Over the years, we have worked with hundreds of adult children of our senior clients, and our experiences have varied. There have been those who are incredibly involved and helpful, to those who are not at all involved or don’t know how to help in the moving process. In both scenarios and everything in between, we’ve discovered how to help you get mom or dad ready for their next move.
So, your senior parent(s) are moving. They have lived in their home for 30, 40, or 50+ years and have accumulated quite a bit in their lifetime. Memories are attached to every item in the house – not just their memories, but yours too, if this was your childhood home. Going through the process of sorting through this lifetime of memories can be not only physically exhausting but also quite emotional.
The decision to downsize and move to a senior living community was one that took time, patience, and considerable thought. Mom and Dad have enjoyed their retirement and independence, and they are not fond of the idea of living in a smaller space. Additionally, they may feel as though they are losing their independence.
Once they come to terms with the decision to move to a senior living community, then comes the need to put even more time, patience, and thought into downsizing the contents of their home. They certainly don’t want to take more than their new space will accommodate.
HOW TO PREPARE MOM OR DAD FOR THEIR NEXT MOVE AND AVOID BRINGING TOO MUCH