Planning The Next Phase With Your Adult Child

used to being in their houses, with so much furniture, and many personal belongings around them. Then they tour an assisted living or independent apartment. If it is as small as a studio apartment- one room -- they are shocked and dismayed. Even though some of them seem quite spacious, with a small kitchenette, full bathroom, and lovely view out of the windows, it is still quite a difference from what Mom or Dad is used to.

But often the reality is that the great big house they are used to is going to waste. Think about what rooms are actually being used. In most cases, it is the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Perhaps one other room as well. It is a good idea to discuss this before starting to tour so the potential resident has a realistic view of what he or she needs when the time comes to look. Then focus on the rest of the building. After all, the many common areas of the building are the rest of your house! Is there a library? You can sit there and read books. A lobby? The perfect place to sit with friends to chat between activities or before dinner. There may be small alcoves with comfortable furniture, or special rooms set aside for games or cozy reading rooms. The point is: the entire building is your home; not just your own apartment. So don’t just tour the apartment. Be sure to look at everything as though you will use it all.

The same thing applies to the furniture. When was the last time your parents used the full dining room set? If it is something that is used only once a year or less, keep in mind that their new residence will most likely have a private dining room that can be reserved for private parties. In other words, look practically at household possessions.

There is a new industry of senior relocation services that has been created specifically to help aging adults prepare to leave their long-time homes and move into smaller residences. These experts will look at both the new space and the old and, for a fee, help to make the tough decisions about what to bring and what to leave. They are experienced in knowing what will fit, what is necessary, what is an emotional need, and how to make it all

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