My parents recently moved out of the house they’d lived in for 50 years. A half-century might sound like quite an accomplishment. But they stayed too long.
Their home was a 1940s two-story gray stone house north of Pittsburgh, with a three-quarter acre yard. At the 40-year mark, when my parents were in their mid-to-late 60s, the house began evolving from a safe shelter to a hidden hazard zone. The comfort and familiarity of four decades overshadowed the emerging challenges that would affect them as aging seniors.
The house had no bedroom or bathroom on the main floor, only upstairs. The bathroom situation made it difficult for visitors who were uncomfortable with stairs. The laundry was in the basement, requiring two flights down and two up for every load. Remodeling options didn’t make practical or financial sense.
Written By: Craig Stephens
Published By: www.humbledollar.com