Strategies to Alleviate Stress
The experience of moving with the elderly loved one can be stressful. Trauma can be minimized with expertise to guide the transition and reduce the disruption caused by change.
Seniors can be emotionally vested in the home they’re leaving
It’s expected that there will be sadness and apprehension about the move. There are a few different strategies to help alleviate stress when moving with the elderly loved ones.
The sooner you start preparing your loved one for their move the better
This is particularly true if they are downsizing into a smaller home. There are many emotional decisions for them to make.
They probably don’t move as quickly (physically or mentally) as they used to. Giving them plenty of time will save frustration for everyone. Ideally, beginning preparations a few months in advance is vital in avoiding RSS.
Giving them adequate time to get used to the fact that they’re moving from a home they have probably cherished for many years.
Choose Carefully Moving Company
Enlisting the help of professional movers is a colossal step for ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation process.
Movers will load everything, deliver to its destination and put things in place, offering comfort both to you and your loved ones. Not all moving companies are the same.
Therefore be sure to research your top three candidates. Choosing movers that will best suit your loved ones needs.
Deciding What To Keep, Toss, Donate or Sell
Set aside time to go through different areas of the house together to pack and clear out the rooms. Ideally, this should be done over a period of time.
On separate occasions rather than setting aside a one-time event to achieve it all. Deciding what to keep, toss, donate or sell can be very stressful and confusing for the elderly.
Chances are there is sentimental value attached
To many items precious to them and may take time to emotionally let go of something that no longer serves purpose or if there is simply no room for it in the new home.
This will allow the process of clearing and packing to be achieved calmly and positively without exhaustion, panic and frayed tempers.
Explaining how the day will go
Explain how the day will go. A difficult part of growing old is that often we have less and less control over the events going on around us.
The better you can prepare them by explaining how the day will go, what time the movers will arrive, etc., the easier it will be for them to prepare themselves for all the activity of moving day.
Reassure them about the safety of their goods and point out the positives of their new home.
Time To Move On Mama And Papa..
Prior to the relocation day, be sure to do your homework for finding new social outlets, such as nearby senior centers, because it can help smooth their transition.
Changing doctors, drug stores, grocery stores and even hairdressers
can be particularly stressful for the elderly; therefore finding replacements prior to the move can prove to be essential.
When setting aside items
to take along instead of packing for the movers (like a change of clothes and toiletries), add a few small, precious items (a framed photo, something of sentimental value). That way, they will have the comfort of those items right away when they arrive at their new home.