DownsizeOrStay

Accessory Dwelling Units

Annette — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 19:33:35 +0000

ADUs for Aging In Place

This year’s AARP Livability Index (https://livabilityindex.aarp.org/) included information about accessory dwelling units (ADUs), often known as in-law suites and guest houses, for the first time.

After all, ADUs may be an attractive aging-in-place option for the 88% of Americans between the ages of 50 and 80 who, in the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, said it’s very or somewhat important to live in their homes as long as possible.

The rub is that in many places, zoning laws don’t permit ADUs.

But that’s changing, and AARP has been advocating for ADUs. The District of Columbia and California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont have passed laws to allow them.

Know that finding or building an ADU for retirement or multi-generational living takes planning and research well before it’s time to move. Start exploring the housing option at:

Accessory Dwelling Units: A Step-by-Step Guide to Design and Development (https://futureofhousing.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarp-housing/dist/ADU-Catalog.pdf)
The ABCs of ADUs (https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-guide-download.html)

Maintaining yourself

Annette — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 11:32:22 +0000

How Exhausted Caregivers Can Regain Their Momentum

Most caregivers start with noble intentions, enthusiasm, and vigor, but long-term caregiving can wear people down psychologically. Many wind up mechanically completing tasks and losing touch with the essence of caregiving – helping someone they love. Prioritizing connection over tasks is one way emotionally depleted caregivers can replenish themselves and rekindle their enthusiasm. For instance, focus only on crucial to-dos and spend time with a loved one talking and reminiscing. In the long run, it won’t be completing tasks that caregivers remember over time but the small moments of conversation and connection with their loved one.

Welcome to Our Blog

Annette — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:37:05 +0000

For the past year, Lynn Cohen and Annette Reynolds have been sharing their experiences about downsizing with audiences throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Here we will share current information about the various aspects to consider when making the decision to stay in your home or to downsize to another.