Tips for Helping Older Adults Downsize to Before Moving to Assisted Living
For most seniors, moving from a long-time home into an assisted living facility is difficult. For some, it’s nearly paralyzing. In addition to countless other adjustments, the move to senior living typically comes with a significant reduction in living space, even at high-end assisted living communities. Downsizing can be challenging for anyone, but when it’s more or less forced upon a person because of age or infirmity, the process becomes even tougher.
I was fortunate that my parents had chosen to move from their large family home to a smaller house and then an apartment before the thought of senior living even crossed their minds. Those incremental moves forced my parents to part with furniture and other collections of belongings in stages, yet there was still a surprising amount of stuff to dispose of when the need for a final transition became apparent for my dad first and then my mom.
My heart goes out to elders who must leave a house full of a lifetime worth of personal effects to move into a small assisted living apartment. My heart also goes out to families who struggle help their elders through the time-consuming packing and purging process that precedes this move. Emotions run high, sacrifices must be made and patience often wears thin. How can you help your parents through downsizing without reliving every memory an item evokes, being insensitive or rushing them along?
Downsizing Tips for Family Caregivers
First, do your best to understand how hard this move is for your parents. They are leaving behind a home and countless belongings that symbolize years of their lives. At the same time, they are adjusting to the reality that they are losing a bit of their independence by making this move. Empathy and gentle encouragement are crucial for ensuring this process goes smoothly. The following tips can help you respectfully move things along.
Think before you speak. Don’t say things like, “How come you hung onto this anyway?” Understand that some people are just savers. Additionally, many of our elders grew up during the depression or other financially trying times, so they’re are afraid to throw anything away in case they might need it someday. Being critical of a loved one’s…
Helpful Tools:
Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love: They save work! Now Available on Amazon.
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “…This book is for all of us; let it help you cope! Thank you to the author and everyone she spoke with!” …Dolores
