Why Caretakers of Seniors Should Consider Upsizing

One of the toughest things about getting older is watching your parents themselves get older. This becomes even more difficult if one of your parents has recently lost his or her spouse. This loss, coupled with the general issues of aging, may lead you to the conclusion that it might be best for you to move in with your parent. Recently, “upsizing,” or buying a bigger house, has become a solution for people in this situation.

Why Is Upsizing Popular with Seniors?

While traditional logic dictates that downsizing is the best way to save money in retirement, an increasing number of seniors — around 30 percent — have started to upsize in the past decade. Of those who originally planned to downsize, around half ended up deciding to upsize instead. The specific reasons vary, though most revolve around family or comfort; some seniors want to accommodate their growing family and provide enough space for their grandchildren to play, while others look for better community amenities. Larger homes generally have open floor plans with wider hallways, which help to make navigating the house much safer, even with reduced balance and vision. Finally, a larger home can help house both you, your family, and your aging parent while providing enough space for your parent’s care.

The Decision to Move in with Your Parent

Particularly if your parent is disabled or has recently lost his or her spouse, you may find it necessary to move in with your parent. Before you make the decision, examine their abilities. Do they have difficulty preparing their own food, navigating their house, or processing information? Pre-existing health or mental problems may be exacerbated by the loss of their spouse, so it may be a good idea to move in.

However, their current house may not be adequate for either of your needs. As with any major change, you should carefully plan your move before jumping into the market. First, make sure your parent is willing to move (this may be a difficult conversation, as your parent will likely be emotionally attached to the house). Next, start looking for a home that provides them with enough independence as they need. For most seniors, a one-story house (or a house with a bedroom on the lowest floor) is ideal. Look for large hallways and doorways that can accommodate a walker or a wheelchair; similarly, make sure the rooms, including the bathroom, are big enough for your parent to navigate. The house should also be easily accessible from the driveway, with a ramp, if necessary, and a clear, wide path to the door.

Finally, notice the surrounding neighborhood. Is there a nearby senior center or recreation area? Particularly for grieving seniors, social connections are important for their general health.

Home Modifications for Seniors

Even if your chosen house is ideal for your senior parent, you may still want to modify your home slightly to make it safer. Small changes can make a big impact; improving the home’s lighting and placing nightlights in each room can help them navigate, while removing rugs and adding no-slip pads in slick places like showers can improve their stability. Grab bars can be installed in tougher areas as a cost-effective safety net, while adding a curbless shower will make showering much easier.

Moving in with your aging parent is a big decision, one that can simplify your position as their caretaker and help ensure their continued safety and quality of life. Upsizing allows you to choose a home that accommodates your senior parent’s needs, and additional modifications can make your house even safer.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Thank you to Lucille Rosetti for her input.

Carol Gilles, of the RealEstate Group, has been helping buyers and sellers for over 38 years, including a focus on working with seniors and their families to help make their move a smooth transition.  Carol can be reached at 310-864-9738 or Carol@CarolGilles.com