The Overwhelming Prospect of Downsizing to Get Ready for Assisted Living
Assisted Living in Hollywood Park, TX – Helping Your Elderly Loved One Prepare for Moving into an Assisted Living Facility
Agreeing that moving to assisted living is the best option for one’s life at this point in time may have taken quite a while to realize. Once a senior has committed to moving into an assisted living facility, if they have been living in the same house for many years it is likely that they acquired a great deal of possessions over time. That also means downsizing is necessary.
The only time a person may not have to downsize for a move to assisted living is if they’ve been in a small apartment for a short time. If that apartment is doesn’t have a lot of storage space, and the senior doesn’t have a lot of possessions, then downsizing may not be necessary, but in most cases it is.
This can feel overwhelming, especially for somebody who has acquired many mementos, trinkets, furniture, and other possessions through the years. If the person getting ready to move was married and lost their spouse somewhat recently, every item could remind them of that loved one. That can complicate the process of downsizing.
If downsizing feels like an overwhelming task, there are a few steps to take that can make it feel more comfortable. Below are a few tips that can help in this process.
First, focus on the basic necessities that will be required in the apartment style room at the facility. This could include bathroom necessities, items found in their nightstand right now, clothing, and other similar necessities. Set these aside or keep track of them.
Next, consider any extras that might be required. If there is an eat-in kitchen in the apartment at this assisted living facility, they may require some pots and pans, utensils, plates, and other such items.
Third, go through personal mementos that are important to the individual. This could include photo albums, picture frames, cards, and other such items. Begin to prioritize which of these items are most important to them. If they have family members who live close by, they could keep these items at their home and bring them to the senior if they feel the desire to go through them at some point in time.
Finally, go through all of the furniture that will not be moving with them to this new living situation and determine what items offer a personal connection to them and determine if there are certain family members who might want them for themselves. If they can’t part with anything just yet, it may be necessary to move these items into a safe and secure storage facility until a later date when they may be more willing to let go of these items.
For more information about Pipestone Place Assisted Living in San Antonio, TX or to take a tour, call today (210) 718-0211.
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