Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions » Getting started
My parents have been contemplating moving from our family home, but they've been there fifty-five years, and they can't envision moving from a 2,780 square foot home to a 700 square foot retirement apartment. What can I do to help them?
The dilemma of wanting larger square footage, coupled with the accumulation of a lifetime of personal possessions are issues that affect many people.
At some point in time, your parents will have to see the value of socialization and having services available. They can only access these benefits by giving up some floorspace and belongings. (It is also possible that your parents would benefit from having in-home care services for a period of time; or perhaps even for their entire lives)
Most people wait until they're in crisis before taking action to downsize, which is not a wise method of transition. The best method of transition is to make a move before crisis arises. By doing so, the older adult can make choices about their living arrangements, and they can be more in control over their personal affairs.
Transitioning does require planning ahead. The best retirement and assisted living communities don't always have availability; and when they do, people have to be prepared to make a commitment to moving. Making a commitment to moving is easier if a person has gone through the process of downsizing.
In reality, most individuals use just under 700 square feet of personal living space. The remainder of our homes consist of rooms we rarely visit, or it is space being used for storage. If your parents are moving to a retirement or assisted living community, there are likely activity areas, exercise rooms, dining rooms and other social areas and common spaces that will become "home" for your parents and for your entire family.
Making a move to a retirement or assisted living community requires a shift in thinking. The space which is your parents' private apartment is where they sleep and shower and read a book or watch TV. Part of their day is spent out interacting with other people, socializing and taking part in planned or impromptu activities in the community areas of the building.
For assistance with arranging for in-home care or for help choosing a senior housing or care community call CHOICE at 800-361-0138.
Last update: 2007-03-23 15:24
Author: Support
Revision: 1.1
