Here are some issues to keep in mind as you consider assisting your parent(s) with their move:
- Can you remain objective?
- Can you remain patient?
You must consider the senior's health issues when planning the move. Extended periods of packing require both physical and mental stamina, and can be exhausting for even the most able amongst us. For every item packed, it must be taken down or out (physical action of climbing, reaching, standing or stooping). Every household good has a memory attached to it, no matter how insignificant it may seem. While every item will not require involved decision-making, many may trigger strong memories and emotional attachments that must be recognized and dealt with before deciding that item's fate. Then a decision must be made about its destination, and the item dispensed of properly - either packed for shipping or a move (wrapping, bending, stooping), or taken to a trash bin, or set aside for appraisal, selling, etc. When you consider the volume of goods in the typical household, you can see how this quickly becomes an overwhelming prospect, especially for seniors.
For seniors with memory impairment, it is not uncommon to have to go through this process several times. The senior may not remember having already made a decision about an item - you may move an item to an area for items to be sold, only to return the next day and find the item moved back to its original location. This situation requires a great deal of tact, compassion, and above all, patience. Since the moving process is already a major stressor for everyone involved, it may be difficult for the adult child to remain objective. |
" I would like to thank Susan for her professionalism and compassion in helping my family go through my mother's personal things. Even though many things were not valuable she treated them with great kindness and repacked them for a later time. Her service is a great benefit to people like myself, that being the child of elderly parent. She becomes the middle person making the transition a little easier for everyone. This was a very difficult time for my mother and through Susan's caring and efficiency we got through this time, and we will be able to continue this process slowly, but resulting in happy ending for all concerned."
~ Faye Shute
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