As a large segment of our population ages into their “Golden Years”, the great majority of them want to continue living in the home that has been their castle for the previous 20+ years. Many of the reasons to want to stay-put are very understandable and can include:
– Location/Convenience
– Family
– Social
– Lifestyle
– Independence
– Familiarity
However, as we age, there are other issues that should make us evaluate whether staying in the same home is really the best decision. These can include things like:
• Home Maintenance
• Available Services
• Financial Requirements
• Transportation
• Family/Neighborhood/Transportation
• Caregiver Access
• Health/Safety/Security
There are many circumstances that can cause the challenges to outweigh the reasons to stay put, and downsizing can then be the best alternative. In addition, downsizing to a new location can actually better solve many of the perceived reasons not to move. A better location can make vital services more convenient and help resolve the general transportation problem. And most important, a new home can be selected to specifically solve some of the difficulties being encountered in your existing home: steps to negotiate, narrow hallways, inaccessible storage areas, and availability of a required caregiver.
What is the best alternative? What do you think?
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Although falling is the leading cause of seniors losing their ability to live independently, very few of us have taken steps to prevent a fall. Research is showing that falls do not have to be a natural part of the aging process. Exercise, managing our medications and modifying our home environment are proven strategies to reduce our fall risk. People most frequently fall in the bathroom, between the bed and the bathroom or on the stairs. Hence installing grab bars, bedside poles and stair railings can go a long way towards preserving our independence. For more safety tips and resources, go to www.homesafety.net.
Martin Simenc is President and CEO of Home Safety Services, Northern California’s leading safetyfitting company. He also sits on the steering committee of the San Mateo County Fall Prevention Task Force.
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