Three Steps to Begin Downsizing When Moving into Assisted Living

When a person has finally decided that assisted living is the right thing for them, they will need to begin downsizing. This is especially true if they’re moving from a house or a multi-bedroom apartment, townhouse, or condo. It is also especially true for somebody who is lived in the same place for decades.

The longer a person stays in the same home, the more they accumulate. It is often a collection of memories, mementos, and tokens of a life well lived. Some people are simply hoarders and have a difficult time letting go of material possessions.

Yet, when a person reaches an age and realizes they can no longer maintain their home, don’t have the desire to do so, and simply want to be surrounded by peers their own age, assisted living is a great choice. Now, the hard part begins: downsizing.

There are several steps a person can or should take to begin downsizing for a move like this. Assisted living is one of the best elder care choices a person in their late 60s, 70s, or 80s can make, especially if they have physical limitations that make it difficult to maintain daily life.

 

First, plan early.

It’s easy to procrastinate, especially when you have reservations or assisted living is really not what you had in mind for your golden years of life. However, when you’ve made the commitment, when you’re going to be moving in, perhaps in a month or two, start planning as early as you can.

The larger the house you’re moving from, the more planning becomes crucial. You might need help, such as from a close friend, spouse, or your adult children who live in the area. Lean on them when you need them.

 

Second, go through as much as you can first.

This might mean taking things down from the attic to sift through boxes. Or bring things up from the basement. Go through everything, every box, every piece of furniture, and make a list of the main things you want to focus on.

The treasures, the mementos, the photographs and framed pictures, and so forth. Figure out who you would want to leave these things to, give away to, or even ask if they would want it.

Not everyone is going to want the things you find valuable. That’s okay. When you go through as much as you can first, you won’t feel the last-minute pressure to throw everything in the garbage or just put it out in some yard sale simply to get rid of it.

 

Third, enjoy the memories.

As long as you start early, when you go through these items, these possessions, you’ll be able to relive the memories. Share those memories. If your grandchild or adult daughter, for example, is helping you do this, use a recording device and talk about the memories they bring forth.

It may not seem like a big deal at that time, but one day those memories, passed down from generation to generation, become more precious than gold.

If you or an aging loved one is considering a move to Assisted Living in Carefree, AZ please contact the caring staff at MD Senior Living today. 480-267-9200