Change is seldom easy, no matter who you are, how old you are, or how you have lived your life. As people get older, however, they tend to become set in their ways, so it can seem even more taxing when they must deviate from the status quo. Yet dramatic lifestyle changes are frequently necessary for the elderly. An example would be when it comes time for a senior individual to downsize from a large condo or family home into assisted living or a smaller senior apartment home.
This can be dramatic for a couple of reasons. Not only are they leaving behind an environment they have become very used to, but it makes the reality they are aging unavoidable. Ask any senior – “getting old” isn’t for the faint of heart! But that doesn’t mean it has to be miserable or unnecessarily limiting. There are ways through which aging can be enjoyable and new living arrangements made to feel like home.
A lot can depend on the new home environment. Later, we’ll recommend the best place to find your new senior apartment home.
Handling Downsizing
Moving to a senior home isn’t the same as simply picking up and moving into a house that’s the same size you’ve been living in, or a little smaller. This is a big change. Items may end up going into storage or sold, but some definite purging of belongings is likely on the horizon. Take your time making decisions about what’s coming with you.
Start off by deciding what pieces you feel the strongest about holding onto. If there are keepsakes that won’t be coming with you, you may want to see they stay in the family. Other items that don’t come along, as just suggested, can be either stored or sold. Whereas selling things can bring in a little bit of money, you will probably pay a pretty penny to store them unless you know someone with a large attic, basement, garage, etc.
Decorating and Furnishing
While you may decide to keep any number of furnishings, artwork, small kitchen appliances, and more, remember this is a great opportunity to start fresh. If you absolutely love the couch, make sure it comes with you, as long as it fits. But if you’ve grown tired of your bedroom set, living room group, dining room set, etc., this is an awesome opportunity to re-create your environment. This, in part, will help make your new abode truly feel like home sweet home.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Again, it’s okay to take your time adjusting to your new surroundings. This is your home now; take as much time as you need to make it feel like yours. Add small touches at first if you’re uneasy about redecorating your entire space. Others choose to simply start from scratch with every room.
Since this is your new living quarters, it’s all up to you. The sky’s the limit, in many cases!
Explore Discovery Village At The Forum’s Senior Apartment Homes
Are you looking for a senior apartment home for yourself or a loved one? check out what we have to offer at Discovery Village At The Forum. Once you see what we’re all about, feel free to compare us to others. We think you’ll find the best opportunity for enjoyable senior living at our community.
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