Moving always has the potential to be stressful, but it can be particularly challenging for the elderly, especially if they are moving from a home that they have lived in for most of their lives into a smaller living space or an assisted living facility. Here are some tips to help you make the move as easy and efficient as you possibly can:
Planning: Leave nothing to chance; it is important to plan every the move as thoroughly as possible to avoid causing any necessary stress or discomfort. A young family may be able to sleep on the floor of an empty house for a day or two if something goes wrong, but it is not right to put the elderly in such an uncomfortable or unhealthy situation.
Discuss the move with them: Even if your elderly family members are no longer able to live as independently as they were once accustomed to, they are adults and deserve to be treated as such. Discussing the move with them and explaining the importance and benefits of the move will make them more receptive to the idea. Be respectful of their opinions and try to genuinely address any concerns they may have.
Help them sort through their stuff: This will probably be the most emotional part of the moving process as seniors may have many belongings for which they hold a sentimentally attachment. Help them decide which items to keep and which to donate to charity or to give to other relatives. Again, it is important to be respectful rather than simply insist on throwing everything that away, even if you cannot appreciate the value of certain items.
Make a checklist: Stay organized by making a checklist of all the things that need to be done, such as filing a change of address form with the post office, finding a new physician, transferring prescription information, and obtaining all necessary documents.
Hire professional movers: Many people would have a hard time moving a sofa or TV themselves even in the prime of their life. For those who are getting on in years, it is best to hire a professional to handle all of the heavy lifting and other physical labor. Speak with the movers ahead of time and introduce them to the elderly person you are moving so that he or she can be included and can trust the movers.
On moving day: Make sure that the seniors you are moving are well rested and discourage them from trying to help out with the move. Make sure that you have their medications handy and that any prescriptions that may be running low have been filled.
After the move is complete, help them unpack and settle in. Show them around their new surroundings and do what you can to help them feel comfortable and more at home. Assisting the elderly with a move can be challenging, but with planning, patience and professional movers, you can reduce the stress significantly.
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