Expert Author Susan Leigh
For many of us our home represents our lives; our accumulated possessions and memories, the different styles and tastes that we have enjoyed over the years, the many stories that have been played out there.
The thought of leaving to live somewhere else is often distressing. As we get older do we move somewhere smaller, perhaps sell our large family home for somewhere smaller and release some capital? Do we move from a house to an apartment? What are the implications, especially if we are now alone?
There is often a certain logic to down-sizing to something easier to manage, less expensive to maintain, but for many people the words 'not just yet' ring out loud. Let's look at some ways that remaining in your own home can be feasible.
- Get help. Some chores can become increasingly arduous as we get older. Would it be possible to get help with heavy cleaning, gardening, shopping? Even if someone were to help only occasionally it would support you in remaining in your own home and be one less burden to consider.
- Meals on wheels can be hired to regularly deliver a cooked meal. This can ensure that you have at least one cooked meal a day. The service can be arranged through your doctor or social services and, like having a home help, means that there will be someone calling on you too.
- Buy a computer. Computers have made life easier for many people. Shopping can be done online and then delivered to your door. Everything, food, books, clothes can all be shopped for online and then promptly delivered to you. Email, skype and social networking sites provide easy contact with friends and family, wherever they may be, and the potential to make new friends and have interesting company at your convenience.
- Consider a pet. A pet can be a wonderful source of love, attention and companionship and they make a house feel like a home. Many hospitals have discovered the therapeutic value of having a friendly dog come to visit. Stroking, grooming and watching their antics are all calming activities. But a pet is also a serious responsibility. A dog needs a walk, whatever the weather. But that can be a good point and many people make new friends whilst walking their dog. Pets need attention, feeding, maybe care from a vet. It is wonderful to have a bird or an animal greet you first thing in the morning or upon arrival home from an errand but they are an expense, a tie and have to be considered whenever you make plans to go away for any length of time.
- Be vigilant about keeping fit and healthy. Remaining in your own home requires you to feel confident about your ability to cope. Pay attention to aches or pains and ensure that any symptoms are treated speedily. Be aware of any change in your mood. For some people the prospect of becoming older can be difficult to come to terms with. Counselling and hypnotherapy are positive ways to support your confidence, attitude and help with any stress or anxiety related symptoms like poor sleeping patterns or low mood and depression.
- Try to exercise regularly. Even if you simply walk to the local shop ensure that you undertake regular exercise. There are some good workouts that can be done sitting down, so exercise and keeping fit is possible at any level. Similarly mental activity is important. Puzzles, crosswords, bridge are all ways to keep your mind mentally alert and exercised.
- Think about sharing your home. Might it be a viable option to convert part of the family home into a granny flat for you and have family live in the remainder of the house? This decision can provide the best of both worlds; independence for you whilst still remaining in your own home, with family companionship and support close by. For some families selling their individual homes and buying a larger one to share jointly is a variation on this option.
Any potential change to your circumstances requires a variety of options to be considered and compromises to be made. By being aware of the many different possibilities you improve your chances of finding the most beneficial outcome at the time.