Moving After a Spouse Dies?
One of the realities of losing a spouse or a parent is the impact that event has on living arrangements. Are we living in the “right” place? Is the house too big? Is it too far away from family? Will my surviving parent be safe where they live? Should I move to be closer to mom or should mom move closer to me?
These are tough questions and they come at a time when emotions are running so very high. They also come at a time when income has likely decreased, perhaps requiring a change be made sooner rather than later. Conventional wisdom says wait at least a year before you make any big changes to your living situation, but the reality is waiting a year may not be financially possible. If you are able to slow down and let the dust settle a bit, that is no small blessing.
Really, it all boils down to three considerations: happiness, safety, and finances. The surviving spouse needs to be in a place that not only works financially, but also is safe and happy. You are going to need to use both your rational mind and your emotions if you are to make the best decision.
On the face of it, the financial consideration seems to be the trump card. After all, you have to be able to afford where you live. However, it is not always that simple. When the happiest place is affordable but not the most frugal choice, then maybe happy trumps financially smart? Decisions based on both emotion and rational thought are usually the best decisions.
That emotional happiness factor also impacts the safety issue. Perhaps the safest living arrangement isn’t going to be a happy situation? In that case, put your rational mind to work on finding a way to make the happy place safer.
You have to find the best fit answer for your family. As you are weighing those three considerations, resist the temptation to base the decision on what you think may happen or will happen down the road. Consider the wisdom of making decisions in the present, based on present circumstances. So, if dad is safe, happy and can afford to stay in his present home maybe no change is necessary … for now.
Since 1922, Walker’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services has proudly provided Chapel Hill, Mebane, and Hillsborough, NC, as well as surrounding communities, with personalized, compassionate care. Family-owned and operated, they offer funeral, burial, memorial, and cremation services, focusing on each detail to tell the story of your loved one in a meaningful, lasting tribute. Their locations in Chapel Hill, Mebane, and Hillsborough offer families state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities amid the timeless beauty of these historic properties. Their privately owned crematory in Mebane enables families to rest assured that their loved one is always in the care of their empathetic, professional staff. Visit walkersfuneralservice.com to learn more.
