IN Woodland Hills Summer 2018 | Page 25

INDUSTRY INSIGHT SENIOR LIVING SPONSORED CONTENT Downsizing for Seniors D ownsizing can be a tough process for anyone, but especially for seniors who find themselves with large homes and no children at home to fill the rooms. Oftentimes the family home becomes a storage area for non-essential furnishings acquired over the years. There are several reasons why seniors want or need to downsize. They could be moving into a smaller, more manageable home, they may need to rearrange the home due to mobility needs, or they may be planning a move to a personal care or assisted living community. Regardless of the reason, below are some tips to help when you are ready to downsize: a Get Rid of the Guilt Factor – Many parents feel they are the “keepers” of their family heirlooms and have a hard time getting rid of items they no longer need or have room for. This is the number-one reason people have a hard time downsizing. Look for other family members who would like to have some of these items now. This way, the person or family member receiving the items won’t have to wait to inherit them. Discover The Juniper Village Difference! a Donate Item s to Charity – If family members do not want the items because of their own space limitations or for other reasons, consider donating the items to a charity. Many donations can be tax deductible. Take them to a consignment shop where the items can be sold. Or, consider selling them through eBay, Craigslist and other places on the internet. a Find Movers Specializing in Senior Needs – Moving is stressful for everyone, but some moving companies specialize in making the transition easier with senior-friendly services to assist with the downsizing. They can do the packing, hold estate sales, handle the change of address and much more. Senior Living, Personal Care, and Wellspring Memory Impairment Care Spacious Studios, Suites and One-Bedroom Apartments Available. On-Site Nursing Staff and 24 Hour Assistance with Daily Care Needs. Structured Activities and Programs Seven Days a Week. Delicious Meals and Snacks Daily. Housekeeping and Laundry Services a Reassess Every 5 to 10 Years – Evaluating and reassessing needs every five to ten years can help you or your loved ones avoid collecting clutter and keeping things they no longer need. a Make Everyday Activities and Household Chores Easier – As seniors get older, modern appliances or high shelving can become more difficult to use or simply unnecessary. For safety reasons, remove boxes, accumulated magazines and unread books from bedrooms, hallways and areas of high traffic. Move used items down onto easy-to-reach shelves, and look at ways to adjust the setup in the home to make everyday activities and household chores easier. SM 107 Fall Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15221 www.junipercommunities.com More and more seniors and their children are tackling the huge job of downsizing their parents’ living spaces. Regardless of the reason for your downsizing, summer is a great time to take a look at your environment, reassess your needs, and simplify your or your parent’s lifestyle. For More Information or to Schedule Your Personal Tour, Contact Juniper Village at (412) 244-9901 Today! 100 c 0 m 38 y 47 k 61% 60 c 45 m 0 y 0 k 55% 50 c 46 m 0 y 0 k 57% 43 c 28 m 0 y 0 k WOODLAND HILLS ❘ SUMMER 2018 23