{"id":1837,"date":"2016-08-15T15:33:44","date_gmt":"2016-08-15T22:33:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=1837"},"modified":"2024-05-31T10:16:17","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T17:16:17","slug":"help-a-loved-one-downsize-to-assisted-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/help-a-loved-one-downsize-to-assisted-living\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Quick Tips for Helping Loved Ones Downsize to Assisted Living"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post is a guest contribution from Jacqueline Hatch.<\/em><\/p>\n

Jacqueline Hatch is the Content Manager at<\/em> Seniorly.com<\/em><\/a>, a company that provides free resources for families in need of senior care services. Her goal is to produce educational articles that help families navigate the complicated world of aging options. She does this through managing the <\/em>Seniorly Resource Center<\/em><\/a>, where families can search for relevant articles based on topics and keywords.<\/em><\/p>\n

Making the move to assisted living is a major life transition for an aging loved one. With so many new opportunities for socialization and staying active, there\u2019s a lot to look forward to. But it can also be a difficult time for adult children who are trying to figure out what to do with possessions that have accumulated in a family home.<\/p>\n

After all, what do you do with a lifetime\u2019s supply of cherished items that no longer fit a new living space or lifestyle? When your loved one decides on a senior housing community that fits their unique needs, there are certain steps you can take to help them downsize for the move.<\/p>\n

1. Balance Stewardship and Let Go<\/h2>\n

When beginning the process of downsizing for a move to assisted living, it\u2019s important to be respectful and sensitive toward your loved one. After all, moving into a new home is a big change. There are likely to be some feelings of nervousness and excitement as your loved one prepares to pack things up and move residences.<\/p>\n

In many cases, your loved one will be overwhelmed and may instinctively cling to possessions they no longer need. Fortunately, as a family caregiver<\/a>, you are in an ideal position to help your loved one decide which objects will be given away, inherited, or packed up for the transition to assisted living.<\/p>\n

During this time, you will take on the role of steward to your loved one\u2019s belongings and recognize the deep emotional meaning that items may have for them. At the same time, however, you need to be practical about the need to downsize possessions so that your loved one can move on to their next home and find peace of mind.<\/p>\n

In some cases, the transition to assisted living may mean that the family home is being sold. The first step toward moving residences is for your loved one to decide which items will come along and which will be given away in order to declutter the family home.<\/p>\n

2. Declutter but Keep Cherished Possessions<\/h2>\n

When downsizing for a move to assisted living, it\u2019s importance to find a balance between decluttering and cherishing possessions. You\u2019ll want to get rid of things that no longer serve a purpose, but hang on to items that hold significant value to your loved one.<\/p>\n

Remember that keepsakes can prompt happy memories, and your loved one may enjoy having certain things nearby once they\u2019re moved into their new community. If possible, take things slow and try to determine what is most important to your loved one. For example, family photo albums can provide a source of continuity for people experiencing major life transitions.<\/p>\n

Consider digitizing albums to preserve them for posterity, and frame favorites to decorate your loved one\u2019s new living space. This will help create a home-like atmosphere and ease the transition into a new community.<\/p>\n

3. Downsize with Care<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, regardless of how understanding you are of your loved one\u2019s possessions, the fact is that much of it will have to go. Keeping certain heirlooms and beloved items in the family can help your aging loved one feel better about letting them go. Experts at Seniorly suggest these tips for helping your loved one downsize before a move to assisted living<\/a>:<\/p>\n