The thought of downsizing always puts me in mind of my husband’s mother who moved from her house into a senior community. She started out in an apartment, then moved into assisted living and even a nursing facility as she aged and her needs changed. All were in the same location, within blocks of each other. She never lost her community connections and the staff helped her through all of the transitions. It was especially valuable for us because she lived over a thousand miles away and we couldn’t be there to help or visit as often as we might have liked. 

My mother also moved into senior housing a few years after Dad passed and when she couldn’t manage on her own anymore. It was a good placement for her as she found companionship and support. There were people who would do her laundry, clean her apartment and prepare healthy meals for her. She was able to participate in activities with the group and there was a small outdoor space where she could help care for the flowers. It was a safer alternative to living alone in a single family home. There was even a nurse on-site for emergencies, it was a very good fit.

The idea of moving out of our house is terrifying because we have been here for over 20 years. I have to admit that sometimes it would be nice to have someone else taking care of things. Then I look at the huge senior facilities being built in our community and am reminded of beehives. I picture the residents as queen bees and the staff as their workers. There doesn’t seem to be any space for privacy or individuality. Perhaps that is an okay trade-off, but would it work for me? What about those days when I just want to hang out in sweats, would I fit in?

Am I, are we, ready for a change? I don’t think so, not yet, but the day may come’. I need to keep an open mind about all our options. We never know where my husband’s diagnosis will take us, the day may come when a hive is the right fit. And my husband says I’d make an awesome queen bee….bzzzz.