Bruce Nemovitz

We all have financial plans and health care plans, but how many of us have housing plans! We leave one of the most important facets of our lives to chance…where we live! Many of us live in homes that may not fit our current or near future situation. Yet, we continue to ignore signs that it may be time to change our living situation to match our current or near future needs.

I had done a survey of over 700 seniors asking vital questions as to moving and concerns about their living situations. One of the greatest concerns in my survey was the state of their current and future health needs. Many expressed a concern that their home no longer met their health needs and that due to age, they feared the future in their home. Concerns for many are navigating stairs, laundry in the basement, driving at night, bathrooms becoming dangerous, as well as worries about maintaining the home.

Now that the New Year has arrived, it is a good time to take inventory of your current situation in your home so that you don’t leave your decision to change to a crisis. We see far too many folks wait until an immediate health incident occurs, and then the children of these seniors are left to make quick decisions for their parents. That is not the way to plan for our future!

Take a moment to assess your home’s features. Do they meet your needs? Which components of your home could be altered if you wish to stay? Which facets of your home cannot be changed to meet your needs? Are you in a location that is isolating you from your family and friends? Do you have the funds to maintain your home for the next 5-10 years? Can you afford the taxes along with the maintenance? These are just a few questions to get you started.

There are so many types of senior housing offered today. Prices vary as well as payment scenarios. It would be a good idea to take a look at what is available so that you can get a sense of what features are offered in the senior communities, apartments, and condominiums. You may find that your life could be vastly improved by making a move to one of these choices. Senior housing has come a long way in the past 10 years. The communities have listened to you, the senior, as to wants and needs both physically and emotionally.

You could also check into companies that offer home care services and companies that specialize in altering your home structurally to meet your health needs. There are several companies that are ready to help re-design your home to allow you to stay if that is your wish.

Don’t wait for a crisis to make your decision about where and how you will live. It is time to devote as much time to your housing plan as you do to your financial and health care plans!  

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro area for over 29 years. He has just published a book called “Moving in the Right Direction, a Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing”. He works with his wife Jeanne and assistant Boni at Realty Executives Integrity.

Please feel free to call Bruce or his team with any real estate questions, you may have at 262-242-6177, or email at Bruce@BrucesTeam.com