7 Tips for Helping an Elderly Parent Move
Moving can be a difficult time for everyone, but elderly people often suffer the most from moving-related stress. If your elderly parent plans to move closer to family, downsize into a smaller property, or move into an assisted-living facility, here are some ways you can support them during the move.
1. Start Planning Early
The earlier you start planning a move, the more you can do to reduce stress for your parent. Start by making a list of everything that needs to happen before the move.
If possible, include your elderly parent in the planning so they know what to expect. The more you can include your parent, the more control they will feel like they have over their own life, which can help them to feel happier and more secure.
2. Donate or Gift Belongings
If your parent is moving into a smaller home, they will need to donate or discard excess belongings to avoid feeling cramped in their new place. Some older people are resistant to the idea of throwing away their things. However, they might be open to gifting some items to family members or donating them to a local charity that they support.
3. Rent a Self-Storage Unit
If your elderly parent is not ready to give up ownership of their belongings, do not try to pressure them into it. You can rent a self-storage unit to safely store treasured possessions at a low cost.
4. Use a Junk-Removal Service
If your parent has a lot of unwanted items that are not suitable for donation or gifting to family and friends, you can use a junk-removal service to get rid of them. Junk-removal services come to your home to pick up unwanted items and take them away. This can save you a lot of time compared to making multiple trips to a waste-disposal centre.
5. Find a New Doctor
Elderly people need uninterrupted access to healthcare. If your parent is moving to a new area, be sure to research doctors in the area well in advance. Register your parent with a suitable healthcare provider to be sure they will get the care they need.
6. Hire Professional Movers
Professional moving services can make moving home a lot easier compared to handling the move yourself. Professional movers take great care when packing and transporting possessions, so you do not need to worry about valuable antiques or treasured family heirlooms getting broken in transit.
When hiring a professional moving service, be sure to agree on the pricing in advance. Also, ensure that the moving company has insurance that covers all your parent's belongings during the move. Read reviews of moving companies to find one that you are sure you can trust.
7. Plan the Journey Carefully
Many elderly people find travel tiring and stressful. Think carefully about how they will travel to their new home. If they need to take a flight, contact the airline in advance with any special requirements, such as help getting on and off the plane. If you will take the journey by road, plan plenty of rest breaks so your elderly parent can stretch their legs, eat, drink, and use the bathroom.
Zippy Removals & Storage has helped many older people move over the 50 years that we have been in business. If you want movers who will go the extra mile for your parent, get in touch today.
