5 Considerations When Moving With Senior Citizens

Moving is a difficult time for everyone, with details to keep track of and the old familiar spaces upended. But moving is particularly stressful for seniors. If you’re moving with a senior family member, or if you are a senior yourself, keep special senior needs in mind during your move. Here are a few tips that can make moving with a senior much easier.

1. Discuss the Move at a Family Meeting

When seniors have a say in family business, their particular needs and concerns are addressed. Make a list of small tasks that need to be done and ask all family members to do what they can. Marking the days on a family calendar can help older people (and kids!) keep track of the move date and plan ahead.

2. Be Patient with Seniors

Your senior family member may not have the eyesight and physical ability they once had. Try to provide support and assistance while allowing seniors to do all they can. And leave plenty of time for tasks your senior wants to do. They may pack or clean slowly, but they’ll appreciate doing it. Leave extra time when you help them, too.

Plan ahead and plan to downsize. If your family member balks at getting rid of large objects, put these in storage for a time, or give large items to relatives.

3. Take Photos of the Old Rooms

Photographs are so welcome at this time! Photos memorialize the old house—that’s particularly important when your senior has lived there a long time. And it helps to have a record if your senior wants to set up their new room in the same way.

Photographs are also a great way to save mementos without keeping the actual object. Don’t rely on digital photos for your senior. Get prints made (it’s inexpensive) and give them a photo album for the move.

4. Address Health Concerns While Moving a Senior

Your senior may have difficulty traveling or tire easily. Make provisions for this in advance so they have a place to rest. If your senior has trouble with stairs, make sure there is an elevator or chair lift in their new home, or put their room downstairs. If your senior has cognitive impairment, they may need someone designated to keep an eye on them during the move.

5. Keep Legal and Health Documents at Hand

You will need your seniors’ health information at hand in case of any health problems during the move. Keep Medicare and insurance cards handy as well as a list of medications they may be taking and any special paperwork such as power of attorney or a living will. Have medical records transferred and new doctors chosen, if necessary, before your move.

Few Moves Moving Company is here to make your move with a senior as easy as possible. Call Few Moves today at (919) 999-6201 in Raleigh or (910) 512-6999 in Wilmington, NC or request an online quote to discuss the special needs you may have while moving with your senior family member.