Over the years of publishing INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine, I’ve had countless conversations with readers about housing.
Sometimes it’s a casual “I’ve been thinking about downsizing.” Other times it’s a panicked phone call: “My husband fell. We can’t manage the stairs anymore. What do we do now?”
These conversations were the spark that led me to include Senior Housing Listings in the magazine, twice a year. (You can find these listings on pages 8 & 9.)
It also led me to write a 112-page book: To Move or Not to Move? A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options.
The first edition came out in 2007, and now, nearly two decades and several updates later, having sold over 9,000 copies, I’ve released a fully revised version for 2025.
This book is meant for people who are facing a big question: Should I stay where I am, or is it time to consider a move?
My interest in this topic isn’t just professional. I’ve lived it. I spent 13 years living with my mother-in-law, and I supported her move into a seniors’ residence when the time came.
I also spent over 30 years advocating for my sister, a dependent adult with disabilities, who lived with me in my home.
I know how deeply personal these decisions are. I understand the family dynamics, the emotional weight, and how hard it can be to navigate the health system.
So I wrote this book with one clear goal in mind: to help people plan their housing transition before it becomes a crisis. But if it is already a crisis, this book can still be your lifeline. It offers a starting point, practical guidance, and step-by-step tools to help you move forward.
Let me be clear: this is not a book that tells you what to do. It doesn’t push you to move. Instead, it helps you understand your options so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Maybe staying put is the best choice. Maybe you’d thrive in an independent living community or a co-housing model. Maybe your home is perfect—once a few safety features are added. Or maybe you’re just tired of shovelling snow or mowing the lawn and you’re ready to let someone else do the heavy lifting.
Whatever your situation, the key is to explore your options while you still have choices. The longer you wait, the fewer those choices become.
The 2025 edition includes updated information about housing options in British Columbia—from aging in place to retirement homes to assisted living. It walks you through:
• How to assess your current living situation
• What questions to ask yourself (and your family)
• What to expect when you start looking
• How to talk about money, care needs, and personal wishes
• Who can help you, and how to build your team of support
There are checklists, prompts, and real-life examples to help you think things through. And every chapter is written to be easy to read and easy to use.
Too often, people wait until a health scare or a sudden change forces them to act. That’s when decisions are made quickly—and sometimes regretfully. My hope is that To Move or Not to Move? helps you avoid that. Planning ahead gives you control. It lets you be part of the decision, not just the recipient of it.
I also know that for many people, just starting the conversation is the hardest part. This book can help with that too. It gives you language to use with your spouse, your children, or your healthcare team. It helps you name what matters to you, so you can make your voice heard.
Get Your Copy
The revised edition is available now. With taxes, shipping, and handling, the total cost is $25. You can order it online at www.seniorlivingmag.com/product/to-move-or-not-to-move
To Move or Not to Move | INSPIRED
Simple and straightforward—just like the book itself.
Whether you’re actively planning a move or just starting to think about the future, To Move or Not to Move? might help you see your situation more clearly—and feel more confident about the road ahead.
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Nothing brings the family together like being on the same page when you’re going through a stressful transition. Family members often buy several copies so that aging parents and adult children can read it, compare notes and share ideas. When conversation is difficult, sometimes having a place to start makes things easier.
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This book is also available to businesses and organizations like senior residences, real estate agents, legal firms, accountants and financial advisors for bulk purchase. If you would like to make this book available for resale at your business, or to give it away as a complementary resource to clients, contact us at [email protected] for bulk purchase pricing details.
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