Marilyn - We have tentatively made the same decision, to stay in our home and adapt, although none of us knows what the future holds. We also have an option of an auxiliary dwelling unit at either of our daughter's homes - their lots are large and our local codes allow this. We feel it may be an option down the road when one of us is alone...

The size aspect is not an issue for us - we live 1/2 the year in 400sf plus an 8X10 shed and another 2 months or so in a 7x17 foot camper. We have been rigorously "downsizing" our possessions in our "big" home - 1200sf with the store room. My goal be the end of 2024 is to remove some of the storage shelves and cabinets we have added over the years - I already have empty shelves in several places.

We are now in our winter home, with neighbors from their 40's to near 90, all away from family in our own smaller dwellings (from travel trailers to mobile homes. We all watch over one another, stepping up as needed when crises arise.

The very fun thing is the community gathering spaces - no pressure, come when you like. Three mornings a week we do senior-adapted yoga - great way to start the day. We also have 2-3 communal meals each week - again, no pressure. Also lots of games, outings, etc - I am working on my watercolor skills with our fabulous resident artist and a group of friends.

So I live in 2 worlds - I love the Texas weather, but miss my family and friends when away from my "roots" in Minnesota. We will do this as long as life allows - our girls have even made plans to drive us down and back when the time comes (we did the same for my Mom in her later years)

The other "plan" is our safety plan - no more climbing on chairs or beds - only stable step stools with a proper hand hold. A spotter every time one of uses a step ladder - anything that requires more climbing is done by someone else. Sturdy safety rails on all steps and in both bathrooms. Keeping clutter away from all walking areas, off all stairs, no slippery rugs, smooth hardwood or tile floors. And ongoing strength and balance training exercises.

Sue

I agree and appreciate your thoughts. I did the same when my husband was in s rehabilitation center attached to retirement home.
I noticed that they take over one’s healthcare. The physical therapy staff was aloof and never listened. The food was bad. My husband had 2 strokes. The speech therapist feed him the wrong food which caused pulmonary pneumonia. He had to be hospitalized.
I bought a condo, hired out patient HH and took care of him for 10 years.
I don’t like rest homes as the ones I saw were sun-par.
I have a LT care plan and will file probably within a short time.
I would advise one to seek another solution unless they find a reasonably good place. One has to look into it carefully before committing the remainder of one’s life.
Stay home if possible and have out patient care if needed. Marilyn, you have the right idea. Good luck to you and others in the same boat.

My new home is in a development with a pool, lakes, and enough streets within the development to provide enough walking. My home only has one step at each external doorway. It is compact and well laid out. I am hoping to stay in this house with minimum to no assistance. Neighbors close by and my daughter walkable in the development next door.