Moving house can be a highly stressful experience, regardless of what age you are. This stress is further elevated for the elderly who are usually not too comfortable with too much change, and can prove to be a challenge all too often. Moving with the elderly requires a little more planning, foresight and consideration, but this can be made pretty straight forward with some preparation and patience. In this article, we will look at some handy tips when it comes to moving with the elderly, so read on to find out more!

  1. Consideration Is Key

For many elderly, the home they will be moving out of is one in which they have spent a large chunk of their lives in. It is not uncommon for seniors to become emotionally attached and sentimental to their surroundings, so consideration is key when you are planning a move. Moving home can be an exciting thing for younger individuals, but is usually a much more emotionally taxing experience for those in their senior years. Understanding how difficult this can be for them is key in the moving process. It is advisable to have an honest and open talk with them before you go out and hire movers in Sydney. Including the elderly in the planning process before making any concrete plans can make them feel much more involved in the entire process, and giving them a say in the entire process is another great way to show consideration for their feelings. Instead of dictating, let them feel like the move is a joint agreement between all parties, ensuring that they don’t feel left out or even worse, feel like a burden on your plans.

  1.       Plan Effectively

Younger people cope relatively well with last minute plans when it comes to packing and sorting items out, but when you’re involving the elderly in the big move, it is always wise to plan effectively, and way in advance. As soon as the move is decided upon, you’ll want to start making lists, keeping note of what needs to be sold, given away or thrown out and what you’ll be bringing along with you to your new home. Always allow the elderly to make these decisions themselves instead of telling them what needs to go and what needs to stay. Assist them in sorting out their items and belongings, and be gentle when suggesting to get rid of possessions, as it may hit a raw nerve in certain instances. If they truly treasure an item, allow them to keep it and bring it along with them. Compromise is key, and the gentle approach is one that will make this entire moving process a lot smoother.

  1. Consider Accessibility

When moving with the elderly, it is of utmost importance that you consider the accessibility of your new home. Be sure to check for accessibility points in the new space, especially so if there are any mobility issues involved. Keep note of stairs that need to be climbed, slopes and other issues that may be inconvenient for the elderly to deal with. If wheelchairs are involved, always ensure that your new space is wheelchair accessible to avoid any potential disasters. Aside from accessibility, it is crucial that you check up on other safety hazards such as slippery tiles in the bathroom and kitchen, along with ensuring that all rooms in the home are safe for the elderly.

  1.          Hire Trusted Movers

It is no surprise to anyone that the elderly, when attached to certain items or belongings, get a little touchy with how they are being handled or who is handling them. This is why it is always advised that you hire trusted movers who will handle your items with utmost grace and respect. Instead of having granny worry about how rough a mover is being with her age old box of photographs, hiring someone who can be trusted to treat your items with respect will do a world of good for everyone involved. Professional packers are also a fantastic option for elderly who may be slightly paranoid of their items being damaged during the move. Constantly reassuring the elderly with these little steps can truly make a world of difference.

  1.    Be Patient

Last but not least, it is so important that you remain patient and calm throughout this entire moving journey. Chances are there will be moments in which mum makes you want to pull your hair out, but always remember to remain cool and collected, instead of blowing up or losing your patience/temper. With a cool head, things will move along a lot smoother, causing less distress to the elderly and everyone else involved.

We hope that this article has given you some handy tips when it comes to moving with elderly loved ones!

 

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