Psychological and Logistical Challenges
One of the biggest difficulties when moving the elderly to a new residence is the sorting through all their possessions. These are things they’ve accumulated over their lifetime, and many have emotional attachments and cherished memories connected to them. While de-cluttering can have a freeing feeling, it can also signal the end of the life they’ve known and shines a spotlight on their mortality.
According to an article on Next Avenue, it can take up to two years to sort through all of a person’s belongings and make decisions about whether to sell, donate, or take individual items with them. These types of decisions can take a psychological toll on the elderly. Surrounding them with love, care, support, and compassion during the process can help ease this emotional transition.
Moving To the New Place
Once your loved one has chosen their next residence, you can zero in more clearly on what can be taken. This can be a source of great comfort. Draw the rooms of their new home on graph paper. Do it according to scale and cut out pieces of paper to represent furnishings they’d like to take. That way, you and they can easily visualize what will fit and how things can be positioned ahead of time.
Many baby boomers look at downsizing as a fresh, new start. Why not start the process way before it becomes necessary? Start the discarding process before the need becomes immediate. Doing it in your 50s or 60s when you are physically stronger and more capable of decision making is a great idea.
If your loved one is considering downsizing or has recently moved to a smaller home, contact us. Our caregivers can help make the transition easier and give them the attention and care they need during this potentially difficult time.
For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, call us at 718.376.7755. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best. Our aim is to provide you and your loved one with the assistance you need.
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