11 Downsizing Tips for Seniors Who Are 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’s worth of personal effects to move into a small assisted living apartment. My heart also goes out to families who struggle to 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…
Helpful Tools:
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.“I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am reading it slowly on purpose…I don’t want it to end.” …Craig William Dayton, Film Composer
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.
Wetness indicator and alert to help manage incontinence with dignity. SenecaSense Home: Discreet Support That Restores Comfort and Confidence
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.
Thank you, Carol, I am grateful for your thoughtful words.
Thank you for your kind words, Carol.
That line about a lifetime’s worth of personal effects going into one or two small rooms stopped me. When families I talk with are helping a parent move, the hardest arguments are often not about the furniture but about the new routines: who gets called when, and what information is shared with whom. One practice that eases it: ask the older adult directly what information they are comfortable sharing and with whom, before the move. Writing it down together prevents a lot of conflict later. Wishing your readers gentle moves.
Wonderful point, Alex! Downsizing – especially to senior living – is hugely emotional. The whole process represents a seismic change on many levels. As you so wisely said, it’s not just about furniture; it’s about routines. A chosen way of life. Patience wins the race, along with non-intrusive safety features that add to quality of life rather than stripping autonomy. I often recommend Silvie because it fits this situation beautifully by protecting dignity while increasing safety.