Moving is difficult no matter your age. However, for those age 60 and over, there are often even more challenges that exist. If you’re an elder person or you’re gearing up to help and older friend or family member with their move, this blog should help. Over the years, American Van Lines, has helped moved hundreds of seniors across the country. So, as you embark on this journey, rest assured that we are in your corner. Simply follow these 5 proven tips.
Plan / Research Early
The sooner you get started on plans to help a senior move, the better off you will be. Whether you’re looking into hiring professional movers or using friends and family to help you move, it will help to get the pieces in place as soon as possible. This is especially true if the family member you’re helping move is suffering from anxiety and fear about the moving process. Be strategic and get ahead of the curve. This will give them a chance to come to terms with the move and accept what’s to come in the days and weeks ahead. Also pay close attention to the kind of community that they are relocating to. The idea is to find a place that’s safe where they can truly enjoy life.
Downsize
This is an excellent way to make moving an older person easier. Downsizing and de-cluttering allows you to get rid of things that they no longer use, and this exercise will help them stay organized in their new space. Instead of framing it in a way where they think you are throwing away things they love, suggest that they donate some things to charity or homeless shelters. This will help them feel better about downsizing and helping someone out in the process.
Focus on the Good
If your older friend, grand parent or other family member is feeling down and out about having to move into a new apartment or home, it’s your job to keep them optimistic and help them focus on the good that’s ahead. If they are moving in with you and your family, remind them of the fun times that are ahead and the fact that they will have someone to look after them at all times. Or maybe they are moving into a nursing home or an assisted living community. If so, stress the benefits of having around the clock care and being in a community with other people their age.
Keep Them Involved
We understand the urge to take over and plan everything when dealing with an older person. However, it is important that you remember that older people have opinions and emotions too. Just because they may not be able to lift things around or be as vocal as they once were, it doesn’t mean that they don’t want a day in where they live and spend the rest of their lives. Be considerate and run all major decisions by them to see how they feel.
Help them Get Settled In
Once the movers are gone, boxes are unpacked and furniture is in place, the move isn’t over. It’s up to you to make sure your older friend gets settled into their new space. Whether this means adding family pictures to the walls, hanging relaxing wall art, or introducing them to the neighbors before leaving, there are certain things you can do to help them get settled in. The more comfortable you make them, the more at ease you’ll be about the entire move as well.