Having the conversation about moving in later life is one families need to have with their parents. But broaching the topic can be tricky if not handled sensitively
New research from Retirement Villages Group has found that having this conversation can be emotional for a third of people (32 per cent) and stressful for a quarter (25 per cent), which is adding to the problem of dealing with the elephant in the room.
The new research also highlights that the main fears of families starting the ball rolling are: parental reluctance (30 per cent), fear of upsetting (29 per cent) or patronising parents (29 per cent).
Let’s start by having the conversation…
Bev Drake, 50, has tried to have the conversation with her 75 year-old mother but the conversation was pushed to one side.
This is because her mother is frightened about the admin and legal paperwork associated with a house move and the fact the house she currently lives in was one she had with her partner, so it’s difficult to imagine leaving.
Bev’s experience highlights how this conversation is one that needs to become more normalised, with accessible ways on how to initiate the chat and ensuring it doesn’t turn stressful or emotional.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer and deciding whether to rightsize involves considering lots of factors.
However, the pros to moving to a property that suits your needs in later life heavily outweigh the cons.
Why rightsizing?
Rightsizing can mean reducing your financial burden, by getting rid of the mortgage payments and paying less on bills – a welcome outcome with the current cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty.
Moving to a smaller home can also mean spending less time doing housework and more time getting out and doing what your parents enjoy most, whether this be socialising or taking up a new hobby!
Rightsizing can also present the opportunity to clear out the clutter and leave parents feeling content knowing there’s no need for a future move.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear it from those who have bought a home at an RVG retirement village
Chris and his wife moved to Gradwell Park near Brighton in East Sussex, from nearby Plumpton.
Their move was prompted by a desire to rightsize and get the most from their retirement years before they were too old to enjoy it properly.
They say it was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.
Moving from a four-bedroom house with a large garden, they’ve found themselves free from the burden of carrying out maintenance jobs, like gardening and cleaning, as it’s all done for you.
The couple chose a spacious apartment with a balcony so they could enjoy the views and sit out in the morning sunshine.
Chris said, “It’s been such a positive move, we’re settled, happy and most importantly we’ve got time back to do what we want to do.”
Ruth chose an apartment in Lime Tree Village, near Rugby in Warwickshire, almost two years ago and still believes rightsizing to the community was the best decision.
She has fallen into community life and loves to get involved.
Whether it’s volunteering to run coffee mornings, to helping at the charity car boot sales she says, “I have the biggest smile on my face every day.
“Everyone is friendly and the staff can’t do enough for you.
“Moving here has made such a difference in my life. I’m happy and contented, I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Making sure there are plenty of positive reasons for people to rightsize means moving to the right development in the right location.
RVG has 16 all over the country with two more opening next year so there is plenty of choice.
Find out more here
