Moving can be a sign of a new beginning for many. However, it could also be viewed as a reminder to the elderly that they are no longer able to care for themselves like they could once before. Although some seniors will accept the passage of time, not all of them will and it could make the move somewhat difficult. This could be exceptionally difficult if the individual has accumulated a great deal of belongings and is moving into a much small location.
1. The Value of Choice – One of the most disturbing instances within anyone’s life is the loss of freedom to choose. Your senior needs to be reassured that he or she still has that freedom of choice and having input to the new location can help strengthen the fragile situation. No one enjoys being forced to live a certain way or in a specific location. If he or she can’t find the beauty of a locale, then their remaining days could be spent miserably.
2. Too Much Stuff – Depending on how long the senior was located within the home, a great deal of objects can be accumulated. Although many of them can be considered precious family heirlooms, other items can be simply donated or sold at a yard sale. As you’re sifting through his or her belongings, understand that a great deal of emotional attachment can be developed over the simplest of items and you should never refer to any one person’s stuff as junk.
An EE Ward employee loads a piece of furniture.
3. Storage – Sometimes there is an incredible amount of goods that the senior is simply not going to agree to part with. In such an event, storage units of various sizes can be rented at an inexpensive rate. Although money can be saved by eliminating as many personal effects as possible during the move, there could be great sentimental value or high monetary valued bequeath-able objects he or she wishes to leave a friend or family member when they pass.
4. Familiarity – When unpacking belongings, it may not hurt to arrange the new home in a similar fashion to the old. Of course, you’d want to make sure that is how your senior wants the furniture arranged. He or she may embrace your ideas of a new beginning and may be perfectly fine to rearrange the furniture for a change of pace. It’s their home – allow them to decide.
5. Geographical Location – If your senior is moving into a new area that he or she is unfamiliar with, ensure that he or she knows where all of the important locations are. Grocery stores, gas stations, hospitals, and other important facilities should be mapped out. In fact, you could spend a few days with your elder driving them around to these areas in order to help them get a feel for where they are.
While some seniors may fight the move tooth-and-nail, others will accept reality and stay out of the way of those that are helping. The entire situation could be viewed as a new beginning for the senior as it is for those whom are younger. You need to practice a great deal of patience if your senior is reluctant to leave his or her home. Keep in mind that the current location could be the source of a great deal of emotional attachment. Don’t take someone’s feelings and memories lightly.
This article is contributed by Madoline Hatter. Madoline is a freelance writer and blog junkie from ChangeOfAddressForm.com. You can reach her at: m.hatter12@gmail.com.
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