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Most individuals don't consider moving a senior loved one into a new home until the time comes. It's normal to have inquiries concerning the procedure, particularly about preparation for the relocation. Use our senior moving guide to assist you in organizing every stage of the procedure, from planning to move-in day.
1. Consult with an elderly loved one regularly
Most people experience a mixture of excitement and sadness when they move into a new home, but older adults may experience the transition particularly hard if they don't feel as though their feelings are acknowledged or as though they have no choices in the planning process, which begins with the decision to move. Senior support groups often advise moving into an accessible home prior to cognitive and physical deterioration, while every senior's circumstances are unique. They can age in place longer thanks to this preventive measure.
By being in continual contact with your senior loved one regarding the desire to relocate, the best housing option, and moving-day specifics, you can make sure they feel heard and respected.
2. Examine resources for senior living
Moving your elderly relative is a difficult decision, but the more you understand the procedure, the more you can explain to them and allay their worries. The good news is that many businesses and organizations, including regional NGOs and relocation experts, are specialized in this transition. Additionally, several neighborhood moving businesses provide older citizens with free or subsidized services.
When deciding whether to relocate your senior into assisted living or an independent living complex, you may get greater assistance using these resources:
- Association of Retired Americans (AARP)
- Eldercare Finder
- Nationwide Senior Move Managers Association (NASMM)
3. Take a senior move manager into account
A senior move manager is a qualified and trained organizer who can assist elderly citizens in settling into their new residence. They provide a range of services, including hourly planning, organizing, and consulting assistance in addition to full-service, concierge-style transfers. The greatest senior move managers accompany the senior during the relocation and lessen your stress levels and workload.
4. Select the proper housing fit
Depending on your senior's priorities, it could take some time to find the ideal housing match. With a senior care manager, pay attention to their requirements and talk about their preferences.
Some of the aspects to think about are as follows:
- Level of on-site medical care required
- Opportunities for socializing
- Quantity of scheduled activities both inside and outside the property
- Options for meals
- Layout and amenities of a room or apartment
-Decorating principles, such as changing the lighting, painting, hanging TVs, and artwork
- Alternatives for furniture, such as all-inclusive or bring-your-own
5. Show your senior around their new house
Before moving day, pay your loved one's new house many visits. You may arrange in-person meetings and ask to see a sample of their future residence, whether it be an apartment, room, or house. You may also ask for a floor plan, videos, and images for future reference. These tools are useful for determining the optimum locations for a beloved book collection and favorite armchair. You may attempt to imitate the arrangements that make your loved one happy after witnessing the layout of the new home, such as a dining room table with a window view or a comfortable corner chair to read in.
6. Prepare to bring in both new and old items
It's crucial to talk about how your senior would like their new house to feel and appear with them. Would they wish to reenact aspects of their previous house and take comfort in familiarity? For instance, it is soothing to arrange personal belongings on shelves, in pictures, or in other familiar ways. Do they want to start over and get the gorgeous velvet sofa they've always wanted, or what? Make sure to allow room in your home for any new objects your senior may like for their new stage of life. Ask the housing community about the move-in procedure before moving day, such as where to park moving trucks and where the elevators are located.
7. Get ready to move early
Start early and allow you and your senior plenty of time to prepare whether or not you decide to engage a senior move manager to assist with the transfer. Hurried decluttering adds to the stress and sense of loss associated with relocating.
With your loved one, go over these choices for downsizing:
- Speak with your senior move manager first. They have a huge network of deserving charity to whom they may give your senior's belongings.
- Most home items may be picked up by several groups, who then donate them to nearby charity shops. Your senior may then be eligible for a deduction at tax time.
- Consider donating useful objects to local organizations like the Girl and Boy Scouts, after-school programs, and religious institutions if your senior has unique collections.
- Make sure priceless artifacts are given the respect they deserve, and consult with experienced collectors regarding preserving, giving, or selling the collection.
Estate Sales
An additional choice is to have a yard sale to assist organize your senior's house and find new homes for goods. Schedule a donation pick-up for the remaining goods and make arrangements for the clearing and pricing process. Your older citizen could use a yard sale as a method to say farewell to friends and neighbors.
8. Take your time on move-in day
If your loved one is still uncomfortable with the adjustment, the companionship will ease their burden and lift their spirits. Plan to unload the bigger furniture items first because you've already planned out the new furniture layout and should know what to expect inside. When the room is empty, moving the bed, dresser, and living room furniture is simpler. The remainder of the objects should fit into their proper places once the larger ones have been organized.
Make a day of it so you may unpack and spend time with your loved one. With every photo and trinket in its proper place, your senior will feel more at home. They shouldn't be concerned about unpacked boxes, too.
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