As we get older, we often start to think about moving to a new location. Perhaps this is a smaller home or an independent/assisted-living center where we can socialize in a low to no-maintenance environment. On the surface, the process seems pretty straightforward, but there are a few subtle nuances and places where seniors might need a helping hand.
In today’s blog, our guest Andrea from eldersday.org shares tips on how to find help when it’s time to make an address change in your Golden Years. This information is personal to me as I had to make these same decisions with my parents three years ago, when Mom was no longer able to care for Dad. He has since passed away from dementia, but Mom is still doing great in the location we chose for them.
Finances
Ideally, you have equity in your home and can cash this out to purchase a new smaller property or to bankroll assisted living. But, this isn’t always the case. If you’ve rented your entire life or lived in a family home that was passed down to you, you may have never purchased your own house. In this case, you might want to consider an FHA loan, which could be great for first-time buyers. And, if you don’t have equity, an FHA loan has a lower down payment requirement. Even those with short credit histories can fill out an FHA application, which has a decent chance of getting approved with a debt-to-income ratio of less than 55% and with a reasonable credit score.
Real Estate
If you are selling a home, it makes sense to look for a senior real estate specialist. Treplus Communities, a network of 55+ living communities, explains that an SRES is knowledgeable in all areas of senior-specific real estate transactions. They’ll have an intimate working knowledge of federal laws, Medicare, reverse mortgage, and asset liquidation along with the training to help you navigate the process efficiently, effectively, and compassionately.
Downsizing
An SRES is a great partner no matter where you’re moving, but if you’re downsizing, you might also want to call in a few other experts. According to Seniors Guide, you can also look for someone to assist with decluttering and getting rid of physical belongings through an estate sale or online auction. Even though you might be tempted to pass all of your cherished belongings to your children and grandchildren, often, the younger generation doesn’t have the space or an emotional connection to family heirlooms. In this case, selling your fine China or other collections can bring in money that you can put to good use.
Home Design
When you’re moving into a new home, your budget will be your first consideration. After that is home design. If you can’t find a property with universal design elements already implemented, you might want to look for an interior designer or senior space planner to help you ensure that your home is livable in the long term. Your space should have fall-friendly floors, safe stairs, lots of lights, and other features that compensate for senior-specific issues, including diminished mobility and arthritis.
Packing And Moving
Moving is a tedious process, and most seniors find that it’s easy to get injured lifting heavy boxes or trying to maneuver large furniture in tight spaces. Look for a moving company that offers services that can help you plan and execute your move. A senior move facilitator is one option offered by many dedicated moving companies. This individual will coordinate both packing and moving as well as help you determine which of your current pieces can relocate with you without compromising safety and aesthetics of your intended new home.
Moving as a senior comes with unique challenges, but there are also many ways to overcome them. Whether you are moving from a large home into a planned community or buying a new property where you can age in place, you don’t have to settle for cookie-cutter services that don’t take your needs into account. From financing and home design to packing and moving, the above tips can help you find the right people to help you along in your retirement journey.
Still need more information or insight? Check out our ever-evolving resources page at Secrets Of Aging.
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