moving Archives - Senior Care Central

Guest Blog:Tips For Moving Senior Citizens

Moving from one home to another is seldom easy — in fact, it’s considered one of the most stressful life events people experience. However, the process can be especially tough for senior citizens. Whether you’re an older adult about to leave your long-term home or you’re the child of a senior getting ready to help a parent leave his/her home, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Acknowledge Emotions. Anytime you’re talking about leaving a long-term home, you’re talking about more than changing addresses. Saying goodbye is hard. Instead of ignoring the sadness that accompanies such a move, process it. Remember, it’s normal to feel some sadness, whether you’re moving into an assisted-living facility, in with relatives or simply to a smaller place.
Pare Down Possessions. When it comes down to the physical moving process, the less you have to move, the easier the transition. Rather than packing every worldly possession and forcing yourself to organize later, take the time now to downsize. Go through all your furniture, knick-knacks, mementos, gadgets and so on, and determine whether you’ll truly need those items in the new place. Separate everything into “keep,” “give away” and “trash” piles. If you don’t want to hand down or donate certain items, plan a garage sale to get a little extra cash in the process.

Hire Professional Movers. Don’t endure unnecessary stress by managing the moving process alone — hire movers. Find a company that specializes in assisting with smooth transitions, and enlist its help to transport furniture and boxes to their intended destinations. If some things are going to a new home and others are going to friends and family, communicate to your moving company which items go where.

Pack an Overnight Bag. Set aside a few changes of clothes, important toiletries, towels and sheets to have with you for that first night or few nights in your new home. Instead of rifling through boxes and feeling overwhelmed with all there is to unpack, there will be a little normalcy — even when you’re still getting settled. Other good items to bring are a first-aid kit and flashlight.

Moving as a senior citizen isn’t easy, but it can be a smoother, more pleasant experience with a little planning. Use the tips above to aid your upcoming move.

Chris Crompton is a marketing manager for TSI, a leader in the shipping and freight industry since 1989. TSI offers low rates and professional service on long distance small moves and shipments.

How to Make a Smooth Transition for Your Older Adult Loved One Who’s Moving In

Having an older adult loved one move in with you can be an overwhelming process for both of you, but many Americans are finding it to be the more economical choice. Given that Where You Live Matters asserts that assisted living can cost anywhere from $1,000-$4,000 each month, you might be looking for ways to avoid spending such sums, which can quickly add up.

When one of your family members becomes ill or can no longer afford to live in their own home, asking them to come live with you is a big responsibility.

Not only do you need to consider your loved one’s health needs, but your home may need to be modified, as well. Being a caregiver is a demanding job, but ultimately, many people find that it’s one they are willing to perform if it means their loved one is safe and happy.

Below, Senior Care Central goes over some of the best tips on how to create the perfect environment for your elderly loved one, rather than having your story be one of frustration.

Take a look at your home

No matter what sort of home you live in, you may have some modifications to do before your loved one can move in. Steps on the front porch may require a ramp; bathrooms will need to be fitted with non-slip rubber mats on both the floor and in the tub, and a shower stool and/or grab rail should be installed as well.

As Nationwide explains, extra lighting can also be added to help accommodate those with vision impairments and will go a long way toward preventing falls; throw rugs should either be well-tacked down or simply removed, as they are a trip hazard. Items in the kitchen should be well organized and perhaps even clearly labeled, and cleaning supplies should be kept well away from food items.

In addition to indoor hazards that need addressed, survey the outside of the home to determine whether potential risks should be dealt with. Uneven or cracked walkways should be leveled off or replaced, and old or damaged trees and limbs should be removed.

Even if there are no extra modifications to make, you’ll still need to walk around your home and make a good plan. For instance, if you have stairs in your home, it makes sense to give a ground-floor room to your loved one. Clutter should be removed from walkways and door handles should be easy to grasp. If your loved one suffers from a medical condition — such as Alzheimer’s — which may leave them disoriented or prone to wandering, you may need to consider installing motion sensor alarms on the doors.

You can also allow your loved one to add their own personal flavor to their new space. A quick way to spruce up any room is with a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper. You can find custom wallpaper to suit their particular taste in design, texture, and color schemes. There are scores of options to choose from, including handy no-mess removable wallpaper that can be repositioned or repurposed for another room.

Consider their legacy

We all want to leave something meaningful behind, and many older adults have a will or other legal document stating their intentions for their estate. However, it’s a good idea to make sure they are well taken care of when it comes to their property and belongings. Depending on which state you live in, there may be different laws regarding transferral of assets, so do some research and, if necessary, hire a lawyer to help your loved one get the most out of their decision.

Think about care options

If your loved one has medical needs, it may be necessary for you to spend time at home caring for them. If this isn’t possible, consider hiring a home health assistant to come and relieve you during the day. A qualified professional can give you peace of mind while you’re at work or taking care of other responsibilities, and you’ll know your loved one is receiving the best care.

Practice self-care

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. It can be an overwhelming, stressful (physically and emotionally), and demanding job to look after an older adult. Be sure to take a little time for yourself every day to do something relaxing, something that puts you in a good state of mind.

It can be difficult to see a loved one go through health issues, and some caregivers find they need to speak to a therapist or support group to get through it. Remember that you never have to do something like this on your own.