Downsizing for Seniors
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
Empty nesters sometimes find their home is too large to fit their needs anymore.
As we age, our homes are filled with fewer family members and space becomes vacant. These extra rooms and spaces can create a hollow sensation of the home.
Your senior may have been living like this for a while.
If you are noticing that the rooms are being used as extra storage or have not been used in years, collecting dust, it may be time for your senior to downsize.
As you consider downsizing your senior to a smaller living space that fits their needs well…
Take a moment to look at their current home.
Are there too many stairs?
Is only one floor being utilized?
Are there empty rooms or rooms never lived in?
Is there too much clutter and storage, risking falls for your aging parent?
Has the yard become unmanageable?
While downsizing can be a challenge to your senior’s emotional well-being, especially if they’ve lived in their home for decades, try to encourage a smaller space.
Most people can find that living within their means with just enough space is relieving and stress-free.
Encourage Your Senior to Downsize
Bring the old with the new. If they are moving into your home, give them the option to make the space you give them their own. Add elements of their favorite decorations, pictures, furniture, or anything else they can’t bare to lose during this transition.
Eventually, you can discuss decluttering, but for now, give them a little piece of home to bring with them. Blend your decor with theirs.
Make it attractive. Perhaps you can encourage your elderly family member to find attractive ways to make their new home. Look at new spaces together.
Is there a home nearby your own? Get them to window-shop or look at photos of decorations that match their interest. Some seniors will accept the idea of moving if they see living spaces that pique their interest or are next to their loved ones.
Benefits of Downsizing for Seniors
Minimal maintenance. Since your senior is choosing to age in place and live independently, maintenance is a tremendous benefit! The less for them to clean and manage will help keep them feeling fulfilled and living in a clean environment.
It will also be a safe environment because they will not need to overburden themselves with unnecessary cleaning or yard work. Give them just enough of what they need.
Save money. Less space means less cost. Not only will the price per square footage be cheaper, but the cost of energy will also be. If your senior runs the heater or air conditioner often, the overall cost per month will be a big saver.
There are many benefits to downsizing your senior loved one. Ones not listed here have to do with their emotional and mental well-being.
Think about your own space when it’s decluttered.
How do you feel when your home is manageable and easy to move around?
How does an empty or underutilized room make you feel?
While at first you may experience resistance with your aging parent, in time, they may see the benefits and feel overjoyed about their new living space.
Home is always where the heart is. If their heart is with it, their home will be, too.
For more information about downsizing your senior, contact us.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about moving your aging parents into a smaller place and should not be construed as medical advice.
