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So, you have decided that now is the time to sell your loved one’s home and move them to a retirement community. This is a big step, but a positive one. Retirement communities are often better suited for aging seniors with additional care needs because they include thoughtful layouts, incorporated safety features, and plenty of activities to enhance residents’ social lives.
Downsizing can be a daunting task. But it does not have to be! The process can be overwhelming and emotional, so take your time, carefully consider what to do with each piece of large furniture or decor, and know that help is available at every step along the way. Here are some of the best tips and some hard truths for downsizing your loved one’s home from the expert team at Belleview Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Aurora, Colorado.
The good news is that after living in their home for decades, your loved one has probably accumulated tons of memories that are meaningful to you and your family. How lucky you are to have had such wonderful experiences! When deciding to downsize, take a good look around and be thankful for all that you have. Make sure you have a crystal-clear vision for why downsizing is a good choice: whether that is to be closer to family, have additional medical care nearby, or to make sure your loved one thrives in an environment perfectly suited for their needs. That way, when it is time to commence the downsizing process, you will already have the perfect mindset for the undertaking.
The bad news is that your loved one cannot take everything with them. You will have to sell, donate or pass down large pieces of furniture, decor items, kitchen appliances, or family heirlooms. But never fear, this does not have to be a “bad” thing. If you truly consider why you are downsizing, you can recognize that some of these items no longer serve your family for your new adventure. The large furniture might have become a tripping hazard, the knickknacks are just more to clean, and the kitchen appliances take up valuable cabinet space. Downsizing is also a good time to let your creative juices flow and set your loved one up for a new lifestyle at their retirement community.
The ugly truth is that you will have to get through feeling overwhelmed to get started. Starting is often the most difficult part since you may have no idea where to begin. And if your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, big changes to their living spaces can be very upsetting to them. We recommend that you start in the places that your loved one does not see or use daily, such as a garage or attic. You may also consider moving your loved one to their new community before tackling their main living space. While there will likely be an adjustment period when they move, you won’t be prolonging it by rearranging their belongings while they’re still living in the home.
Once you have decided which items you are willing to part with, make sure you know your limits when it comes to lifting or moving heavy furniture. Hire professional help or enlist the help of friends and family to make this process as easy as possible on yourself.
Here are a few of our other downsizing tips to help make this process as easy as possible for you.
To learn more about residency or to schedule a tour of Belleview Heights, contact our friendly team today.
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