What Makes a Senior Downsizing Move So Emotional?

We’ve all moved before, we’ve all truly disliked it, and we’ve all said “never again”!

But for most of us, there is at least one more move in our lives, and it’s a BIG one…It’s when, as seniors, we make that downsizing transition to a retirement community…don’t call them the elderly or the aged, call them seniors, and they’re not an old folks home, a nursing home or a senior facility (which are pretty offensive terms to today’s seniors), they’re retirement communities. And truly they are much nicer places than they previously were…many of them offer activities such as dances, parties, group excursions, entertainment and so much more. Plus aging isn’t what it used to be either, seniors are living older, healthier and more active lives, and  retirement communities can be a great lifestyle.

Nevertheless, for most seniors, the idea of leaving their home conjures up uncertainty, fear, apprehension, despair and worry.

If this is your first time helping a senior parent, family member or friend with a downsizing move, these are things you need to be aware of…As people age, the idea of change concerns them more than it used to, your role is to understand how they feel, be patient and supportive.

What are seniors concerned about?

• They worry about where they will move to, and if they will be happy there.
• They worry about meeting new people and making new friends.
• They worry about the personal things and treasures they will need to leave behind, then they worry about what will they do with the things they must leave behind.
• They worry that they may not be able to take their pets.
• They worry if they are losing their independence.
• They worry about being left behind by their family.

How can you be a support?

You want to be supportive, and you certainly don’t want to say or do the wrong thing; a downsizing move is typically not something a senior wants to make:

• When your senior parent expresses his/her concerns to you, don’t make patronizing statements, they will only be misinterpreted and cause frustration and anger. Sometimes it’s better to just listen, and be a good sounding board. You can’t fix their feelings, but you can acknowledge them and be reassuring that you will help work everything out.
• When you’re talking with him/her about moving, talk about the positive things that will make her life easier and more enjoyable…less cleaning, less laundry, friends living right “next door”, activities, meals you don’t have to cook, you get the idea.
• If your senior is having a difficult time coming to grips with the idea of moving into a retirement or assisted living community, not only should you take tours of the local communities, but some of them even have guest rooms available, so future residents can try it out to see how they like it.
• Include your loved one in as many of the decisions as possible, but rather than calling them decisions, put a positive spin on it and call them choices. This will help them to feel necessary and independent.

Whether its during the decision making time, the downsizing and organizing, or the packing or unpacking, Smooth Transitions AZ can make it all go smoother…we can help save not only your back and knees, but your relationship too.

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASSM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make our client’s move a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family cope with a senior move anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area. We would love to serve you.