Moving and planning a move is an exhausting and tiring process. It takes a toll on all family members in more ways than one. However, some family members will have more difficulties handling a move than others. Very often our oldest family members have a very difficult time during relocation. A move is one of those times where our older family members need our full love and support. The good news is that there are many things that we can do when helping an elderly loved one cope with their move. This journey is both physically and emotionally draining, so you better buckle down and get ready for a bumpy ride.
What can we do when helping an elderly loved one?
Our seniors need extra care from movers and everybody else involved in the moving process. Since they are older they tend to look at things in a different manner. This shouldn’t be surprising since there is a generational gap between them and their other family members. They will not even be aware of how much they need you and their other family members during their move. So, it doesn’t matter if we are talking about your parents, grandparents or your favorite aunt, make sure you are helping your elderly loved one with their relocation.
Plan the layout in advance
In this case, we are talking about the layout of the new place your family member will be moving to. The best way to do this is to visit the place in person or get the blueprints of the property. It is important to do this part of the planning together. Helping an elderly loved one doesn’t imply excluding them from the process, but the opposite. They must feel like they matter. Also, you want them to understand that you are here to help them and not control the situation. Together you will make the best possible choice on how their new place should be set up. This way they will be more comfortable and cozier in their new place.
unfortunately, sometimes older people that we care about have disabilities and must use objects that will help them move. Make sure their place is friendly enough to support their disability.
Decluttering shouldn’t be skipped
This is a very tricky task when helping an older relative or parent. The elderly tend to be more attached to their things because of their memories. Moving out of their home is stressful enough. Getting rid of some of their things is additional stress. This shouldn’t really be sprung on them but introduced slowly and with a lot of tact. Maybe they will be willing to donate more things if they know they will be helping somebody else. Helping others in need is a natural thing, which they might be more inclined to do.
Whatever you do, do not force their hand. Supporting them comes first. Don’t forget that you have junk removal services that can come to their place and pick up unwanted things. If this doesn’t work as planned, calculate your budget and see if renting a storage unit is an option.
Renting a storage unit is always an option
We discussed decluttering. If that task doesn’t go as planned, a great option would be renting storage. Help your loved one calculate their moving budget and see what type of storage facility they can afford. Surely there will be a lot of things that they will want to keep as memorabilia or just as symbols of great memories for their grandkids. One thing that you need to monitor is that the rented facility is safe and easily accessible. This task will fall largely on your back since you are more inclined to research and get familiar with all the important rules of self-storage.
Check the property for repairs and needed tweaks
Once the move is done and your loved one has settled into their new place, your helping an elderly loved one doesn’t end there. Their old place will surely be rented or sold. Either way, you need to inspect that property and make sure that everything is in order. Unfortunately, because of their age and physical abilities, elderly people sometimes neglect their properties. So, make sure that repairs after the move are being done if needed. Hopefully, all that is needed are a few things that you can do on your own.
Very often our elderly have challenges when trying to maintain their property. Once they have moved out, inspect their old home and make sure that there aren’t any major issues.
Get the rest of the family involved
Don’t hesitate to get other family members involved. You will be surprised how many will be willing to help. Grandkids and other relatives will jump to the rescue. Sacrificing a weekend is a small price to pay for your favorite aunt, uncle or grandparent. Contact them well in advance so they have time to rearrange their plans if needed. The more people you involve the more love and support your loved one will feel.
Hiring professional movers is always an option
Helping an elderly loved one also means knowing when to ask for additional help. It is normal that you cannot do everything on your own. Extra help from family members is great. However, sometimes you need professionals to lend you a hand. There are many different services that professional moving companies offer. They can help you with everything from packing, transportation, providing packing supplies, storage units, etc. Most moving firms offer the capability to do almost nothing during your move. However, the number of services that you should ask for depending on your budget as well. Hiring professional movers is not cheap but it is a great investment when relocating. For those that are in search of experienced movers contact Triple 7 Movers LV.
Showing our older family members that we care and love them is what they need the most.
Love and support are what matter the most
Helping an elderly loved one will mean a lot of things. Yet, what they will need more than anything is your care, love, and support. Most of them will be moving out of the home that they resided in for many previous years. This will give them a sense of discomfort, loss of control and parting with priceless memories. Only you and the rest of the family can make up for this loss. Lending a hand physically is, of course, a huge undertaking and assistance. However, don’t forget that emotional baggage is much heavier to carry.