Seniors Time for a change?

There comes a time in the lives of many seniors when staying in their current home is no longer the safest or wisest choice.  The decision to move however is delayed-or avoided altogether –because of the myriad of emotions surrounding the transition.

For many seniors, just the thought of selling stirs up fear and anxiety about leaving their home, neighborhood, and friendships for unfamiliar territory-so much that they often convince themselves a move isn’t necessary.  An example could be:  A woman who’s lived in her home for more than 30 years and whose husband has passed away, leaving her with the responsibility of maintaining a home that’s aging and in need of improvements.  She’s on a tight budget and doesn’t have the resources to upgrade the home, but she still clings to the comfort and familiarity of her neighborhood.

If you are a senior, here are some questions that you may want to consider:

1. Does your home provide the best environment for the physical needs you have?
2. Have you isolated yourself from friends and family because your inability to maintain your home has left it in disrepair?
3. Have you had trouble finding workers to take care of the maintenance?
4. Are finances keeping you from enjoying the home you’ve loved for so many years?
5. Do you feel like you have security or access problems living where you are?
6. Are there other areas you think you may want to be?

If Seniors can answer yes to more than one of these questions, they’re candidates for change.

Some of the options for seniors include:
Senior apartment complexes catering to older adults, with residents taking care of themselves.

Retirement communities where support services and recreational and social amenities are self-contained within the complex.

Continuing care retirement communities offer three levels of living environments-independent, assisted living, and skilled nursing. 

There are those that can help you decide other than your Real Estate Agent!  An attorney, a clergy member, your relatives, your doctor, or a best friend are all good sources for advice.  Don’t be afraid to discuss your difficulties such as physical hardships, loneliness, or access problems. 

Don’t be afraid to ask us here at Timberline Realty Inc.  if you need information on other areas, or any Senior housing information.  While here on the Divide we have some senior services like Meals on Wheels… We can learn too from inquiring into other areas you may be interested in.  We will be happy to inquire from our Real estate networks areas that may interest you with Senior services.                              

Karen O’Brien   Timberline Realty Inc.

530-823-1088 x 12

Much of the material for this article was obtained from an article by Bruce Nemovitz in Realtor Magazine, April 2006