Senior Spotlight: Timing Is Everything When Moving To Senior Living

What we do when we retire is often more exciting to talk about than where we will live, because the latter is often decided for us. While studies show that 88% of adults aged 50-80 years old want to live in their own homes as long as possible, there are many safety and well-being considerations that move that timetable for us. 

In my work as a Senior Real Estate Specialist®, I had the honor of supporting countless transitions from independent to supported living. The hardest situations were the ones in which a fall or sudden health change required an immediate move, as the current home would no longer be suitable for the needs at hand. In the majority of these circumstances, families felt that perhaps they had waited ‘too long’ or had addressed the topic but not come to an agreement. 

A recent read from Forbes Health shares observations that you and your loved ones may make as you visit the aging loved ones in your life, signs that may indicate physical or mental health declines. The article lists these 6 signs as considerations that it may be time to review if senior living is on the horizon or needed ASAP. 

#1: A change in mobility or function

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#2: Household changes that show a decline in one’s space & daily routine. 

#3: Judgement with finances: overspending or forgetting to pay bills. 

#4: Physical changes such as drastic weight loss. 

#5: Mental health changes including but not limited to memory decline, confusion and frustration. 

#6: Personality changes, particularly less than positive ones in mood & personality. 

Note that these are just a very few of the indicators that a living situation may need to be reassessed. Other important factors are of course safety and health, and input from medical providers, senior care specialists and geriatricians. Starting the conversation with your loved one may begin with their own input on how they are feeling, and your own perspective coming from a place of concern and compassion. Listening to their wants, having a variety of options available and being open to a series of conversations (family members rarely agree on what to do next in one sitting!) are critical next steps and could be the topic of several other blogs! 

Last but not least, aging looks and feels different to everyone. How we want to age might not be how our parents or grandparents want to age. Not all loved ones may resist a move, others may be open and simply just want a say in where and how the move takes place. Sometimes home modifications and live-in care can serve as a solution.

Keep following our Senior Spotlight (new blogs added weekly!) for conversation drivers and creative solutions to senior housing needs. 

Warmly,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com


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