE DISCAPACIDAD

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@adry

Hola a todos: recién me incorporo al blog pero contenta de ver este tema. Vivo con mi Mamá de 91 años y yo tengo 65. Nuestra casa es amplia y cómoda pero las recamaras estan en el 2o piso y estoy enfrentando retos de adaptación pues mi Mamá ya no tiene fuerza para levantarse y caminar. Me he enfocado en sus necesidades sin considerar que pronto tendré las mías. Gracias por hacerme ver que urge planear.
Una pregunta: qué significa ADA?

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ADA is the Americans With Disabilities Act, which defines certain standards and regulations for accessibility for individuals who have difficulties with seeing, hearing or mobility. For example, wide doorways for wheelchair access, or ramps instead of stairs into public buildings.
Sue

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