Embracing New Beginnings
For most people, aging brings a new set of challenges, especially when it comes to moving for seniors. New health problems may affect your ability to live independently, financial challenges make it tougher to maintain your lifestyle, and adult children moving to faraway places may make you feel less connected to your home. Some people move frequently, while others remain rooted in the same place for decades. But for many, there comes a time in old age when moving becomes necessary. While relocating is never easy, moving for seniors carries its own unique difficulties, requiring careful planning and support.
If you or a loved one is moving into an assisted living or memory care facility due to declining health, the very reason for the move will likely make the process even more challenging. A lifetime of accumulated possessions might be stored away in your home, and if financial stress is the driving factor, moving itself can be expensive.
There are many ways to make a move go more smoothly. Knowing when to move, making informed decisions about having a family member move in with you, and doing advanced planning for a new home while reducing the load beforehand can significantly reduce stress. Read on to learn about downsizing and moving for seniors so you can make the best choice for your family.
Moving with Abe Lincoln Movers: Supporting Seniors in Their Transition
Moving to a retirement community or new home can be a big decision and a significant change. Abe Lincoln Movers is here to help make the transition as smooth as possible. We offer Colorado seniors moving services tailored to their needs, including moving for seniors services, including packing and unpacking assistance. Our services will make sure your move is as stress-free as possible, especially when it comes to moving for seniors.
We pride ourselves on being trustworthy, honest, and hardworking movers who genuinely care for our customers. We’re dedicated to top-notch customer service and careful, efficient moves. As an Angie’s List Super Service Award winner, our commitment to quality is reflected in our customers’ positive reviews and feedback. We understand the unique challenges of moving for seniors and are here to provide the support you need.
Our rates are straightforward, with no hidden fees or costly surprises. Whether you are planning a move from one room to another, to a different city, or across Colorado, we specialize in moving for seniors and can help! Contact our team today to learn more about our moving services throughout the state or click below for a free project quote. There are no down deposits and no hidden fees.
Signs It’s Time to Downsize Your Home
Over the years, you may have felt like your home’s footprint just wasn’t big enough. Whether the closets were too small or the number of cabinets too few, you may have dreamed of relocating to a larger space. But as a senior, that once-too-small abode might be more space than you need or want. At the same time, moving away from the home where you raised your family or tended a garden for decades pulls at your heartstrings, leaving you unsure about whether downsizing is the right decision.
Unused rooms are often a sign it’s time to downsize. Jamie Novak, a professional organizer and author of “Keep This, Toss That,” says having rooms you rarely—or never—enter unless it’s to air them out or vacuum is a clear indicator. Maintaining a large house with multiple unused bedrooms goes beyond having extra closet space. “All that unused space is room you’re paying to heat or cool, paying taxes on, and have to clean and maintain,” says Novak. “And that can be a lot of resources spent for nothing.”
It also shouldn’t be difficult to keep up with home maintenance. Tasks like mowing the lawn or painting the fence may be becoming physically challenging. “Additionally, having to pay for help to accomplish these tasks is another indicator that it might be time for a smaller space,” Novak adds.
Distance from family can also play a role. If you’re not able to take in as many of your grandkids’ soccer games or dance recitals as you want, you might be too far away from loved ones. “If you feel isolated in your home, are too far from family or assistance, or all your friends have moved away, you may want to downsize and move closer to loved ones,” suggests Novak.
Clutter and accumulated items are other signs that it might be time to consider downsizing. Novak says you might have too much stuff if you’re constantly hunting down items stashed in the basement, attic, or back of a closet. “It’s tempting to hang on to memorabilia or fill up empty corners of a large home,” she notes. Downsizing will force you to prioritize what you truly need.
Lastly, increased home value may be a reason to downsize. Your home’s value may have appreciated to the point where it’s more profitable to cash in than hang onto it. Novak suggests consulting with two to three realtors to perform a market analysis and explore your options.
What to Look for in a New Senior Home
Once you’ve decided to downsize, there are important factors to consider when choosing a new place, including safety features, convenience, and how well the home can accommodate changing needs over time.
