memories. The longer we’ve lived in them, the more memories we’ve accumulated and the more it may seem that the house we live in is ‘a part of us’. There is nothing wrong with wanting to remain in your own home. It’s okay to love it. It’s even okay to love it and move on anyway. For some seniors, the home they live in is the home where their children grew up. Some people see a connection between their home and a wife or husband who has since passed on. If they sell their home, will they lose that connection, or some of those memories? Many people can’t even articulate why their home means so much to them. And they’re afraid that if they talk about it too much they’ll be talked into moving. Younger people rarely experience a conversation about their need to sell their house. They’ve never imagined what it would be like to be told they need to sell “for their own good.” Remember that you have the final decision. It’s your life, and unless you are in a situation where you or some other member of your household is in some kind of danger, or your health or financial situation is so bad that you cannot be care for at home, if you don’t want to move and you don’t think you should move, don’t move. Now, if you would rather not move but you recognize it would be better if you did, that’s a different story. And again, you may be focusing on the process, instead of the outcome. You may be imagining yourself unhappy in your new place of residence when it’s entirely possible it will grow on you and you’ll be happy there. There is something to be said for choosing to move when you can, rather than waiting until you are forced to. It is a part of life that our health fails as we get older. Sometimes it’s gradual, sometimes not. Being forced to sell your home because of a sudden decline in health isn’t, in itself, very healthy. There is much to think about when considering any kind of move. Know that you’re going to be faced with a whole range of emotions, and sometimes you’re going to second guess yourself. Just remember to focus on the end result, instead of the process. The most important thing you can do, is be honest with yourself about your needs and capabilities both now and in the future. Some people are very capable and are also surrounded by friends and family members who can help keep them in their home if their health fails. Others are less connected in the community and run the risk of becoming isolated and alone if their health becomes a factor. Unfortunately, these are the same people who often overvalue their familiar surroundings and remain at home much longer than it would be wise to do so. In the latter case, when previously isolated people move, for example, into a retirement community where the social interaction is much more readily available they often blossom and become reinvigorated. Making a move should be about making your life better in some way. And that’s where your focus should be. SL
South Granville Park Lodge • Extended Care • Intermediate care, respite and convalescent care • 24 hour registered nursing • Excellent meal choice with dietician’s supervision • Extensive recreation and entertainment programs • Daily housekeeping and laundry service
1645 WEST 14TH AVENUE VANCOUVER For tours and information call
604-732-8633
email: sgplodge@telus.net
“Caring for seniors in our community for over 30 years” AUGUST 2009 VANCOUVER
Senior Living Special Housing Edition Contains articles pertaining to senior housing. Find out more about
• senior housing options and alternatives • how to determine what kind of housing is right for you • how other seniors are managing their housing • professionals, services and products available to seniors who are living independently (aging in place) • and much more
TO ORDER a copy... Please mail a cheque for $5.25 ($5 plus GST), along with your name, phone number and address, to Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1. We will mail you a copy of this special housing edition upon receipt of payment.
VIEW ONLINE for Free... You can view the complete special housing edition on our website -- look for the Vancouver August 2009 Edition at www.seniorlivingmag.com AUGUST 2009
13