Plan to Downsize

Plan Ahead If You Can

Caregivers know that consistency and routine are best for their loved ones. So, when it comes to making changes, some things need to be as carefully thought out as possible to avoid undue stress. For example, changing one’s physical environment (housing) can be traumatic.

Even if the move is down the street or around the corner it involves change that includes packing, unpacking, discarding and more. It can mean that one’s lifetime of possessions get whittled down or that beloved items will be placed in unfamiliar locations.

It can also mean that the relocation, even if desired in theory, can produce a lot of stress. This is true even if it a move your loved one initiated because it also comes with a fear of loneliness and a sense of lost independence.

To help, Cargiver.Org has created a fact sheet that can help guide caregivers organize a loved one’s life-changing move so that is can happen as smoothly as possible. Here are a few of the suggestions:

Start thinking about beginning to declutter before a move is on the near horizon. Six months or a year prior to moving is not too early to start this process, regardless of where your parent is planning to move, or even if your family is still deciding.

Shred, toss or give away obvious items such as old cancelled checks, outdated food or medications, clothes, or extraneous household items that just take up space.

If you're not sure, ask an accountant or tax person what records need to be retained.

Continue this decluttering process monthly until you start the major activities of sorting and packing for the move. You'll be surprised at how much you can eliminate before you get into the emotional quandaries of dealing with prized possessions.

Collect and keep together important papers: deeds, wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, medical records, military records, diplomas and degrees, birth certificates, passports. These can be in a file cabinet or safe-deposit box, but let key family members know where they are.

Encourage others to claim keepsakes, such as sports trophies, they have in storage at the house.

Limit sorting and packing activities to no more than two hours per day for your loved one. Keep it relaxed and companionable. Have a cup of tea (or glass of wine!), and take breaks.

To read the full fact sheet, click here.

J. Dietrich Stroeh is author of Three Months: A Caregiver’s Journey from Heartbreak to Healing (2011 FolkHeart Press) and three free ebooks. For more information, click here.