1. Convenient Location
Look for a location near family members or reliable friends and close to amenities like doctors, shopping, and restaurants. Opportunities to build a social network are important—a community with walking trails, parks, pools, or community centers will encourage an active lifestyle.
2. Minimal Stairs
Even if stairs aren’t a problem now, they may become one as you age. “Look for the opportunity to choose or add a no-step entry that is level, so there is no uphill climb,” says Rob Krohn, franchise marketing manager at Epcon Communities. Imagine navigating the space in a wheelchair—hallways should be wide enough, and stairs should be avoided.
3. Modification-Friendly Bathrooms
Consider features like roll-in showers, elevated toilets, and grab bars. “These modifications provide long-term safety and comfort,” says Krohn. Accessible sink heights and grab bars are small additions that can make a significant difference.
4. Spacious Bedroom
A walk-in closet without thresholds and a bedroom spacious enough for a hospital bed or adjustable bed should be considered. Also, consider having light switches within easy reach from the bed.
What to Consider Before Moving an Aging Loved One into Your Home
For some seniors, moving into a family member’s home may make more sense than living alone or moving into a new home. This arrangement can have benefits—such as companionship, financial savings, and help with household tasks—but it also comes with challenges.
1. Assessing Care Needs
Start by understanding your loved one’s current and future care needs. This may require a medical consultation to assess their condition and anticipate changes. “Know the illness very well,” says Donna Schempp, program director for the Family Caregiver Alliance.
2. Evaluating Space Availability
Determine if you have a suitable space, such as a spare room or the potential to build an in-law suite. Think about accessibility for medical equipment or mobility aids.
3. Providing Assistance and Supervision
Realistically assess how much assistance your loved one will need and how much you can provide, now and in the future. Consider how caregiving will fit with your schedule and comfort level.
4. Understanding Relationship Dynamics
Evaluate your history with your family member. Living together could work if you enjoy each other’s company and resolve differences easily. However, this may not be the best choice if there has always been tension.
5. Ensuring Routine Compatibility
Consider how caregiving will fit into your routine. Do you have the flexibility to handle your loved one’s needs while balancing work and family activities?
6. Discussing Financial Contributions
Have an open discussion about finances before making a decision. Pooling resources may allow for a better living arrangement, but caregiving can also require significant financial commitment.
7. Maintaining a Social Network
If your loved one is moving far from their established social network, consider ways to maintain their social life—such as local senior centers or adult day care programs.
Safety Considerations and Home Modifications
If your loved one is moving in with you, “elder-proofing” the house can prevent accidents and make life easier. Simple changes like adding grab bars, nonslip mats, or installing ramps can greatly enhance safety.
Other safety and comfort improvements include:
- Personal Emergency Response System: A medical alert system can be a lifesaver when seniors are alone.
- Walk-In Tubs or Showers: These make it safer for seniors to bathe without stepping over high thresholds.
- Accessible Shelving: Shelves at reachable heights make everyday tasks easier.
- TV Silencer: This device automatically mutes the TV when the phone rings, helping seniors with hearing problems avoid missing important calls.
Tips for a Low-Stress Senior Move
Relocation stress syndrome (RSS), also called transfer trauma, can cause physical and psychological disturbances in seniors. Symptoms include exhaustion, anxiety, and depression and can be worsened by cognitive impairment or poor physical health.
Here are tips to minimize RSS:
- Involve the senior in the decision and planning process.
- Allow them to ask questions and express concerns.
- Honor their preferences and maintain control where possible.
- Keep daily routines consistent.
- Safeguard personal possessions.
- Set up the new space to resemble the old home as much as possible.
Ready for a Smooth Transition?
Downsizing or moving in later life can be an emotional and logistical challenge, but with thoughtful planning and support, it can also be a positive transition. Whether moving into a smaller home or having an elderly loved one move in with you, the key is assessing needs, planning carefully, and making adjustments that promote comfort, safety, and quality of life.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a stress-free move, let Abe Lincoln Movers help you every step of the way. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing top-notch moving services that meet your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule your move or click for a free quote. Let’s make this transition as smooth and comfortable as possible!