It can be stressful for a senior moving from their home into new accommodation. As their loved one, you will naturally want to help in any way possible. To make the transition as smooth as can be, there must be some pre-planning and consistent monitoring as things get going. Here are five tips for helping your senior loved one settle into new accommodation.
Talk to Them About the Decision
Regardless of which health conditions have taken hold, or how your loved one’s mental state is, communication is still vital. Every step of the decision process should feel inclusive. Therefore, it is your duty of care to accept autonomy to a certain extent. If the move is a practical one, for instance, relocating your loved one closer to your house for convenience, show them the positives of this and keep them a part of the conversation. If the move is because of a health condition, for example, they need to move into assisted living for around the clock care, be upfront about this. Maintaining dignity and preserving trust are two non-negotiable things for any relationship.
Find Support in Professional Services
Everyone knows that moving is stressful. When there are additional factors like poor health or decreased independence to account for too, it becomes a bit more complicated.
Distance is a factor. Helping a senior move a short distance is a lot less stressful than moving from one state to another, for example. Some services help seniors sell a home and move all their belongings; others provide medical assistance on flights, such as these senior relocation services that can assist from start to finish with travel arrangements and more.
This kind of support will be invaluable and take away a whole portion of the stress from the event.
Be Present
Being there counts. You will feel better knowing that the arrangements have gone smoothly, and your loved one will have comfort in knowing they have you waiting when they arrive. Staying present helps relationships to stay healthy and to feel connected to one another through the more difficult times too. A familiar face will be a reassuring presence to pacify any anxiety about moving too.
Make Sure Everyone Knows the Plan
The caregivers at the new accommodation have to be kept up to date with the plan. When everyone knows what to expect and when to expect it, the day can go as carefree as possible. There may be external circumstances that you can never plan for, but anything that can be kept in check should be.
Keep the Personal Touches
Finally, don’t forget to keep all the personal touches from home in the new place. This means moving personal photos, comfort objects, and anything sentimental that will help your loved one settle into their new space better. Our home feels like a safe space because it is filled with personal touches and the things that make us feel anchored. Take these along for the journey, and it will definitely make life easier.
Moving your senior loved one into a new place to live is an emotive situation. There may be plenty of mixed feelings floating around, but it is essential to keep an open narrative and direct everyone as and when is necessary. The move will be flawless as long as there is a solid plan and good support in place.