Moving Elderly Parents

I have found that this can be one of the stalling issues as to why parents or loved ones can not move into the retirement community.  It is not because the need is not there, or that the community doesn’t offer what they want or like or need, it is because the overwhelming action that a move has is almost paralyzing    Living in a home for many years collecting memories and furniture and collectibles and items that all can mean something is hard to sort.  Where do you begin?

It is only through a move that my sister and I had to make with my father four years ago that I learned something about downsizing and moving.  My father lived on a 116 acre farm with two (2), two story furniture filled homes, 8 out buildings filled with farm equipment and every tool know to man and even more and one very large barn.  We had to down size to a two bedroom retirement apartment.  We did it and now he is happy in the two bedroom retirement apartment and thriving.

First:  Make the deposit on the retirement community.  Once the deposit was made, we had an idea as to the space, this allowed us to visualize dad’s new home and we knew the square footage.  This also seemed to help dad move forward.  The need was there long before but it was when the money went down that he could start the next process.  I have encountered potential resident and families that wish to downsize first, but in my experience the deposit was the key.  If this causes major heart palpations then the next best thing is to make a wait list deposit it still helps with the visualization of floor space.

Two: Think outside the box.  Think furniture, space and what is important to you. Make a list and then see if that apartment will allow for the list.  Do not think in terms of rooms think in terms of furniture then Label and list.

Three:  Think memorabilia, collectibles and art.  Again, think, prioritize and list.  You may not have room for the lovely 12 piece china set, however a setting for two and the soup bowl you children accidently dropped then glued together that leaked all over your thanksgiving table with Aunt Martha and Uncle Clyde there and you ended up laughing so hard you dropped the jello mold over the cat, that you may want to bring.

Four:  Important documents Follow the IRS and know that 7 years is a good number.  This number is easier to handle, put them in rubber storage bins for the moment if a filing system has eluded you.

Five:  Hire a moving company that will pack and unpack your items.  If that is not an option then talk to family and see what their plans may be.  It just might be they have wanted the move all along and they are willing to help. 

Six:  Select the date and move in.  Once the furniture and memorabilia collectibles art and documents are in the apartment, this will give you a better idea as to the lower priorities on the list.  Harbour Pointe has storage lockers that will help with seasonal items and items not quite decided on yet.

Seven:  Talk to family, friends and loved ones concerning the items left.  Rent a storage space if decisions can not be made right away.  Sometimes it may take a little while.  Don’t forget that staging a home may have a higher potential to sell than homes with everything left in them. Goodwill and ARP are just some of the agencies that will come and pick up items.  1-800 Rid of It  rid of it.com also will help.

Eight:  Along the way you have discussed home options i.e., renting or selling, updated you insurance agency post office, lawyers etc.  Contacting occupational and physical therapist, i.e., Summit Pacific whose expertise can help accommodate the new home for you.

By breaking down the process into steps moving is not so overwhelming and life in retirement communities can begin, and just as my dad did you too can be more independent and enjoy the life that it has to offer. 

Harbor Pointe Retirement        (425) 493-8555