It’s not uncommon for seniors to downsize, but the task can seem daunting, especially if your aging loved one has lived in the same place for years and accumulated quite a bit of stuff. Here are a few tips to make tackling downsizing easier.
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Start Early
Plan ahead. Don’t wait until a week before the moving date to start sorting and packing. Help your loved one make lists and talk about what he or she wants to take or can’t live without.
Parting with emotionally important things can be challenging for seniors. If your loved one needs support during the downsizing phase, consider a professional caregiver. For families living in Frederick, at-home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
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Ditch Multiples
After living in the same place for years or even decades, your loved one may have four spatulas and 23 wine glasses. There’s no need to take multiples of these types of items to the new house. Take one spatula and just four of the wine glasses. The same goes for clothes (especially things that no longer fit) and books that won’t be read again.
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Sell Items in Good Condition
Join a neighborhood yard sale or use an online site like eBay or Craigslist to sell large items in good condition. If your loved one has antique furniture in good condition, look into an auction house or other resource that specializes in brokering sales. Make sure to include your parent in this process, and ask for his or her opinion instead of making all the decisions yourself.
Being involved in the downsizing process allows older adults to feel connected and in control, which can stave off emotional health conditions such as depression. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional elder care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
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Donate What Isn’t Sold
Aside from thrift stores, amateur theater companies can use old clothing or furniture, retirement homes may be interested in books, and local churches can always use unwanted goods. No matter what your loved one donates or to whom, make sure he or she gets a receipt for tax purposes.
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Rent a Storage Unit
If your loved one has a collection of items he or she can’t part with, consider renting a storage unit. Give it a few months and then reassess the items being stored. Sometimes putting things out of sight can help people determine whether they really want them.
Downsizing can be an emotional experience for seniors. It’s important to make sure your loved one has the support he or she needs to remain happy and healthy. In Frederick, home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us at (301) 786-5045 today.