Downsizing is different for everyone, and some avoid doing it altogether. The mistakes occur when people downsize to the wrong place, don’t downsize enough, or don’t downsize until too late. Those mistakes are expensive in time, money, and stress.

To avoid mistakes think it all the way through. Start early and make a realistic assessment of your future needs. Recall the care recipient’s and caregiver’s experiences, then visualize what you need to accommodate your, your spouse’s, and a caretaker’s needs as you age.

When looking at a residential structure prioritize flexibility (spaces, layout, doorways, levels, plumbing, electrical, etc.). Map out the physical changes you could need, estimate the time and cost of making them, and mentally add that to the cost of the house.

Visualize all the things you do now, and how they will get them done if you can’t. Include personal care, housekeeping, meals, money management, medical care, and yard work, etc. You’re likely to want help and should confirm who from and what combinations are workable (spouse, family, friend, hired, community services).

If family members are nearby, how many and for how long? Who will be the primary caregiver, what do they need, and how will they get respite?

Mobility is a necessity. What private and public options can help, both now and if you can’t drive? How walkable is the area, and how far are the things you need? Are the social activities you need and want available and how often?

What medical and emergency services are there? Can you get to doctors easily, and can emergency services respond rapidly?

Visualize yourself as the manager of a CCRC or Life Planning Community that solves these needs by incorporating support for independent, assisted, nursing, and hospice care in a convenient location.