Tips on How to Help Seniors Move

Why Seniors Need Help

We should always respect those who are older than us, especially if they are our family. All too often, people treat their elderly parents or relatives like liabilities that they simply need to let go of. This is especially true for career-driven millenials who are too busy with their own lives.

However, the elderly should always be treated with respect. Obviously, if they were the ones who raised you, it’s only but proper for you to treat them well. But even if you’re just helping your elderly neighbour, you should still treat them with respect and dignity.

Helping a senior relocate can be very tricky. Whether he or she is moving into a retirement home, or into a new home with you, it’s important to be kind to them and assist them carefully with the transition.

Here’s why:

Seniors are often very emotional and sentimental – They may resist the change or get depressed with the impending events.
Some seniors refuse to be helped – Some use hurtful words while others may even get feisty and try to use whatever force they have.
They may be under a serious medical condition – In which case you might need to get professional assistance. It’s not just about being forgetful or having dementia, your elderly person might require medical equipment to be moved as well.

Tips When Helping a Senior to Move

Here are some tips that you can keep in mind:

Bring an unending supply of patience with you – Try to help them in whatever way you can and remove the limits of your patience. You will surely get tested but you have to keep your composure.
Don’t overwhelm them – Don’t shock them with the news of moving. Allot some time to explain and lay it to them gently. If you have tasks to do, chop it up and let them do one small task at a time; a few minutes each day should do. Ease them into the transition and acceptance.
Tell them details about the new place – If you will be moving into a new house with them, tell them about their own room, or the place where they can hang out and enjoy the sun. Paint a picture for them, or better yet, show them actual pictures! Most retirement homes offer a lot of recreational activities and facilities for their residents. Tell them about Poker Night, the sports activities, the social scene, the fun!
Make note of their personal treasures – Make sure that their most valuable items will be there with them at their new home. If possible, put them in the same place (like in the old one). This may include picture frames and photo albums, medals of honor, various documents, or whatever trinkets they hold dear to their hearts. Don’t rob them of their special memories.
Get help – This is especially important if your parents or grandparents can no longer move by themselves. You can even avail of professional assistance from companies that specialize in senior relocations. You can also try teaming up with the institution you’re sending them to. They often have specially-trained personnel who will aid you in doing a safe and gentle relocation.
Take note of any medical ailments and requirements – Do they need to take medicine at specific times of the day? Make sure to note things like this during the transition. Things can become very busy, but you must never take their health for granted.
Inform their friends and family – Whenever possible, inform the friends and family of the senior. Give them the address and contact details of the retirement home (or your home) so they can come over for a visit. A lot of seniors even know how to use cellphones and tablets now so tell them to make use of the technology.

The important thing is to be as considerate as possible when dealing with seniors. Moving may be very difficult for them too, not only physically but emotionally as well. Your kindness and patience will go a long way.

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