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PAGE 6 - SOUTHWEST MESSENGER - <strong>March</strong> 24, <strong>2019</strong><br />
Active Lifestyles<br />
www.columbusmessenger.com<br />
<br />
<br />
Franklin County Board of Commissioners: Marilyn Bown • John O’Grady • Kevin L. Boyce<br />
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners and The Franklin County Office on Aging join with the <strong>Messenger</strong> Newspaper in providing this update on aging issues in Franklin County.<br />
Are You Considering Moving To A Smaller Home?<br />
Are you considering moving to a smaller home or maybe one that is more “senior friendly”?<br />
Have the hardships of Ohio winters made you vow to never shovel another snowy<br />
sidewalk? Studies have shown that more than 85% of adults over 65 would like to stay in<br />
their home as they age. What you have to examine carefully is whether the decision to stay<br />
put is practical and feasible.<br />
To Move or Not to Move<br />
Deciding to stay at home or move to a more supportive environment can be a difficult and<br />
emotional decision. Older adults who relocate usually do so as a result of retirement, the<br />
loss of a spouse or health changes.<br />
If you are a homeowner and are considering moving, here are some points to consider:<br />
• Does your house need major work in the next few years (a new roof, windows or doors,<br />
furnace, exterior updating)?<br />
• Will the layout accommodate you as you get older? Are there too many stairs and no<br />
main-floor bathroom?<br />
• Does the community lack the resources you need, such as adequate health care,<br />
shopping and public transit? Accessible public transportation is vital to independent<br />
living. Could you stay in your current home if you or your spouse could no longer drive?<br />
• Is there smaller, less expensive but suitable housing in your neighborhood, so you can<br />
remain near friends and relatives?<br />
“Ask yourself many questions about the physical practicality of the house and of your plans<br />
to stay in it,” says Toronto author P.J. Wade in Have Your Home and Money Too (John Wiley<br />
& Sons, 1999).<br />
“As you age, so does the house. Will it age well? What do you really love about living there?<br />
Make a list of your needs and desires. Could you satisfy those needs and desires and<br />
perhaps others as well with other housing?”<br />
Assess the cost of major repairs and modernizations that may become necessary over the<br />
next 10 years. These upgrades – and any resulting increases in property taxes – must be<br />
factored into your budget when you’re deciding whether to stay or move.<br />
“As we age, services become more important,” Wade goes on to say. “Assess your chosen<br />
community and the variety of services it has to offer when you are analyzing whether to age<br />
in place.”<br />
Making Due with Less<br />
It isn’t always feasible to move a lifetime of memories with you. With proper planning, you<br />
can be sure to select the most meaningful items and eliminate the rest. If you haven't used<br />
something in a year or two decide if you really need it. It may be more difficult to part with<br />
collectibles, so concentrate on paperwork. Consult your tax adviser to see how long you<br />
must keep tax records and receipts and toss everything else. If you continue to store your<br />
children’s belongings years after they have moved out, ask them to help you pare these<br />
down to a few precious items.<br />
Tips for purging the excess:<br />
• Hold a garage sale to get rid of extra belongs and earn cash to help may finance your<br />
move.<br />
• Consider working with a consignment shop to sell gently used items.<br />
• Donate items to family, friends and charity --- particularly nontraditional charities that<br />
service fire victims, immigrants or the homeless.<br />
• Consider holding an auction to sell furniture or large items of value.<br />
Explore all Your Options<br />
Many options are available if the escalating cost of homeownership is a primary reason for<br />
your move.<br />
• Inquire about government programs that may help relieve the financial burden. In<br />
Franklin County property tax payment plans allow older and low-income homeowners to<br />
establish payment arrangements that fit their budgets and possibly leave more income<br />
for daily living. Call the Franklin County Treasurer’s office at (614) 525-3438 for more<br />
information.<br />
• You may qualify for home renovation grants or loans to help with needed repairs. For<br />
more information call the City of Columbus at (614) 645-8526 or your city’s development<br />
department.<br />
• Using the equity in your home to make needed repairs or modifications might also be an<br />
option. Check with you current mortgage lender or the Better Business Bureau for tips<br />
on selecting these services.<br />
Moving a houseful of memories can be overwhelming, but careful planning can offset much<br />
of the stress. Seek advice from other seniors who have recently moved. View this as<br />
another adventure to add to your impressive list of lifetime achievements.
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