How Do You Know When It’s Time To Move Out Of Your Home?

40-60% Of New Move-Ins Say They Wish They Had Done It Sooner.

When new residents are interviewed after moving to Senior Living, a common response is that they wish they had done it sooner. It is a huge job to go through the downsizing experience. It takes planning and lots of hands-on work, but there is a huge sigh of relief when that is done. Beyond the sense of relief is a feeling of freedom and new beginnings. All of it can be very liberating. 

Jane and her husband Ronald visited McCrite Plaza for several years. They knew they would come sooner or later. Meanwhile, they stayed in their family home of 40 years. Finally, with the encouragement of family, they decided to make the move. By this time, both were in their mid-80s. The effort to downsize and move was exhausting, but once they arrived and settled in, we heard the same story. Both of them said, “Oh, we should have moved sooner. If we’d done it five years earlier, it would have been easier, and we would have had more time to enjoy our new life here at McCrite Plaza.”

The decision is deeply personal.

The decision of when Seniors should move out of their family homes is profoundly personal and influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, financial circumstances, health considerations, and family dynamics. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are several key considerations that seniors and their families should take into account when contemplating such a significant life transition.

First and foremost, the health and safety of the Senior should be a primary consideration. 

As individuals age, they may face increasing physical or cognitive challenges that make living independently difficult. In such cases, moving to a more supportive living environment, such as an Independent Living or Assisted Living facility, may be necessary to ensure they receive the care and assistance they need to maintain their quality of life.

Seniors may choose to move out of their family homes to be closer to amenities and services that cater to their needs, such as medical facilities, public transportation, and recreational activities. Moving to a more age-friendly community can help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life as they age.

Financial considerations also play a significant role.

Financial considerations necessarily play a role in the decision-making process. Many Seniors may find it increasingly difficult to afford the costs of maintaining a family home, including mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance expenses. In such cases, downsizing to a smaller, more affordable living arrangement may be a more practical option.

In addition, by staying in an older home that is not getting updated, the value of the real estate may decrease significantly. For many, their home is a major portion of the estate that can be used for rental expenses of retirement living. 

The need for socialization is critical.

Seniors, especially those aging solo, need to consider the implications of isolation. Community living is a tremendous advantage in combating isolation and loneliness. When Seniors can no longer drive, and neighborhoods change, it becomes a recipe for depression. The sooner one makes a move to Retirement Living, the quicker those days of isolation are over. Often, these moves are the most dramatic, and new residents are the first to say they should have moved sooner!

Karen had lived in her home alone since she was widowed five years earlier. She was no longer driving and found herself sitting at home alone for days on end. Her family lived out of town and were only available to visit monthly. When she finally decided to make a move, her family told us that she was not very social and probably would stay in her apartment most of the time. Well, they were stunned to learn that she blossomed into a social butterfly after she moved into McCrite Plaza. Her long years of isolation made it look like she was a loner and introvert. But it couldn’t have been more obvious that she just needed the opportunity to socialize on a daily basis. In her new environment, she was out and about every day, participating in multiple activities and making new friends!

Different cultures view family living situations differently.

Familial dynamics and relationships are another important consideration. In some cases, seniors may feel obligated to remain in their family homes to maintain familial ties and support networks. However, it’s essential for seniors to weigh the impact of their living arrangements on their own well-being and independence and the well-being of their family members.

Cultural norms, as is evidenced in Asian countries, can also influence the decision of Seniors to move out of their family homes. In some cultures, there may be strong societal pressure for the Elders to remain in their family homes and be cared for by their adult children. However, Seniors need to consider their preferences and needs rather than solely adhering to cultural expectations.

It is a personal decision, but it may take some encouragement from trusted advisors, family, and friends. 

Ultimately, the decision of when Seniors should move out of their family homes is a deeply personal one that should be made based on careful consideration of the individual’s health, financial situation, living preferences, and family dynamics. Seniors need to seek input from trusted family members, healthcare professionals, and financial advisors to ensure that they make the best decision for their unique circumstances. 

Additionally, Seniors should approach this decision with open communication and a willingness to explore all available options in order to find the living arrangement that best supports their needs and desires in their later years.

Come for a tour and imagine making your home at McCrite Plaza sooner rather than later!

See what others think about McCrite Plaza! Click the links below!

Kansas City        Topeka