For many, there will come a point in time when a decision will need to be made with or on behalf of an aging parent. How to take care of your aging parent\u2019s home when downsizing is just as important as the downsizing process itself.\u00a0 Whether the parent(s) will be moving in with a family member or downsizing into a smaller abode, the following will discuss a few of the key points to consider.<\/p>\n
Even if the act of downsizing may not happen for some time, bring up the topic of downsizing sooner than later if it has not already been broached.\u00a0 It is best to at least have an idea of a person\u2019s wishes when the time comes, if not a full-fledged plan.<\/p>\n
While it can sometimes be out of our control, ideally, it is better to not suddenly spring the idea of downsizing on a person.\u00a0 It\u2019s a situation that deserves to be mentioned with respect and patience.\u00a0 When the time comes to have the conversation, more likely than not, it will be an emotional experience.\u00a0 Not only for the parent(s) but for everyone involved- yourself included.\u00a0 Be prepared to be met with emotions you least expect.<\/p>\n
Take this into account and be ready to have a support system in case anyone needs it.\u00a0 Support systems come in many shapes and sizes but they may come in the form of a friend, a mentor, a professional, or another family member.<\/p>\n
It can be easy to get energized by motivation at the beginning of the downsizing process.\u00a0 It is just as easy to become overwhelmed and oftentimes, this happens much quicker than expected.\u00a0 For this reason, it is recommended to sit down and assess the situation.<\/p>\n
With a day planner or calendar in hand, look at the important dates first (moving day, auction end day, etc) and take into account other important engagements that already exist.\u00a0 Depending on the timeline, some of these engagements may need to be rescheduled.\u00a0 If this is impossible, it will take a bit more organization and time management to work around these events.<\/p>\n
With this in mind, it is important to be realistic when it comes to how much can be done in a certain amount of time.\u00a0 Accept when help is offered and know when to ask for help. \u00a0 We all wish to be superheroes but even superheroes need aid sometimes!<\/p>\n
It is important to visit the home and take a look at what needs doing with your own eyes.\u00a0 If possible, go through the home room by room, being sure to take notes as you go.\u00a0 It is best to look at the situation as a whole, and then divide it into manageable tasks.<\/p>\n
For example, while the master bedroom or basement may be an area of focus, section the rooms into smaller tasks. These smaller tasks can be taken care of first in order to make the process of handling the larger items a bit easier.<\/p>\n
To demonstrate, perhaps the bed will need to be disassembled but it is surrounded by other items such as clothing or night tables.\u00a0 Remove\/take care of the night tables and clothing first, and then there will be ample space to handle the bed.<\/p>\n
Use a system to keep each of these categories separate.\u00a0 Whether it involves placing select items in specific areas according to the category or a color code system, the goal is to use whichever method works well for you.<\/p>\n
One of the first items that should be tended to are the matters concerning important medications and\/or health devices.\u00a0 Depending on where they are moving, this may include:<\/p>\n
At the very least, keep their main health provider in the know of their plans to downsize.\u00a0 They know the medical history of their patients best and will be able to assess the proper course of action.\u00a0 They may even be able to offer more help when it comes to ensuring a safe and healthy downsizing experience.<\/p>\n
One of the most anxiety-inducing thoughts for anyone going through downsizing is. \u201cWhat if we misplace (or even worse, dispose of) document X, Y, or Z?\u201d.\u00a0 Whether these documents concern banking information, or healthcare, or are simply personal and private – the thought of possibly losing these documents can often halt the downsizing process altogether.<\/p>\n
For this reason, we highly advise using a clearly-labeled storage container or chest to keep these documents safe.\u00a0 Keep this container away from the rest of the items needing to be sorted, or temporarily store them at the home of someone you trust if the new home is not yet prepared for move-in.\u00a0 This way, these documents will be kept secure and there will be no need to constantly worry as the downsizing progresses.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget to take a look at the refrigerator and pantry!\u00a0 Undoubtedly, it is important to stay hydrated and well-fed throughout the downsizing process.\u00a0 However, no one wants food to go to waste or have to worry about how to transport perishable foods when moving day arrives.\u00a0 This is even more important if the new living arrangement will not have the same amount of space available for food storage.<\/p>\n
Try your best to eat what remains and to only go shopping for essentials when necessary.\u00a0 This is a good time to be open to trying new recipes- some impressive recipes have been created by those going through the moving process!\u00a0 With this being said, don\u2019t allow a diet to go by the wayside.\u00a0 Certain foods are recommended for the sake of a person\u2019s health and if some of the food that remains is not diet-friendly, pass these ingredients on to others.<\/p>\n
If it is impossible to use all of the food before moving, some food may be transported with the help of a cooler.\u00a0 Or, some food can be offered to friends, family, neighbors, or a local food bank.\u00a0 Try your best to not simply throw everything into the garbage- this should be the last resort.<\/p>\n
When preparing the items for the move, it is best to have a plan for both the packing and the unpacking stages.\u00a0 For example, some boxes should be labeled with \u201cOpen First\u201d or with a number.\u00a0 This way, when it comes time to unpack, you will know which boxes have the highest priority.<\/p>\n
A prime example would be how it is important to have access to medications.\u00a0 The label box containing these items along with other important medical supplies should be labeled with a \u201c1\u201d.\u00a0 Box #2 may contain the clothes they need to have access to for the first few days.\u00a0 The rest of the clothes can be placed in the subsequent boxes.\u00a0 Number each box used, assigning boxes containing similar content with the same number.<\/p>\n
As the number increases, the less urgent it is to take care of its contents when it is time to unpack.\u00a0 Or, you can assign the number depending on which room\/part of the house the contents should be placed in.\u00a0 Either way, having a system will be beneficial.<\/p>\n
Moving can be a stressful life event, regardless of a person\u2019s age!\u00a0 Luckily, Alivio Solution is a member of The National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers\u00ae.\u00a0 This means we are trusted to offer reliable and efficient moving services.<\/p>\n
We can help tackle each of the aforementioned parts of downsizing.\u00a0 For example, we partner with MaxSold and other selling platforms to get each client the best market price for the furniture and effects that aren\u2019t moving into their new space.<\/p>\n
For the items that can\u2019t be sold, we reappropriate them to charities in the Greater Toronto area.\u00a0 We understand how sentimental some items can be!\u00a0 We only wish to ensure the safety of such items and to give them to those who need them the most.<\/p>\n
Taking care of an aging parent\u2019s home can be taxing in more ways than one.\u00a0 While beginning the process can undoubtedly be difficult, once there is a plan in place and the right tools\/aid are acquired, it all comes down to taking care of one thing at a time.<\/p>\n
However, if it becomes much harder than you anticipated, there is absolutely no shame in asking for help.\u00a0 In fact, in order to be sure that it is done safely and properly the first time, asking for help is advised!<\/p>\n
If you are in need of aid with downsizing or estate clearing, Alivio Solution Downsizing is here to help.\u00a0 We customize our packages to accommodate your specific needs.\u00a0 Contact us today for a free consultation where we will discuss how we can facilitate the process of downsizing.\u00a0 Phone or email us at (437) 329-6873 or info@aliviodownsizing.com for more information.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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