With so many of us thinking about downsizing we recognise the potentially huge advantages of relocating to somewhere smaller, or to purpose-designed accommodation as we move into later life. It can enable individuals and couples to take the daily stress out of managing their home; improve their wellbeing and social life; and – of course – release much needed funds to help them make the very most of their retirement years.
However some are put off by the actual reality of making the move from finding somewhere suitable to move to the physical process of packing up and moving.
Downsizing for older people can be a moving experience – but not always in the right way… causing stress and upset, and even exacerbating health conditions, such as breathing or heart problems, arthritis and dementia.
Now specialist advice website www.myageingparent.com has launched a personalised support service to help older people realise all the many benefits of downsizing – but without all the downsides.
Supporting an elderly person to make a move means much more than simply packing up boxes and calling in a removal firm. Deborah Stone, the website’s managing director says, “It is important to recognise and understand the physical, emotional and cognitive changes faced by an older adult and the impact this will have on their ability to participate in the process of moving.
“Even a fit and well older adult will tire more easily, and can become mentally fatigued more quickly compared to their former self.
“Memory loss or confusion may lead to extra stress as the person struggles to understand and cope with the upheaval in their environment – made more onerous by having to deal with utilities, switching doctors and so on. For those whose family live a long way away, or themselves have health issues, downsizing can be a seriously difficult affair.
“And added to all of this, there is the complex emotional issue of what furniture and treasured items to give away or sell. A family home can be packed with memories – real and virtual. Giving that up can be a massive wrench.”
So the organisation has introduced a new support resource with The Senior Move Partnership to offer a unique moving service that can be tailored completely to their needs.
This new service is designed to anticipate and remove all these problems. They can even undertake a property search on your behalf, help you sell your home, appoint a removal firm, buy and install new furniture and fittings, help you decide which treasured possessions should be passed onto family and then make sure they get to them safely.
On the day someone will be there to supervise the move, keep you fed and well hydrated and even drive you to your new home, unpack your boxes, stock your fridge with food and settle you in.
Some of the services they can offer:
- Work with you to put in place a plan to cover your whole move
- Help you find a new suitable home and sell your current home
- Suggest ideas and practical help to assist you to sort and downsize your belongings
- Compile an inventory of your belongings, listing what is to be moved, sold or disposed of
- Prepare a Furniture Floor Plan, to help you plan your furniture layout and decide what to take with you or what you might need to purchase
- Ensure the safe and secure disposal of old financial and personal documents
- Support you to purchase new furniture, curtains, fittings etc. for your new home
- Carry out all utilities and change of address tasks
- Arrange for treasured possessions to be passed to family members
- Arrange quotes and manage your chosen removal company
- Liaise with your Estate Agent and Solicitor on your behalf.
During the move they can:
- Provide support for you throughout move day
- Drive you to the new home
- Manage the various tasks associated with moving day, handing keys to estate agents etc.
- After the move they can:
- Unpack at the new home
- Remove all packing materials
- Arrange furniture as per floor plan
- Organise rooms, including hanging curtains, pictures and making up beds
- Connect the T V and computer
- Stock your kitchen cupboards for the first day
- Help you settle into your new home and orientate you to your local services, for example, GP.
Of course a lot of these things can be done by a good removal company and friends and family but it may be helpful to use some or part of this service to give peace of mind.
For more information call 0800 044 3904 and quote myageingparent, or visit www.myageingparent.com.
Senior Moves offer a national service with varying rates dependent on your individual requirements pre, during and post your move. You will be given a quotation based on your needs.
