Although most adult children have good intentions when choosing to move a loved one to an assisted living center or retirement home, it is almost always a difficult and stressful time for everyone involved. The best way is to start slowly and give them time to get used to the idea. If your loved ones are handled with the same care you would take with an antique chest or a precious family photo album, moving them may be a rewarding experience for all of you.
Here are a few tips from the experts about assisting older adults with their move to new home:
- Take Your Time – There’s no need to rush. They may have lived in this home all of their lives. Think about all of the memories they have and give them a chance to enjoy them as they pack up each and every room.
- Be Supportive – One man’s junk may be another man’s treasure. Don’t be so quick to judge what is important to keep and what should be thrown away. Let your loved one help make those choices and suggest they donate things to the less fortunate.
- Capture the Moment – By making a mental note or even taking a photo of a room before it is dismantled, you may be able to make them feel right at home in their new location right from the start. Place furniture in a similar arrangement or display photos and special accessories in a manner that is familiar to them.
- Ask for Suggestions – If they feel involved in the process, it may make the move easier for them. Let them see the location prior to the move and ask their opinion about the space and how they’d like to furnish it.
- Work with Professionals – Whether it’s the movers, appraisers or the healthcare professionals on staff at the new location, let these professionals do their jobs. Most likely, they’ve worked with seniors before and they are probably more astute at handling these types of situations than you are. In truth, your loved one may respond to an outsider quicker than to you.
