Moving to a new home is challenging. In many cases, it is even more stressful for seniors who may have no desire to move but have little choice. The experience may be confusing and even traumatic for those with memory loss. But it doesn’t have to be. Read our tips for helping seniors move and make the transition easier.
Plan Ahead
Have “The Talk” about downsizing and moving long before your loved one needs to move to a new home. They may not need to move now, but you should develop a plan in case they need to move unexpectedly in the future. Discussing this topic early – and regularly – is especially important for people experiencing memory loss.
Downsize and declutter the possessions in the current home. (Out of Chaos has many articles on downsizing and decluttering to help you.) Work slowly and methodically and allow your loved ones to participate in the decisions about what stays and what goes. Involve the person as much as they are capable of without overwhelming them. Keep the decluttering sessions short (15-30 minutes at a time) to reduce “decision fatigue” and anxiety over moving to a new home. Remember to check the secret hiding places such as pockets of clothing, inside envelopes, etc., to ensure you do not accidentally donate or throw away valuables.
Build Trust
When helping seniors move, it is essential to use language and actions that foster trust and comfort. They face the unknown and fear the loss of freedom and control over their lives. Again, include them in decision-making and keep them informed of the plan.
Never refer to their possessions as rubbish, and don’t question why they still own items they should have thrown out years ago. Avoid having discussions about the fate of their goods in front of them. No one wants to hear that the silver-plated tea set they bought in 1950 (that cost an entire month’s salary) is now only worth $30. Be compassionate because they may not recognize that the original cost of the items is not what they are worth today.
Collect the Paperwork
As you are decluttering and downsizing, separate vital documents (birth certificates, deeds, wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies, investment certificates, etc.) from other paperwork. These documents may not be where you expect them to be. It is a common occurrence with people experiencing memory loss. Work with family members and caregivers to designate a safe space to store these documents, so they do not get lost again.
Sorting through paperwork is very time-consuming. Sometimes you won’t have time to complete this task before the move. In that case, pack it up and keep it in storage until you have the chance to finish the job.
Create a Timeline
Once you know the day you can move into the new home, work backwards to create a timeline for the transition. A large wall calendar can be beneficial when helping seniors move because they have a visual display of which events are happening each day.
Packing is stressful for anyone, but it can be exhausting for older people. Take your time and limit it to short periods over several days. In some cases, it might be helpful to make two moves; the first is to move your loved ones into their new home with everything they need, and the second is to empty the old house of unneeded items. The two-move option will give your loved ones the chance to settle into their new home. They have time to move their belongings in or out of their new home to make them more comfortable. In addition, family members have extra time to sort through household goods and paperwork in the old house before they sell it.
Plan Before Moving In
Use a floor plan to create a layout for the new home. Do your best to ensure their favourite furniture and belongings are in their new space. When helping seniors move, make things as familiar as possible. Arrange the nightstand on the same side of the bed, with the same lamp and keepsakes. Use the same bed linens and curtains. Organize their bathroom toiletries in the same cupboards and drawers as their old home (or as close as possible).
As you can see in the photo montage below, the Out of Chaos team took photos before we packed to ensure we would unpack our clients’ clothing and personal belongings in the same places in their new home. We kept their homemade drawer organizers too!
Prepare for Moving Day
Pack overnight bags as if your loved ones were staying in a hotel for a few days. Include their medication, changes of clothing, phone/electronic chargers, reading materials, and other familiar items as needed.
When moving into a senior-living complex (independent or full-care), book the guest suite so your loved ones can move into it on the morning of the move. This will help reduce stress due to all the commotion at their old home. And, they won’t have to endure a long day of moving out, unpacking, and setting up their new home. They can also meet new neighbours and get to know the routine of the residence.
Out of Chaos recently helped a couple move into a senior living residence. We were very happy they had booked the guest suite because we noticed a leak in the ceiling of their apartment when we arrived. The couple had to stay in the visitor suite for almost a week before moving into their apartment.
Hire Help
If you find the process of helping seniors move overwhelming, enlist the Out of Chaos team. We can help with all aspects of the move – from hiring a moving company to donating excess household goods. When we take care of the details, you can relax and care for your loved ones.
Featured image: An Out of Chaos team member makes sandwiches for senior clients during a long day of unpacking and setup.
