{"id":2646,"date":"2023-04-13T18:51:43","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T18:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/?p=2646"},"modified":"2023-04-26T22:54:31","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T22:54:31","slug":"how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Help Aging Adults Downsize\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Summary<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Aging adults who live in big homes that are not suitable for retirement may want to consider downsizing.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Moving to a smaller home can save aging adults money and energy that can be spent in other ways, like traveling or cultivating new hobbies.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>A medical alert device can help keep your aging parent safe and secure during the downsizing process as well as once they have moved into their new home.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does Downsizing Your Home Mean?&nbsp;<\/h2><p><em>Downsizing<\/em> refers to the practice of selling your existing home to purchase a smaller, less expensive one.&nbsp;<\/p><p>This is typically done when people reach retirement age and no longer have use for a large property or a house with several rooms.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Once the kids have moved out and your needs have changed, you may feel it\u2019s time for a smaller home that requires less upkeep.&nbsp;<\/p><p>One of the biggest advantages of older adults downsizing is that they can save money and move to a home that\u2019s better suited for their golden years. &nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Are People Still Downsizing?<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Downsizing was once a very popular practice, but this trend has shifted somewhat in recent times as more people are opting to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/aging-in-place-comfortably-make-the-most-of-golden-years\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">age in place<\/a> in their own homes.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>A recent survey shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-family\/your-home\/info-2021\/home-and-community-preferences-survey.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">almost 80% of older adults<\/a> want to grow old in their homes. This option may be more expensive than downsizing, as it often involves home modifications and the purchase of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/new-tools-for-helping-aging-parents\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new tools<\/a>, such as smart locks and automatic lights.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Some Reasons Aging Adults Might Need to Downsize?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>When adults reach retirement age, they\u2019re entering a phase of their life where they might not need or want to live in the same home their kids grew up in.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>An adult may also need to move for practical reasons. For example, if the house isn\u2019t appropriate for an older person because it has several staircases and narrow hallways that make it difficult to move.&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-02.jpg\" alt=\"Two flights of white and dark brown wooden stairs in a home. . \" class=\"wp-image-2648\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-02.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-02-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>But this doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that every adult who sells their home is ready to move to a&nbsp;retirement community \u2014 they might just need a smaller home.&nbsp;<\/p><p>If you or a loved one are looking&nbsp;to move into a new space, here are some reasons to seriously consider downsizing:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You can move into your <strong>dream home<\/strong>, not the home you bought to raise your children in.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>You may make a <strong>profit<\/strong> from the sale and be able to sell the household items you no longer need through online auctions, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>A smaller house is <strong>easier to maintain,<\/strong> and may pay <strong>lower property taxes<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>With the money you\u2019ll make \u2014 and the money you\u2019ll be saving\u2014you may be able to&nbsp;pursue other interests, like traveling to places on your bucket list.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When do you know it\u2019s time to downsize?&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Retirement looks different for everyone, and no one can tell you when it\u2019s time to downsize or not. However, planning ahead can help simplify the downsizing process when you or your aging parent are ready to make that transition.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Here are some signs that an existing home is not the right place to grow old in:&nbsp;<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You\u2019re worried about aging in place&nbsp;<\/h4><p>Are your entrances too small to fit a walker? Do you have to climb three flights of stairs before you get to your bedroom?&nbsp;<\/p><p>Your existing home may need too many modifications before it\u2019s suitable for aging in place. You may be better off starting over in a new home that caters to your changing needs.&nbsp;<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Too much unused space or clutter&nbsp;<\/h4><p>Are your children\u2019s rooms still exactly the same as they were before they left for college? Has it been years since you\u2019ve been in your home office? That\u2019s wasted space that still needs to be cleaned and cared for.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Similarly, if there are items in your home that you haven\u2019t used for a year or more, it may be time&nbsp;to get rid of them.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Downsizing helps you clear clutter and sell space that would otherwise not be used.&nbsp;<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The costs are too high<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-03-1.jpg\" alt=\"\nA pair of reading glasses and a pen sitting on a piece of paper that says &quot;Property tax notice: 5% penalty if not paid or grant not claimed by due date.&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-2651\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-03-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-03-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>The property tax and maintenance costs on a large property are no longer justified if you don\u2019t need that space anymore. That\u2019s money that could be invested or spent in some other meaningful way \u2014 like on a new hobby.&nbsp;<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The house holds painful memories&nbsp;<\/h4><p>Losing a loved one isn\u2019t easy but it happens more often the older we get.&nbsp;Downsizing and moving into a new space may mean a fresh start, in some ways. &nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Downsizing and Decluttering: How to Help When It\u2019s Time&nbsp;<\/h2><p>As people age, their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/what-to-do-when-your-parent-keeps-falling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fall risk increases<\/a>. Falls can have tragic&nbsp;consequences for older folks \u2014&nbsp;and a big, cluttered house is an obstacle that can be removed through downsizing.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Adults will have changing needs as they reach retirement and beyond \u2014 downsizing early can help them meet these needs.&nbsp;<\/p><p>There is no \u2018right\u2019 time to downsize. Some people may require more time to make the decision. Here\u2019s what you can do to make the transition smoother.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discuss the downsizing process&nbsp;<\/h3><p>An aging parent should never feel like they\u2019re being forced to sell their home \u2014 especially if there\u2019s sentimental value attached to the place they raised their family. Moving may require them to say goodbye to many treasured items.