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Moving into smaller homes is a great way for seniors to save money and simplify their lifestyles. As your aging loved one prepares to move, use these tips to ease the process so he or she can get off to the right start in a new residence.
1. List the Essentials
The first step toward downsizing is to decide exactly which items your loved one cannot live without. This should be done by considering your parent’s daily routine along with the practicality of including each item in the home. Once you’ve identified must-keep items, you can begin separating the rest into donations and trash.
If your loved one needs help after moving into his or her new residence, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable Home Care Portland. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
2. Consider Alternatives
Many of your loved one’s favorite pieces of furniture can also be downsized to fit a smaller home. For example, you may be able to replace a larger dresser with a smaller lingerie chest if your loved one primarily hangs clothes in the closet. Sofa beds can be used to accommodate guests instead of an extra room, and a smaller chair can still provide a comfortable space to read and enjoy a favorite morning drink.
3. Start with Less Sentimental Areas of the Home
If the thought of parting with belongings makes your loved one uneasy, work your way up by starting in a room that has less sentimental value. For example, you may start in the garage. Lawn mowers and other tools likely don’t hold many memories, and they’re not necessary if your loved one is moving to a small apartment or a place with lawn maintenance provided by an HOA. As your loved one begins to feel the relief of letting go, it may be easier to move on to other rooms.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care Greater Portland families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
4. Avoid Throwing Things Away
Watching a lifetime of belongings end up in a waste bin can be heart-wrenching. Today, most items can be recycled, donated, or repurposed. Seek out organizations within your community to see if they can use your loved one’s belongings. Knowing a young family is enjoying meals around your loved one’s repurposed table can make the move have extra meaning.
5. Measure & Measure Again
A common mistake many people make when downsizing is thinking they can fit their furniture into a smaller space. Take measurements of your loved one’s new residence, then measure each piece of furniture your loved one is considering taking. It can also be helpful to draw out a floor plan that shows the correct dimensions. This way, you can avoid having to purge a second time, and your loved one can enjoy relaxing in the new space right away.
If you need help caring for your loved one before, during, or after the downsizing process, consider in-home care. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is senior care. Greater Portland families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Reach out to us at Assisting Hands Home Care if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (503) 928-8353 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
