How do you know WHEN it's time to move to single level?

[zerodegrees]

Hi,
So I live in a beautiful, large TWO story house.  For about a year, I have had trouble going down the stairs often, due to spasticity. On the days my balance is off, it's worse. Lately, I have had some near misses going UP the stairs, where I lost my balance and went to the side or backwards. Once it was at work in a concrete stairwell of a hospital.  If you're going to crack your head on concrete I guess it's good to be in a hospital. I take the elevator now.

Anyways, I find that with the stair issue and the large house becoming so hard to maintain that I should move. I recently became separated and will be divorcing. I have two teenagers, but they are often not here. I'm afraid if I fall and no one is here I will be screwed.

Should I wait until I truly can't walk the stairs, or move now because it is a safety issue? Maybe I am over reacting????

I really feel like I'm giving up some of my independence by moving to a one level. Not to mention, a one level house costs more. I want to downsize, but also downsize my mortgage- and these don't go hand in hand.

Feeling really confused.

[immisceo]

Interesting. The ranch-style house I grew up in was definitely the cheap one out of all my friends. Their modest two-story houses were about twice the price! Perhaps that's a Southern thing?

[HVAC]

I have been holding on to rails since I got double vision. I hate large out door stairs with no rail.

Alex

[essdipity]

Nearly 5 years ago I fell on stairs taking my dog out. This resulted in fractures of all 3 ankle bones, followed by major surgery and many months of physical therapy.  I now NEVER use stairs without holding on to the railing. Just isn't worth it. MS largely was the cause of this accident.

ess

[kwarendorf]

Careful is good! I'm much happier on stairs if I'm holding a handrail :-)

Kyle

[zerodegrees]

Thanks for the replies.

I have thought about the chairlift as well. The problem is I have switch back stairs going to the second level and to the basement in the same spot.  You can get the lift for switch back stairs, my layout just does not have enough space. There is no place for the machine to rest on the  main level. Code requires that  you have a certain amount of space for it to rest when not in use. There is a door to the basement on one side of the main stairs, and then the door frame to the kitchen on the other.

I've even considered moving to another two story that has a straight stair case and better lay out to accommodate the chair lift at rest.

I live in the US and single levels always cost more because the footprint is larger.

For now, I am just going to be very careful going up/down the stairs.

[HVAC]

You do not have to make the decision right away. I luckily thought it out when we bought our first home and bought a ranch. It is a 50 year old ranch so the mortgage is not bad. I have had to put bars in. I am also for the stair lift.

Alex

[immisceo]

Where do you live? Outside of the US? I ask because chair-lifts are quite common over here in Ireland where single level houses are in the minority (outside of rural areas) and are often more expensive. In cities, our older population or those with mobility issues typically have no option other than to adapt their multi-level homes or more into an apartment. I also ask because I (originally from the States) usually don't picture downsizing to a smaller one-level with getting a bigger mortgage! Perhaps it's different where you are.

To be honest, many people relish the thought of downsizing as they get older ('older' simply meaning as they get closer to being empty nesters). If it comes to buying a different house, I'd see it as a new opportunity. Your own space for fresh memories as a single woman with older children.

But you may not be there yet. Consider a chair lift before worrying about the nuclear option (selling).

[Katya4]

Couldn't you just get one of those stair lifts for far cheaper than a new home?

I'm not any expert on this problem, It's just the first solution that comes to mind.

Best of luck!