Moving is an emotional
life event, whether it’s cross town or cross country, whether to a small
apartment or a large home, dealing with the organization, packing, discarding,
cleaning, paperwork and the other tasks poses a big challenge. For your elders,
who are moving to assisted living home, downsizing their years
old “treasure” is overwhelming-even
paralyzing. They want to go with everything, whether it’s a watch of their 30's
or the book their father presented. The treasure of their memories may feel to
you nothing but a junk, but you must respect and help your elders in downsizing
their possessions. Leaving behind family possessions is quite painful as they
are pretty much attached to it. It feel like they are leaving their wonderful memories behind which evoke
their nostalgia.
But still you must not be
taken away by seeing such a strong bond of your elders. Instead, you must
convince them and make downsizing less stressful for them.
Tips To Downsize an Aging Parent’s Home?
Talk to Your Elders about That:
We know that it is quite
stressful for you to talk over downsizing. But this is essential to break the
ice over that. Tell them that this chair is worn out and will eat up more space
or there is no use of leather bag. Suggest
them to donate these things in charity, may be they would give their node
over donating the things for a cause.
Encourage Your Elders to Use the Things That Can Be Used:
What seems old and useless
to you may be a source of great comfort and joy and therefore worth moving.
Pack those things that can be used by your elders at living home. Make sure to
tell them that you pack only necessary things. They may be insisting to bring “junk” with them, but you must explain
that the thing is worn out.
Seek The Professional Help:
If you have sour
relationship with parents regarding downsizing, or they are still adamant that
they don’t give up their “treasure”,
it’s a time to call a professional
to sort out the matter. You can call National
Association of Senior Move Managers. Your stubborn parent would cooperate
better with someone out of your family. Even a professional can handle the
downsizing task better in your absence but they are expected to remain gentle
with your parent.
Sell The Stuff:
If your elders agree to
give up the treasure, what will you do with that after they move to the
assisted living home? Instead of approaching junk dealer, you can sell it on
eBay or Craig-list as you can earn good money on selling antiques like old
watch, pen and coins. After selling those items, you can purchase a beautiful
gift for your elder to soothe their “separation”
pain.
So, these are the tips to
downsize the possessions of your beloved elders.
Remember, the stress of
giving up their belongings will go away after some time. Don’t worry about
that. Give them your care and love which is more important than anything else
to them.
