According to a recent AARP study, three out of four adults age 50 or older want to stay in their homes as they age. What exactly does it mean to “age in place?”

“Aging in place” doesn’t necessarily mean staying in your current home. It means staying in the right home. The options are wide open; the home you live in now could be modified to meet your current and future physical needs, or it may be best to find a new home that fits the bill completely.

Condominiums can be a great choice for aging in place as they are most often low maintenance, and many communities offer amenities such as workout rooms, pools and activities. As we grow older, it is important to remain active and socially engaged.

Both high-rise condominiums and 55-plus communities offer many social opportunities for those wishing to keep their independence while avoiding becoming socially isolated.

Here are examples:

• In a high-rise setting, conversation with other residents and building staff present themselves throughout the course of any day while picking up your mail, taking your dog out for a walk, etc.

• Front desk and building staff often get to know their residents and their habits, recognizing if something is off.

• Resident events are a common occurrence in high-rise settings as well as 55+ communities. You’ll most likely have plenty of chances to join your neighbors at a movie night, ice cream social, or holiday event.

• Many communities will have a pool and fitness center offering ways for you to keep active.
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• Join a club or group. If there isn’t already a club or group that matches your interests, perhaps you could be the one to get it started. Whether it’s a book club or Bunco group, there’s a good chance there’s someone else with the same interests.

The National Association of Senior Move Managers® is proud to award the NASMM@Home Specialist credential to Julie Ulrich of TimeWise, Inc., servicing the South Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
 
The NASMM@Home Specialist designation is awarded to individuals demonstrating an advanced understanding of Aging In Place concepts and services as they relate to 
the Senior Move Management® profession.
 
“NASMM@HOME Specialists provide guidance, encouragement, and hands-on help. They understand the physical and emotional stresses associated with later lifestyle changes, as well as the ethical, safety and communication issues that accompany working with older adults, said Mary Kay Buysse, Executive Director of NASMM.”  Later in life, or at any age, our homes often become cluttered with our "stuff." Our homes don't work as well for us as they did a few years ago, or maybe decades ago. Most of us are overwhelmed by the daunting prospect of downsizing, de-cluttering, organizing, and discarding. We may need a lot of help, or just a little encouragement and assistance. Either way, a NASMM@HOME Specialist can provide you with services to allow you to stay in your current home. 
 
TimeWise, Inc. has specialized in providing custom tailored lifestyle management solutions for corporate clients, entire condominium communities, busy individuals, and Seniors since 2002.  Most recently the company has launched a division based in Chesapeake, VA, dedicated to serving older adults and their families by offering Senior Move Management and Concierge Services.
 
The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is the leading membership organization for Senior Move Managers in the United States, Canada and abroad. NASMM is recognized for its innovative programs and expertise related to Senior Move Management, transition and relocation issues affecting older adults. NASMM members represent the most qualified and capable Senior Move Managers in this growing profession. For more information contact NASMM at 877-606-2766 or info@nasmm.org. Visit the NASMM website at www.nasmm.org.

Are you “tidying up?” Decluttering feels great, but what will you do with all the stuff you decide to get rid of? If selling your cast-offs isn’t your cup of tea, consider passing them along to others in need.

Where to turn for help? If you’re donating many different types of items, your easiest option may be donationtown.org, a nationwide directory of charitable organizations that accept clothing, furniture, shoes, toys, household items, and more. Just enter your zip code, select a group, and schedule a pickup.

When donating specific types of items, consider these options:

• Small electronics To support the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, visit ncadv.org/donate-a-phone, where you can print a free shipping label and donate cell phones and select digital electronics. Cell phones, smartphones, and tablets can also be donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com for drop-off locations or to print a shipping label.
  Reminder: Before donating cell phones or other devices containing personal data, remember to remove the SIM card or restore the original factory settings.
• Furniture The Furniture Bank Association of North America (furniturebanks.org) has over 80 locations in the U.S. and Canada that coordinate donations of gently used furniture and household furnishings to families in need.
• Books Check your local library. Even if they don’t accept donations, they may offer a collection day in conjunction with an annual book sale. You can also donate paperback books to troops, veterans, and military families through operationpaperback.org. 
• Sporting goods and equipment Your community recreation center or local YMCA may be interested in these items.
• Clothing All major charitable organizations will accept new and gently worn clothing. But don’t assume old and torn items must go into a landfill. Many retailers will recycle any brand of clothing and some offer store credit. For starters, check American Eagle, H&M, Patagonia, and The North Face.
• Shoes Visit soles4souls.org for a list of drop-off locations or to request a free shipping box.
• Toys and children’s books Clean plastic toys are collected in select east- and west-coast markets via secondchancetoys.org (Check site for drop-off locations.) Local schools and daycare centers may also be interested.
• Old towels and blankets The Humane Society and other pet rescue shelters will happily accept these, along with various pet supplies. 

A few charities in Hampton Roads that offer pick-ups...
CHKD Thrift Stores
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Disabled American Veterans
Hope House

If the thought of doing your own decluttering gives you anxiety, contact us!  We may sound crazy, but we LOVE a good challenge. Nothing makes us happier than knowing we made someone else's life a little less stressful. :)