How to determine when it's time for your parents to downsize?
When is it time for the parents to downsize? Often, seniors are reluctant to face the reality that living alone no longer works for them. For those of you with elderly parents, how do you broach the subject?
1) Get the entire family on board: Discuss your thoughts and concerns with other close family members.
2) Be Patient: Have them ease into the process and be especially kind. This is often a very emotional decision and one not be made lightly or quickly (unless extenuating health or financial circumstances demand a quick decision).
3) Explore Options: Take them to look at senior housing, apartments, homes or communities.
4) Declutter: Help them clean out the closets and declutter. Sort through old family photos and memorabilia; perhaps they can begin passing on to interested family members. Gently and slowly move them towards simplifying their life.
How to determine when it’s time for your parents to move:
1) Get the entire family on board: Discuss your thoughts and concerns with other close family members.
2) Be Patient: Have them ease into the process and be especially kind. This is often a very emotional decision and one not be made lightly or quickly (unless extenuating health or financial circumstances demand a quick decision).
3) Explore Options: Take them to look at senior housing, apartments, homes or communities.
4) Declutter: Help them clean out the closets and declutter. Sort through old family photos and memorabilia; perhaps they can begin passing on to interested family members. Gently and slowly move them towards simplifying their life.
How to determine when it’s time for your parents to move:
1) Health: Both physical and mental. Are they able to take care of themselves, cook for themselves, etc.? Are they safe living alone? Or is one parent the primary caregiver for their ailing spouse?
2) Distance: Who can quickly come to their aid if needed?
As a Senior’s Real Estate Specialist, I have assisted many clients who have happily simplified their lives by moving to nearby smaller homes or apartments. Others have moved to Senior Communities; most looked forward to their move and are happy with their decision. If I can be of assistance, please give me a call.
Posted by Phyllis Harb at 11/30/2011 2:53 AM 
Categories: Miscellaneous
Tags: senior downsizing simplifying
Categories: Miscellaneous
Tags: senior downsizing simplifying
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