Seniors considering assisted living must pay close attention to storage space, according to Frances Fuller, author of the bestselling book 'Helping Yourself Grow Old'. Fuller warns that inadequate storage can lead to unexpected challenges and disappointment, with her advice stemming from personal observations and experiences illustrating how insufficient space can create significant disruptions for seniors transitioning to new living environments. The author emphasizes the importance of thoroughly investigating storage options before committing to a retirement facility, with key considerations including closet size, availability of additional storage units, and the relationship between room dimensions and monthly living costs.
Most high-end retirement homes offer cubicle storage spaces that are lockable and accessible, providing residents a place to store seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and other personal items. However, Fuller cautions that these additional storage options should not replace an adequately sized apartment with appropriate built-in storage. When selecting an assisted living facility, Fuller recommends potential residents carefully measure rooms, ask detailed questions about storage, and consider the practicality of their current possessions in the new space. Factors such as closet size, pantry availability, and bathroom storage can significantly impact daily comfort and convenience.
Fuller's insights draw from her personal experiences and are part of her broader mission to provide practical, firsthand guidance on aging. Her book 'Helping Yourself Grow Old' offers a unique, personal perspective on navigating the challenges of later life, distinguishing itself from more academic treatments of the aging process. The storage space consideration reflects a broader theme in Fuller's work: the importance of careful, thoughtful planning when approaching retirement and senior living. By addressing these practical details, seniors can create a more comfortable and satisfying living environment that supports their quality of life during this important transition.
The implications of Fuller's guidance extend beyond mere convenience, touching on fundamental aspects of well-being for seniors. Inadequate storage can force difficult decisions about cherished possessions, create clutter that impacts mobility and safety, and contribute to feelings of displacement during what is already a significant life transition. Fuller's emphasis on storage represents a practical application of her broader philosophy that successful aging requires attention to both emotional and physical needs. This focus on tangible, measurable aspects of living arrangements provides seniors with concrete criteria for evaluation that complement more subjective assessments of facilities.
For families assisting seniors with these decisions, Fuller's storage recommendations offer specific, actionable questions to ask during facility tours and evaluations. The relationship between room dimensions and costs highlights how storage considerations intersect with financial planning for retirement living. By bringing attention to this often-overlooked aspect of facility selection, Fuller contributes to more informed decision-making that can prevent future dissatisfaction and unnecessary moves. Her work underscores that successful transitions to assisted living require attention to both the obvious amenities and the practical details that determine daily quality of life.
