Aging in Place

Transaction Management

De-Clutter With Confidence

Selling in a Buyer's Market

Housing Options for Seniors

Deciding whether to leave your home and move, or stay in it and adapt it,

is a challenging and emotional decision.

Since housing needs change throughout our lives, here are some factors to consider with your current home:

Are the stairs difficult to climb?
Are your long-time neighbors moving away?
Do you tend to use only one or two rooms?
Is it getting harder or more costly to maintain the residence?
Do you want to live closer to family or friends?
Would a change in residence improve your lifestyle?
Don’t drive and available transportation is not adequate
Want a different climate?

These checklists can help you with your decision:

Choosing a Retirement Community

Choosing the Active Lifestyle You Want

Aging in Place

If your parents decide to stay in their home and have difficulty caring for themselves, one of the best things an Adult Child can do is to pay for an in-home care provider. This gift will help them cope with health and mobility issues. It will also relieve the Adult Child of some of the stress associated with day-to-day care. How do you know when your parents need in-home assistance? Here are some warning signs:

· Changes in personal hygiene: Failing to bathe on a daily basis, sleeping in their clothes, or not changing their clothes or washing them on a regular basis

· The house is not clean and tidy: When the house starts to deteriorate, it can start a domino effect which can add to the unhealthy environment. Plumbing leaks can generate mold spores which can become unhealthy to breathe, for example.

· Lack of proper nutrition: Often an elderly parent loses interest in preparing food and, therefore, their health begins to deteriorate. They may also have trouble lifting food out of the car, or difficulty driving.

· Forgetfulness: Do they leave food cooking on the stove, leave a faucet running, or forget to take their medications? Are the bills paid on time?

Many parents may resist having someone to care them. They may not be able to imagine how an in-home provider can help them. Be sure to include them in the discussion on how a provider can help them. List the tasks that you want the care provider to perform. Be sure that the provider doesn’t spend too much time on the phone, etc. Hire someone from a reputable agency who will do a good job. If you or your parent feels uncomfortable with the provider, switch to someone else immediately.

:: Downsizing Seniors :: Suddenly Single :: Active Adults :: Absentee Owners :: Estates and Trusts :: Rent-a-Daughter :: Transaction Management :: Easing The Stress :: Advocate For You :: Move Management :: Aging in Place :: Moving Elsewhere :: De-Clutter With Confidence :: Selling in a Buyer's Market :: Glossary of Terms :: Seminars For Seniors :: Checklists :: Area Links ::

Call me today ... I'll take the worry away!

Debbie Miller, Lifestyle Transition Specialist^®

CSA (Certified Senior Advisor), Seniors Housing Marketing Specialist