Guest Blogger: Kaye Ginsberg, Founder & Owner of Peace of Mind Transitions
There’s no place like home. Home is where the heart is. Home sweet home.
There are many everyday phrases that emphasize home being a special place. That is one reason talking with older adults about moving can be difficult. Once you recognize that it’s time to help a parent or older loved one relocate, there are tips to make the process smoother for all involved.
1. Show Empathy
Moving is stressful at any age, but as we get older it becomes even more stressful. A move later in life is often not made by choice but is predicated by another stressful event such as the death of a spouse or a serious change in health. When discussing or encouraging a loved one to move, take a moment to put yourself in their shoes. How long have they lived in their home? Think of all the milestone events that happened while they lived here – births, marriages, holidays, etc. They are leaving a home – not just a house. Their memories are real and need to be honored.
2. Take Time to Listen
It’s important to take the time to listen to what your loved one is saying they want, and not focus solely on what you think they need. Listen and acknowledge their feelings or desires and discuss ways that you can compromise to meet at least some of their wishes. Feeling a loss of control can make people react in negative ways – becoming stubborn or lashing out. What they want may be completely unrealistic but acknowledging an understanding of their point of view can go a long way towards lowering the stress level.
3. Start the Process Early
The most stressful situations occur when someone is forced to move quickly, usually because of being discharged from the hospital or rehab. Good decisions are rarely made when under that type of pressure. So, start the conversation early. Begin sorting and downsizing now, a little at a time. Investigate senior living options before a move is required, so you can make an informed decision if/when the need arises. Be sure that whatever option you choose, safety is a top priority.
Read more on what safety features to have in place. (LINK to Home, Safe Home – Kadan Homecare)
Senior & Specialty Move Managers, like Peace of Mind Transitions, are professionals who bring their expertise and experience to make the transition process less stressful for the entire family. One of the advantages of being an objective third-party when we help clients downsize or move is that we bring an impartial point of view to the conversation. If you are going through this process with a family member and would find this expertise beneficial, we are happy to help.
Visit Peace of Mind Transitions (Link: Home – Peace of Mind Transitions)
