One of my favorite clients named Shirley, had a choice to make. Following the death of her husband, she realized the house with all its memories and history could no longer be part of her future. The straw that broke the camel’s back, however, was the $400 she paid someone to rake and remove the leaves. She was vulnerable at the time and is still troubled by the transaction.

Shirley was faced with a dilemma that so many of my senior clients have to deal with. A sudden change in the form of health problems, loss of spouse, financial issues are just some of the complicating factors that enter our lives. Immediate action is required, but so many procrastinate and wait too long, until the problem dictates the coarse of action, many time with the children making critical life decisions.

Shirley made the decision to downsize and move. She currently lives in a 970 sq. ft. senior apartment close to her church, where she attends services, and close to her doctor and dentist. It has two bedrooms, two baths, living and dining rooms, kitchen, convenient laundry equipment and space for the mini van. The facility offers reasonably priced meals if desired, shopping trips, tours and many planned activities. She’s made friends and has become a helpful shopping companion to several women who are unable to get out without assistance.

Deciding to move was a piece of cake for Shirley and she obligingly offers suggestions to others considering relocation. First she says, take an inventory of each room’s contents. Next, invite the family members to take whatever they desire. Then hold a rummage sale and donate to charity anything in good condition but not sold. Contact a consignment center to sell any equipment of value and dump everything else. Finally, don’t look back, just move! You’ll never miss the stuff you didn’t take with you.

It worked for her but she does confess she’s not quite settled yet. Shirley is still deciding what to do with her bell collection and her husband’s camera, coin and stamp collections.

‘I’m in no hurry,’ she chuckles. ‘It’s a work in progress.’

Shirley took charge of her life, and made the decision to get the most out of the life she has been blessed with. You too should assess your situation, and know that there are excellent alternatives that can lead to an improved lifestyle with less worry about maintenance, security, and health related issues.