Streamlining Before a Move to Assisted Living
For many seniors, moving into an assisted living community means leaving behind a home full of memories and possessions. When a person has lived in a home for decades, it’s likely that they’ve accumulated quite a bit of furniture, mementos, and assorted odds and ends. When it’s time to downsize, it’s vital to remember that these are more than just things to them. Many of the objects in a senior’s home hold sentimental value, and parting with treasured items is distressing for most people.
As you prepare to help a loved one with the task, it’s important to remember a few key strategies:
- Start early – The process of going through a lifetime of possessions almost always takes longer than you think it will. Start at least three months ahead of any move.
- Begin with the low-hanging fruit – Trash, old clothes, worn out furniture, and other items that can be eliminated quickly without debate are an easy place to begin downsizing.
- Keep your loved one involved – It might be tempting to dive into sorting things without their input, but that’s a sure way to make a senior feel left out and resentful. Remember, these are their things and they should have a say in what happens to their belongings.
At Twin Town Villa, our inviting and welcoming senior community offers homey apartments and suites in a variety of styles and sizes. Contact us for information, or to schedule a tour.
Patience is Vital
The emotions of sorting through personal possessions in preparation for a move to assisted living can be overwhelming. Many older adults also have mobility or health issues that make it difficult to move forward at a fast pace. Patience is absolutely essential. Don’t rush or scold—think about how you would feel if you were in their position.
To learn more about Twin Town Villa and our assisted living and memory communities, contact us. Schedule a tour to see our apartments and suites — you may even be able to reserve your apartment today!