&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-04.jpg\" alt=\"A father and adult son have a conversation while sitting on a brown leather couch. \" class=\"wp-image-2650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-04.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-04-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>Clearly and calmly discussing the downsizing process with your mom or dad may warm them up to the idea.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Make a list of pros and cons, and weigh what they stand to gain and lose in the process.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anticipate the future needs of your aging parent&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Most older adults will require some form of assistance as they reach a more advanced age. If they develop a <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1BLp0h0pgzCci4XNj2zcU3UQhn5RvS1XPpYKDFJr38d4\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">disability<\/a> in old age \u2014 perhaps due to a fall or a health complication \u2014 they\u2019ll need a home where they can be cared for.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Some basic needs of aging adults include:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Entrance ways that are accessible&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Bathrooms that are safe to use&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Good lighting in and outside the home&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Access to reliable transport&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Access to quality health care facilities&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Help at the touch of a button during emergencies&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decide on the Perfect New Home or Living Facility&nbsp;<\/h2><p>Downsizing is a big decision, and it may not be the right option for everyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Adults with serious chronic conditions or disabilities may need round-the-clock medical care that only a nursing home can provide.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Similarly, an aging adult who needs help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), may need to find a senior living community that offers care services.&nbsp;<\/p><p>However, if your parents desire their own house, they may be able to find a new home that can facilitate aging in place.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools, Tech, and Services That Make Downsizing Easier&nbsp;<\/h2><p>Downsizing is a big job ,and you\u2019ll likely need help from friends and family members with the move.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Writing everything down and setting reminders about what needs to be done and when, can help ensure a smooth transition.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Here are some more things that can go a long way in helping seniors downsize:&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A detailed plan&nbsp;<\/h3><p>After discussing everything and making a list of possible relocation options for your parent(s), you\u2019ll have to create a plan for the entire process. Divide it into sections, and include timelines and dates when each step will be completed.&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-05.jpg\" alt=\"A woman sits in front of a laptop and looks down at a cellphone she is holding. She has a serious look of concentration on her face. \" class=\"wp-image-2652\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-05.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-05-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>Some things to include in your plan are:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The&nbsp;motivations of your loved one for downsizing&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>What they will require at their new home&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>The cost(s) involved in selling and buying a new home&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Everything that needs to be done leading up to the move and beyond&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>The contact details of people who will be directly involved in the process (for example, moving companies and storage facilities)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Any modifications that should be done to the new home for the purpose of aging in place&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checklists&nbsp;<\/h3><p>The checklists you create will form part of the abovementioned detailed plan. There will likely be a multitude of&nbsp;little boxes that need to be checked to ensure a smooth downsizing process.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Make these important documents as you go along and share them with the relevant stakeholders, like&nbsp;family members who may be allocated certain tasks for the move.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Ideally, these checklists should be in the form of shared files online \u2014 this way, when a change is made, everyone is alerted and they\u2019re all on the same page.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Some other checklists you may want to include here are our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/fall-prevention-checklist-for-aging-adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fall prevention<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/aging-in-place-checklist-what-do-i-need-to-cover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">aging-in-place checklists<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Help from professionals&nbsp;<\/h3><p>A professional organizer, senior move managers, aging-in-place specialists, and downsizing specialists are people whose services you may need when you downsize.&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-06.jpg\" alt=\"A man with glasses and a button-down shirt talks on a cell phone. He has a serious and focused look on his face. \" class=\"wp-image-2653\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-06.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize-logicmark-06-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>Get in touch with local experts to ensure you\u2019ve covered everything before moving.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A medical alert device&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Moving can be stressful and a new, unfamiliar environment cab increase the risk of falls. So a medical alert device is a useful tool for an aging adult who\u2019s just moved into a smaller home or is in the process of doing so.&nbsp;<\/p><p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/product-category\/medical-alert-devices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical alert device<\/a> can be worn around the wrist, neck, or waist, and it gives the user access to emergency services with the click of a button.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>A device like this will provide an aging parent with a sense of freedom and security during the process of downsizing. In the event of an accident at their new home, help will be at hand.&nbsp;<\/p><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LogicMark,<\/a> you\u2019ll find a wide selection of medical alert devices. To learn more about how these&nbsp;medical alert devices can keep your aging loved one safe and give you peace of mind, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/customer-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact us<\/a> today.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aging adults who live in big homes that are not suitable for retirement may want to consider downsizing.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2647,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2646","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-caregivers"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2646","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2646"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2646\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2646"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2646"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2646"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}