Seniors choose to downsize for a number of reasons, from less maintenance to lower monthly payments. While there are many benefits to moving into a smaller home, the process itself can create significant stress for seniors. Here are a few tips to make downsizing easier.
1. Begin with Photographs & Personal Documents
Encourage your aging relative to begin the downsizing process by sorting through photographs and personal papers. These types of belongings often require the most time to browse through. After going through these personal effects, your loved one must decide whether to keep them, give them to relatives, or shred them.
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 senior home care. Families trust InCasa Home Care Services 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. Utilize a Portable Folding Table
Instead of piling an inventory of belongings on the floor, consider utilizing a portable folding table. By spreading your loved one’s possessions on a long table, he or she won’t have to reach down to the floor to inspect them.
If you need help caring for your loved one before, during, or after the downsizing process, consider in-home care. When considering home care service, Edmonton, AB, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
3. Apply the One-Year Rule to Clothing
Urge your relative to get rid of clothing items he or she hasn’t worn in over a year. If your loved one hasn’t worn certain sweaters, pants, or shoes in the last year, he or she likely won’t ever want to wear them again. Your loved one might enjoy donating gently worn items to a local charitable organization or place of worship.
4. Consult with an Appraiser
Before discarding certain meaningful items, think about consulting with an appraiser. This person can ascertain the monetary value of collectibles, antiques, and papers with historical consequence.
5. Enjoy the Journey
To make downsizing easier for your loved one, avoid rushing the journey. Allow your loved one the opportunity to enjoy reminiscing while looking at belongings that may have been stored away for a long time. You might even discover unique tidbits about your family’s history while helping your loved one downsize.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of Home Care Edmonton families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Call us today to learn about how our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.
Recent Comments