Should You Stay or Should You Go
So how far in advance do you plan things? Some people are spontaneous, and others like to plan. Personally, I am a planner. I have my five-year plan and have been working toward it.
Not everyone is always lucky, and things can happen to ruin these plans. I recently worked with a client whose husband contracted Covid-19 fifteen months ago and had been in the hospital and rehab until recently. In planning for her now disabled husband to come home, quick planning had to happen. So, if she had a five-year plan, it has now changed.
To have her husband return home, we quickly had to modify the only bathroom in the house, widen the doorway, and take part of an adjoining closet to make the bathroom accessible for his wheelchair. He is now home, and they are enjoying the new bathroom.
Not every house can be modified, but with an experienced professional to work with, options will be available. In my most recent visit to a home, the wife of the person with limited mobility was not willing to give up the adjoining closet to enlarge the bathroom. He would benefit from having a walk-in shower, and not the bathtub that is currently in place. In this home we could only install accessories to make the existing bathroom safer for her husband returning home from rehab.
As a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) and a Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP), one of the most important things I can do is to educate people on what their options are, and how to prepare for life changing circumstances. Explaining how to prepare their home through conversation and a written report, outlining the steps to make the home safer. We discuss how Smart Technology can assist in staying in the home they love safer, healthier, and more comfortably.
On the other side, when someone is not sure if they should remain in their current home, I ask them the following questions.
· Do you love your home?
· Do you have family or friends nearby?
· Are there rooms in your home that make you uncomfortable to enter?
· Would you be more comfortable staying in your home if the correct modifications were made so you feel safer and more comfortable?
These are just the first steps to determining if the client wants to stay in their current home, and depending on the answers, might want to consider moving.
When considering if they might want to move, the choices vary depending on their health, mobility, and budget. For many, the thought of moving is frightening. All of their memories and most cherished belongings are in the home. The thought of having to downsize and not have it all with them can become overwhelming.
When considering a move there are a few options to make the plan easier and less stressful. But in my opinion, the best plan is to introduce the client to a Senior Move Manager. A Senior Move Manager will be your advocate through every step of the process. Every company is a bit different and depending on your needs will determine which company you might want to hire.
Some of the services they perform are.
· Develop and execute a plan
· Design a floor plan for the new home
· Organize, sort, and downsize belongings and furniture
· Assist in hiring a moving company
· Arrange for an estate sale, donations, and junk removal
· Pack and unpack non-breakable items such as clothing, linens etc.
· Organize the move from beginning to end
So, now that you have choices, let us assist you in making the choice that is best for you. If you would like to remain in your home, give us a call and let’s discuss your thoughts. We offer a free 30-minute telephone consultation to get you heading in the right direction. We can be reached at 201-638-4410, or on our website at www.settingthestagenj.com
We look forward to hearing from you.