If you are helping a senior loved one with a move to an assisted living facility, then your support will help ensure that making the transition is smooth and easy for them. Whether you are a relative or friend of theirs, there are several ways that you can help them, whether you are simply listening to their concerns and being understanding, or just helping them out practically, such as by packing for the move. Moving is often a stressful time for many people and can impact seniors even more. Along with this, packing can often involve a big declutter as many senior living facilities only offer limited space.
Preparing for Downsizing
Before you help your friend or loved one pack for a move to assisted living Charleston IL, it’s important to prepare for downsizing. This could involve selling or gifting bulky furniture items, getting rid of clothes that they no longer wear, decluttering kitchen items, clearing out household items and more. This can be a daunting task, so it’s one of the most important that you can help with. Even having somebody there to go through everything with them to decide whether it’s going onto the pile to throw away, donate, or take with them can make it much easier.
Home Furnishings
Many assisted living facilities offer unfurnished rooms. It is worth helping your senior loved one decide if they want to take furniture with them from their previous home, or buy new. Taking furniture with them can be beneficial as it may help them with adjusting to their new home, especially if they have a favorite armchair or pillow, for example. It will likely be a case of deciding which furniture to take and which to leave. They’ll probably need to have a sofa or armchair, a bed, and some basics like a bedside table or coffee/side table for their living area.
Clothing
Your loved one might have accumulated a lot of clothing in their wardrobe over their lifetime, so this can be a good time to have a clear-out. Since there is often limited space in assisted living facilities, it’s a good idea to take a smaller wardrobe. Be sure to pack their favorite outfits along with necessary essentials.
Home Necessities
Some facilities will provide residents with a range of essentials for the move, while others will expect residents to provide everything. Don’t forget to pack necessities that can be easily overlooked such as clothes hangers, an alarm clock, a kettle and coffee maker, microwave, personal care items, and anything else your loved ones need. You should always make it a priority to pack items like mobility aids, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and medications.
Moving to an assisted living facility can often be a time of downsizing for many seniors, so along with deciding what to take and packing, there’s a lot of sorting out and getting rid of stuff to do. If you are a friend or relative, it’s a good idea to help with making a list of must-haves to take.
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