Resources
Valerie Upham, Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Below are resources I am happy to refer to you so your move will be as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Aging and Your Home
The aging process is blamed for many problems seniors may encounter with daily activities. However, quite often it is the home creating the difficulties. Most residential housing is geared to young healthy adults. Builders do not take into account age-related conditions such as reduced mobility or limited range of reach. Hence, dwellings do not support the physical and sensory changes that older adults encounter as they age. What appear to be insignificant home features can have significant effect: for a person with even minor aging issues.Many seniors avoid home modifications and helpful technology items designed for people with disabilities, because these products have an industrial appearance. No one wants to have their home look like a hospital. Consumer demand and computer technology have pushed institutional products to be redesigned and more acceptable in the home. Some of these include:
- Chairs designed for easier in and out
- Enhanced high and low frequency tones for doorbells and telephones
- Grab bars and hand rails with decorator colors
- Hospital type beds with wooden headboards and footboards
- Items that are easier for arthritic hands to handle,
- Larger print for declining eyesight
- On/off buttons with color contrasts
- Walkers in bright hue
Resources from http://www.seniorresource.com/ageinpl.htm
Senior Move Management
Senior Move Management is the profession that assists older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or “ aging in place.” Senior Move Management professionals — Senior Move Managers® — have backgrounds in gerontology, social work, health care, nursing and psychology. Others come to this industry from the corporate world of project management, technology, legal services, accounting or marketing. Senior Move Managers® require a profound commitment to connecting with older adults and a desire to perform meaningful work.
Senior Move Managers® have significant expertise in resources and approaches that save money, reduce stress and produce quality results. Services are client-centered and personalized to meet the client's needs and preferences. Families, particularly, should never doubt the power of an outside expert!
Information is from the National Association of Senior Move Managers
Senior Housing Placement
Senior housing placement care professionals provide warm, compassionate care for seniors and others when they need it most. An assessment and referral will be provided, at no cost, allowing seniors and their families to make informed decisions to meet the seniors’ needs and preferences. They are familiar with elder care resources and communities and the unique aspects of each. Referrals are made only to facilities and organizations that have been visited and evaluated personally by a care professional. Appropriate care options include:
- In Home Care
- Independent Living/Retirement Communities
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care/ Alzheimer’s Care Facilities
- Residential Care Homes/Board and Care Homes
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
Make an informed decision about senior care with someone who can offer a comprehensive solution designed specifically for your unique situation.
Age In Place
"Aging in place" is growing older without having to move. According to the Journal of Housing for the Elderly, it is not having to move from one's present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing needs. Things to consider when making adjustments:
- Downsizing
- Safety Changes
- Socialization
- Remodeling
Estate Sales or Estate Auctions
An Estate Sale, also called a Tag Sale in some parts of the country, is a way of liquidating the belongings of a family or estate. These are usually much more than garage or yard sales. They are used when someone is in need of a way to sell items due to downsizing, moving, divorce, bankruptcy, or death. The public is invited into the home and given the opportunity to purchase any item that is priced for sale. At times there are items that are not for sale because the family has decided to keep them or the new owners of the house have made them part of a contract to buy the house. Estate Auctions are where everything is auctioned instead of being marked with a selling price.
Downsizing Decision Dilemma
Work With The Valerie Upham Team
If you and your loved ones are unsure where to start, our team is here to help. We have a network of trusted professionals ready to assist you. Fill out the form, and we'll connect you with the right resources or experts to help you move forward confidently.