Housing
We want to maintain the independence and freedom that comes with aging safely at home. Use this booklet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify areas where you can reduce your risk of injury in your home:
Check for Safety At Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults
6 Simple Steps to Stay Safe at Home
1. Install grab bars in the bathroom.
2. Move things you can trip over-electric cords, clothes, papers, furniture.
3. Keep everyday items within reach so you don’t need a step stool.
4. Get rid of throw rugs or securely tape them down.
5. Clean up spills-liquids, food, body powder are all slippery on the floor.
6. Ask for help.
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If you are looking for Assisted Living facilities Click Here. If you are looking for Nursing Home Information Click Here
Moving Expenses
Financial Assistance for moving expenses may be available to individuals who receive SSI. Click here to learn more. Or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213
Downsizing
Moving to a smaller home, condo or apartment requires downsizing-also known as reducing the amount of “stuff” you possess. Giving away, donating, selling, and tossing our “stuff” can stir up memories and emotions that produce a great deal of anxiety. Many of us admit that we have too much “stuff” and need to get rid of it.
10 Steps to Downsizing
1. You DON’T have to do it all at once.
2. Remember-it’s just stuff! Stuff isn’t the person who wore that costume, or the toddler who needed that toy-those memories and emotions will always live within you.
3. Downsizing one room at a time is perfectly ok-(just don’t move items from one room to the next).
4. Inheritances may be more treasured when received while you can share your story about the items.
5. Enlist family and friends to help you. Offer your “stuff” to your helpers but accept that the answer may be No Thank You.
6. Divide “stuff” into Keep, Sell, Donate=There is No “Maybe” pile.
a. Broken, stained, or chipped items need to be thrown away.
b. Do you use the item regularly or are you saving it for “someday”? Let it go!
7. Research to identify what is valuable and what isn’t-you may be surprised! Sell your items at a yard sale, estate sale, consignment shop or auction.
8. Check with an accountant to determine what financial records need to be kept and for how long. Prevent identity theft -shred any documents that have account numbers or your personal information.
9. Cherished items can be photographed instead of kept. Digital images can be displayed as a computer screen saver or in a digital photo frame.
10. You can hire a Professional Senior Move Manager.
Consider donating to the following:
Rhode Island Donation Exchange accepts furniture in good condition, kitchen & housewares
Executive Office of Health & Human Services Nursing Home Transition Program helps individuals leave nursing homes and return to the community. They accept household goods.
Salvation Army accepts furniture and household goods
Towels, blankets and sheets may be donated to your local animal shelter.
Books, CDs & DVD’s can be donated to your library where you can use them again at any time.
Lions Clubs accepts glasses for recycling.
Twin Rivers Hearing Health, Inc. accepts hearing aids for people in need in other countries.
Vietnam Veterans of America accepts clothes and household goods in good condition for Veterans in need. You can schedule a pickup at your location.