Seniors For Living

Getting ready for a senior living move-in day is logistically not much different from any other moving day. There are countless boxes of items and large pieces of furniture that need to be transported from point A to point B, and hopefully without any scratching, denting or shattering involved. Emotions may run higher in the case of a senior living move though; if the loss of a spouse prompted the move, if the individual who is moving wanted to stay put, or even if the person making the move is ready for the transition, it’s still tough to leave a place that has been home for decades.

Here are some tips for enlisting family and friends to give their time and muscle on the big day:

1. Be organized. It doesn’t matter if you enlist professionals, rely solely on volunteers, or do a little of each; the day will go much smoother if the crew shows up and has a clear idea of what they’re doing (i.e. grandkids will move all the boxes out of the basement to the truck parked out front, a daughter will stay close to her mother throughout what will likely be an emotional day). Expect a rough ride if the team shows up to a mess of unlabeled, half-packed boxes and miscellaneous items strewn about.
2. Offer snacks, drinks and a meal. Keep your moving crew hydrated and well-fed. It will make the day more enjoyable and allow for much-needed breaks.
3. Create a checklist. Your loved one might moving from a 5-bedroom house to a 1-bedroom apartment in assisted living. A checklist will be helpful for keeping track of what’s needed and what should stay behind — or be donated. Refer to this AgingCare.com post for guidance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare For A Move.