Home Choices for Boomers
Reflecting on the different homes and moves in my life I realized that four moves ago, I thought we were in our final home. My step-mother still lives in our family home and I still visit and cherish the 40+ years of memories that remain there. I remember every room in my grandmother’s home, including the long hall down which I pushed an antique rattan doll carriage. Our homes chronicle our lives. We’ve all known of people who spent their entire lives in one home. Likewise some of you have lived in more places than you can count.
My point is that we have many choices. Today, more than ever, Boomers and Seniors have new options. Choose what is right for you at the moment, keep future needs in mind, listen to the suggestions of loved ones, but decide for yourself. List on paper the elements that are important for you to feel at home and be at home.
You may want to stay right where you are. As long as you are physically able to navigate in the house, you are safe and financially comfortable, stay there, if you want. Your home may need some remodeling to suit your needs over time. You may need increasing levels of care in your home, but it is important to realize you have choices.
For many years, especially in NY State where I lived, many people retired and moved to Florida. This was all well and good when the grandparents were in good health and could travel to see the grandkids, but it also resulted in loneliness and separation for 3 generations. More problems arose when illness or increasing dependence made coping more difficult.
More and more people today who choose to downsize are looking at active retirement communities, either a bit farther south, near the ocean or right in the same general area where they live. This allows freedom from maintenance responsibilities while staying close to family, friends, and familiar services. Before making a move, be sure that your health insurance benefits will move with you and check the medical facilities in the new location. You also don’t want to be where rescue services cannot reach you in an emergency.
Still others today are building their dream homes for their own enjoyment. As one client told me it was time for her parents to have a “Wow” house with a “Wow” kitchen. They got just that, and love it.
Many of us today are bringing a parent or relative to live in our homes. That may be a wonderful blessing for all concerned, but it is not without adjustments by all as the family dynamics change. My life was enriched when my grandmother came to live with us when I was in the 7th grade. Depending on the circumstances it can be a great lesson in compassion and a source of wisdom.
No “one size fits all”, nor do things remain constant. I have yet to not have one or two stray ducks in my row. The important thing to know is that there are numerous choices for Boomers and Seniors and numerous sources of information and counsel. We are living longer and more actively and our voice is more powerful. Explore the options that are right for you. What are the elements you need in your home for it to be “home”?
Helen Flynn, M.S.W., MEd., C.L.C., Realtor®
Direct: 703.328.7187
Weichert Realtors / Clareau Coaching
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