Is It Time To Move? By Sandi Lichtman, Lichtman Associates Real Estate
There comes a time in the lives of many seniors when staying in their current home is no longer a safe or desirable option. But the decision to move is often delayed because of the many powerful physical and emotional issues. The reasons for moving fall into two categories: physical or emotional. The senior who needs assistance with daily living, is at risk for falling, has developed dementia, or simply has achy knees and no longer wants to walk steps on a daily basis all have valid and important reasons for moving. The emotional motivators are just as valid. Perhaps it is time to move near one’s children - even if that means leaving a retirement community. Perhaps the senior is feeling isolated in their home because it is difficult to get out and interactions with friends are rare. Whatever the motivation, the decision is a difficult one, and the execution of that decision is also daunting. Moving is a challenge for young and middle aged people, but it is often overwhelming for seniors. Sometimes this move means giving up independence – and this is a difficult threshold to cross. Although the move may signify the beginning of a new chapter in one’s book of life, it is a difficult time when you make the transition because of
advancing age or failing health. So, the senior’s support people need to understand the difficulty of this transition. Sadness is the word most often used to describe this time in one’s life. I remember a man who was moving into his daughter’s home because of frequent falls. I visited him while the movers were carrying his belongings out of the house, and he simply hung his head and said “It’s so sad.” Once the senior is settled into their new living environment, the sadness should lift as new friends are made and they find many new activities to join.
Sometimes the move is forced on the senior when an event, such as a fall, occurs. Leaving the home may be unexpected, and the path may go from the hospital to a rehab center to an assisted living environment. These seniors need much more assistance to move them from their home – either from family members or professionals. Perhaps they can go back to their home to decide what they want to take with them to the assisted living, but others need to be responsible for the rest of the belongings.
In addition to clearing out the home, Most people (with very few excep- sometimes work needs to be done tions) who have lived in a home to get the property ready for sale. This should be for a number of years left in the hands have an accumulation Moving is a of a competent of “stuff”. That can challenge for professional mean scraps of wood young and middle Realtor. The or fabrics for projRealtor will ofects or repairs, too aged people, fer guidance many serving platters, but it is often whether the china and crystal overwhelming for home should from their wedding, seniors. be staged for collections from sale, repairs various vacations, family photos and so made, or sold on, and so on. Parting with all “as is”. That decision should take this “stuff” can be an emotional into account the senior’s finances, time. Seniors who have the luxury time factors, and market conditions. of taking time to make their move A Seniors Real Estate Specialist should begin finding homes for (SRES) has been trained to be their things as soon as the sensitive to the special needs of the decision to move has been made. senior population. He or she should Children and grandchildren usually talk about the emotional, financial come and take some of the and physical aspects of making possessions. Some furniture and a move. A seniors specialist will collectibles can be sold either likely make sure that wills are in locally or on the internet. And lastly, place, assets are protected, and that there are donation centers and plans are made for the proceeds clean-out specialists to help with of the sale. These areas of concern the home’s contents. Plan plenty of are, of course, above and beyond time for the packing – if you have marketing and selling a home. that luxury. (continued on page 33) 23