Don’t wait until it’s too late

But the longer this is put off, the harder it becomes, and the decision to sell will often be made for them by others.

The main reason why elderly people have to move is that the maintenance and upkeep of the existing family home becomes too much for them to handle.

The stress and uncertainty of selling and moving to a new environment becomes more difficult and scary the older we get.

While delaying moving house may, at the time, be the least stressful option, there will come a time when we reach a point where we are forced to move. This may be caused by an event beyond our control, such as a health problem or the unfortunate loss of a partner.

It is also understandably natural to be reluctant to sell the family home because it is full of sentimental memories and personal attachments.

But once the kids have moved out and you are getting older, it’s time to plan the next stage of your life while you are both healthy and can control and enjoy the move.

When you make the decision to move while you are in charge, you can choose to move anywhere you like. It may be a low maintenance unit with a small garden, an apartment or a retirement village. Whatever you decide to do, it will be your own choosing and nobody else’s.

The decision to sell the family home is an emotional and difficult time but change is inevitable.

Make the decision to improve your quality of life while you can, don’t leave it till it’s too late, when you’re not in control, and you are forced to move to a place you’d rather not go.

By Paul Kounnas