Downsizing can be a daunting task for anyone. Multiply this six-fold when you’re not well, are used to being totally independent and yet you find yourself overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. Worse still despite knowing you need to move to where you can get the support you need, you really don’t want to go.
This is the dire situation many of my elderly clients find themselves in. Many don’t have family or friends around to assist with their move. Sometimes I think it’s probably easier for a third party to have the difficult conversations with people about what should and shouldn’t be moved, but if you’re working through this process with family members, here are the steps I follow:
Empathy. Acknowledge this is a difficult time of life and that so many years of memories are intrinsically tied up in the family home of 40 years or more. Assure mum and/or dad they have ultimate control over what goes with them, what is donated and what is disposed of. This is the most important step, as you need to have your parents on board with the changes that will be happening.
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