Keep an Eye on Aging When Downsizing Home for 50+

1 in 3 Americans is now 50 or older. Once kids are gone the wish to downsize is common. Seniors may downsize due to health. Consider health, aging and long-term care in your home choice.

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Keep an Eye on Aging When Downsizing Home for 50+
2 Min Read November 21st, 2017

Not all elderly people can stay in their present homes because of many reasons such as debilitating diseases, poor health or lack of mobility. But for those who can still live on their own, downsizing is an option to help them move around freely and safely without the responsibility of keeping a bigger house cleaned and well-maintained. If your parent or a loved one is going to change into a new home, there are several considerations you must keep in mind before making that move.

Discuss the Transfer

Statistics show that there are 12 million older adults in the US who are living on their own according to Pew Research. While your parent or loved one will surely resist the idea of going into a new home, discussing and presenting the options can help them understand why leaving the place they called home for decades needs to be done. State the pros and cons of downsizing and why it is for their best interest and safety. Give them enough time to get used to the planned transfer. You should not spring the idea today and move next week.

Plan the Transition

Involving your senior in looking for a new place is also helpful. They will feel comfortable if their future home is to their liking. Studies show that today, senior citizens are more digitally connected, so chances are high that your mature adult knows how to use a computer or mobile device and scout for interesting places to live. If you are going to decide on real estate, you can narrow down choices together with your parent and then make appointments to see some of them. Before that, make a short list of things you are looking for such as the neighborhood, accessibility to public transport, amenities, medical & community centers around and even proximity to your home to make regular visits easy.

Senior Proof the New Abode

Before moving in, you might want to inspect the house to ensure that it is safe for your loved one to live in. Retrofitting is a strong possibility as there are not many available houses that are senior-friendly. Install grab bars, chairs and non-skid mats in bathroom and showers, add ramps for wheelchair or walker use, if applicable and elevate toilet seats. In the bedroom, invest in senior mattresses that are not only comfortable but also high enough making it easy for the elderly to get in and out. Rails are handy to keep them from falling out accidentally.

By preparing early and adequately, the process of uprooting Mom or Dad from their beloved home will not be as traumatic as anticipated. In time, they will start enjoying their new home and start building memories in the last stage of their lives.

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About the Author

Sally Phillips is a freelance writer with many years’ experience across many different areas. She enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and traveling as much as possible.

LTC News Contributor Sally Phillips

Sally Phillips

Contributor since November 4th, 2017

Editor's Note

Planning ahead is always a good idea. Crisis management happens with a lack of planning. While you can help your elder parent in downsizing you should consider your own future needs before those needs become reality.

It is common for those 50 to 65 to start downsizing a home. Keep the tip above in mind. While those tips are helpful for your older parents your advance plan will reduce the burden on your adult children.

Also consider how you will pay for long-term care services when the need arises. The US Department of Health and Human Services says if you reach the age of 65 you will have a 7 in 10 chance of requiring some long-term care service before you pass.

Most people will prefer to stay in their own home. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for quality homecare providers to you can avoid or at least delay the need for some type of facility. These policies will also pay for adult daycare, assisted living, memory care and nursing homes.

But if your current or future home is “aging friendly” it will help your chance to stay at home and age in place.

Location is also a consideration. People are concerned about being close to family. Sometime just being close to an airport is close enough. Proximity to quality doctors and hospitals are also a consideration. Climate is a consideration. The cost of long-term care should also be part of the equation. Click here to see the cost of care in any state:  https://www.LTCnews.com/resources/state-information

Long-Term Care Insurance is Easy and Affordable Asset Protection. Be sure to start planning well before you retire so you can take advantage of lower premiums and good health discounts.

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