Homeownership is one of life’s exciting milestones. When you first move into your home, the endless possibilities of paint schemes and décor are thrilling. The excitement of building lasting memories and family gatherings can taste sweet on your tongue for years.
Home is where the heart is, but the heart can change over time. When home becomes more of a challenge, the sweetness can fade.
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If you suffer from pain or limited mobility, a large or multi-level house can add more stress than comfort. After many years, the upkeep can feel overwhelming if there’s no longer the need for an extra roomy place to hang your hat.
When choosing to downsize, here are some helpful questions to consider:
Is Staying at Home Risky?
If you’re facing barriers like physical limitations, you could be at risk of an accident if you keep trying to make it work for too long. If you suffer an injury, it could lead to an ER visit or a hospital stay. Many people think about cost savings in terms of money, but injuries can also cost you your time, energy, and comfort.
What Are the Big-Ticket Costs?
Over time, home maintenance holds a lot of potentially high costs. Here are a few ordinary expenses around a home that can be considered “big-ticket:”
- New Roofs
- Heating/Cooling Systems
- Washers/Dryers
- Refrigerators
- Stoves
- Snow Blowers
- Lawn Mowers
- New Siding
- Home Renovations
What Are Your Barriers to Asking for Help?
Asking for help from family can seem complicated because pride and fear can come into play. It’s never easy to accept that you can’t do something, and thinking of what message will be received when you do ask for help can lead to anxiety. If you receive the suggestion from a family that it’s time to move to a nursing home or assisted living before you need those services, it might keep you from asking for help ever again.
What Are the Alternatives to Moving?
If you genuinely don’t want to leave your home, you could work on regaining your ability to do housework. Services like occupational and physical therapies could help you strengthen your ability to continue managing your home safely. Another idea is hiring helpers to come in and do the chores you can’t or shouldn’t be doing. This might take your family out of the issue and leave you with control over your chores.
Should I Consider Independent Living?
Independent living settings for those 55+ can be a great way to downsize and continue living independently. It’s like a happy medium for those not ready to move to assisted living. These options take the seasonal chores and big-ticket costs of homeownership away. They are also often one-level living to support physical limitations, adding a layer of safety to that feeling of independence.
Here’s What Independent Living Can Offer:
- Safer surroundings
- Neighbors to socialize with
- Fewer chore obligations
- No big-ticket costs
- Affordable rent
- Freedom to come and go
- Time to spend any way you like
Edgewood Healthcare offers several excellent 55+ apartments, independent living apartments, cottage homes, and affordable housing options. Each option has a different layout; some provide meal plans, activities, and easy access to social events and businesses in the community. If you’re considering this option, contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com or use our “Find Community” link to find a nearby location.
