Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Step 2 – Identify Your Obstacles and Concerns
Before you can plan effectively for the future, it’s important to understand what’s not working in the present. Step 2 in our 12-step planning process invites you to take an honest look at your current living situation and identify the obstacles that may be affecting your safety, comfort, or quality of life.
This step is not about focusing on limitations—it’s about gaining clarity. By writing down your concerns, you begin to see what needs to change and why. This process helps you prioritize next steps and gives your family and advisors a clear picture of your needs.
Why This Step Matters
Everyone faces challenges as they age. What matters most is how you respond. Identifying your obstacles now—before a crisis—puts you in control and allows you to plan proactively.
Understanding your current barriers can help you:
- Clarify what’s preventing you from living the life you want
- Prioritize changes that will improve your safety and independence
- Communicate your needs clearly to family members and professionals
- Lay the groundwork for future decisions about staying or moving
Use the Obstacles Worksheet to Get Started
We’ve created a simple, guided tool to help you reflect:
📄 [Download the Aging in Place Obstacles Worksheet]
For each obstacle, describe:
- What the issue is
- Why it concerns you
- How it impacts your daily life
- What you’ve tried (if anything) to address it
To help stimulate your thinking, consider these common categories:
- Physical Environment (e.g., stairs, lighting, layout)
- Health and Mobility (e.g., fatigue, chronic conditions)
- Daily Living Activities (e.g., cooking, bathing, errands)
- Safety Concerns (e.g., fall risks, emergency access)
- Social and Emotional Well-Being (e.g., isolation, anxiety)
- Transportation and Access (e.g., driving, public transit)
- Financial Stress (e.g., home repair costs, care expenses)
Example Entry
| Obstacle | Why It Concerns Me | Impact on Daily Life | What I’ve Tried |
| I have trouble using the stairs to get to my bedroom. | I’m afraid of falling, especially at night. | I avoid going upstairs during the day and sleep on the couch. | I’ve looked into stair lifts but haven’t taken action yet. |
What’s Next?
Once you’ve identified your obstacles, you’ll be better prepared to explore solutions. In our next post, we’ll talk about Step 3: Gathering a Trusted Team of Advisors—the professionals who can help you evaluate your options and create a plan that supports your goals.
Want the Full Guide Now?
If you’re ready to dive deeper into all your housing options without waiting for the full blog series, you can download the complete workbook today. Navigating the Next Chapter: Housing Options for Seniors in Transition is packed with expert insights, practical worksheets, and step-by-step guidance to help you or a loved one make confident, informed decisions.
Click here to get your complimentary copy now.
About Forevermore Homes
We’re the Forevermore Homes Team of Coldwell Banker, and we’re passionate about helping seniors and their families make confident, informed decisions about housing and care. Whether you’re modifying your home, downsizing, or exploring senior living options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
