Down-sizing
(or Right-sizing!)
If you own a home that has gotten to be more than you want to manage, join the crowd. More and more baby boomers are reaching the age where home ownership is feeling like a burden. The question is, though, what’s your next step—a subject Jean addresses in the 1-min clip above.
A relatively easy question to answer; it’s making a choice that is more difficult. Here are some pros and cons:
1) Stay put or move close to family: Staying in your town or neighborhood offers much comfort since you know your haunts: the library, grocery, etc. Moving to be close to family, on the other hand, gives you someone on your bond that is close by.
2) Find a smaller one-level house or condo. The thought of a retirement community can be off-putting for many so opting for a smaller home with perhaps a garden and neighborhood with grocery and pharmacy nearby can be a good option.
A condo is also a reasonable choice given that you’ll have no exterior maintenance or repair. Just keep in mind that should your health deteriorate to the point at which you can’t live independently, you could either face a second move or have to hire in-home care
3) Move into a retirement community: For those that don’t want to face a second move if and when they are unable to live independently, a retirement community is the best choice. Meals, maintenance, and cleaning are usually part of the package. Be sure to compare different types of retirement communities because some do not offer nursing care should you need it.
Facilities called Continuing Care Retirement Communities have various wings that serve residents in all stages of life, and increasing numbers of these also have dementia wings. Also if you are a gardener know that a number of retirement communities offer garden space for residents, in some cases, directly outside your own door.