SmartChoicesBooks.com

Practical guidance for difficult life decisions.

A simple checklist before deciding

This checklist is meant to clarify thinking—not to force a conclusion. Honest answers are more useful than optimistic ones.

Health and safety

  • Can daily activities be done safely without assistance?
  • Is emergency help available quickly?
  • Are stairs, bathrooms, and entrances manageable?

Support and independence

  • Who provides help today, and how sustainable is that?
  • Would additional support be affordable if needed?
  • Does current living allow for social connection?

Financial clarity

  • What are the true long-term costs of staying vs moving?
  • Are modifications, maintenance, or care underestimated?
  • Is flexibility preserved if circumstances change?
Final thought
A good decision is one that remains workable even when conditions change. Planning early makes that possible.