Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, my experience has been that many individuals, couples, and families are on the move, including seniors, and the move can be anywhere from a few miles down the road to far across the country. This does not eliminate the possibility of purchases overseas but, since the pandemic has severely restricted travel, it is possible that may come later.
I see evidences of the moving trend in my elder law practice as our office works out plans which might involve reviewing contracts for senior communities or financing or titling. I see it also as we discuss strategies for families where parents move in with children after possibly advancing the cost of adding an “in-law suite” or making other renovations or advancing ideas for adult children and parents purchasing homes together. Legal work can involve everything from preparing Family Agreements defining the rights and responsibilities of the parties to review of titles and finances, review of estate documents to reflect parents’ wishes with a new plan and even review of detailed architectural plans. This is a time when my prior experience working with architects can come in handy in the right case.
Reports after the spread of COVID-19 seem to have focused on young families and their need for added space, whether to add a home office to accommodate working from home or to provide more room for children to participate in online classes. The reasons for senior moves might be different.
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In an article posted by Caring Transitions, “Senior Rightsizing: Trends Among Seniors Selling Their Home” published online on February 21, 2018, the author noted “s the idea of retirement is changed daily by Baby Boomers, there is a growing group of seniors who decide they want retirement to be a time for new experiences or developing deeper bonds.”
Finally, the article concludes by citing a survey, “Project Looking Glass III: From The Outside,” https://seniorhousingnews.com/2015/11/12top-reasons-for-moving-to-a-senior-living-community/ which states that the top three reasons for senior moves include change in health for you or your spouse, freedom from home maintenance responsibilities, and a desire for peace of mind. Where there are questions, seek help. Decisions can be easier to make with assistance.
Esquire, Colliton Law Associates, P.C. Janet Colliton has practiced law for over 38 years, 37 of them in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Her practice, Colliton Law Associates, PC, is limited to elder law, Medicaid, including advice, applications and appeals, and other benefits planning including Veterans benefits, life care and special needs planning, guardianships, retirement, and estate planning and administration.