Nobody understands "change" better than seniors. But, where to begin when planning a downsizing, a move into a smaller space, or into assisted living? No matter how much experience we have in life, we haven't done what we haven't done, and this can seem like more of an overwhelming task than a new adventure or shifting into a more comfortable and peaceful life. It's not just moving; it's partially letting go, partially moving forward, and maybe some unknown. Where to begin? As you have likely learned in life, it helps to have an experienced guide and a plan.
Nearly half our population in the United States is facing this very fork in the road. Yet, no matter how developed and sophisticated the resources, facilities and services for "transitioning seniors" is becoming, the options for every individual are unique. Fortunately, an entire industry of Senior Move Management has been developing over the past 20 years, and Senior Transition Specialists have become specialized to the point of having plans and processes for virtually all senior-move situations, i.e., downsizing and moving to independent living, assisted living, memory care or Additional Dwelling Units (ADU's, or "mother-in-law suites") of adult children caregivers. The situations are as numerous as personalities, so Senior Move Managers are a special blend of experienced, patient, organized, resourceful, efficient and compassionate.
Simply Shift, LLC in Louisville, KY is an example of a Senior Move Management and Senior Transition Specialist, where the owner, Cindy Bush, used extensive experience in home care to inspire and establish a full-service Senior Transitions resource for area seniors and their caregivers. Cindy says, "the decision to do this full-time as my own business was a natural one, but the need for these services was beyond what I expected! I couldn't be happier since I'm meeting this need every day, doing what I love, and helping seniors feel confident about a change that was initially causing them anxiety."
How to begin, and what's involved? Cindy says that all Senior Transitions begin with getting to know the client, their current situation and needs, and their decisions or options for the next living situation. "That can be a wide array of possible situations", she says, but shed adds that they can generally be summarized as a few general steps and examples.
Assess Current Situation and Needs of the Senior Client and Any Caregivers: - Fully active and independent, but "too much home to manage', and ready to downsize. - Still independent and active, but decided on (or considering) senior/retirement communities. - Now needing ambulatory assistance (i.e., cane, walker), and looking at independent living. - Needing full-time assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), moving to Assisted Living. - Increased issues with memory, or diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and moving to Memory Care. - A wide range of combined situations, and maybe decided to live with an adult child/caregiver.
Identify Needs for Transition Assistance, and Develop the Plan: - The new home is decided. Plan and schedule for downsizing, packing, moving, unpacking. - The new home is not yet decided; List options and review processes/options for moving. - Needs are still being determined; Review options/processes and stay in touch for next steps.
Move Ahead With Plan, Schedule, Resources, Floorplan and Downsizing: - Review floorplan of new home and identify placement of existing/new furniture - Schedule series of "keep/give/donate/recycle/sell/dispose" sessions, with labeling and organizing, allowing plenty of time for nostalgic remeniscing while also being efficient and staying with the plan and schedule. - Schedule moving and move-in arrangements, including utilities, cable, internet, phone, etc. - Complete the packing/labeling/shipping/selling/donating tasks of downsizing as needed.
Complete the Move and the Unpacking/Organization as Needed and Planned: - Direct the move/movers as planned with the new floorplan - Unpack all boxes and organize/arrange/display/hang/install all items as planned - Complete the Move-In with review of all placements, functions (TV, cable, internet, etc.), and ensure the new home meets all needs and expectations of the senior and caregivers. - Follow up to confirm whether any loose ends need finishing and securing.
"At the end of a move, the most fulfilling outcome is to have everything all unpacked and arranged by the plan, so the senior can 'Simply Shift' and start living in their new space with their own, familiar furniture, and surrounded by their most meaningful items, decorations and pictures, so they immediately feel like they are still at home," says Cindy. In most cases, the shift is a healthier situation than the previous home, with fewer risks and more benefits, which was a primary objective. She adds that the the most stressful and scary parts of the Senior Transitions are the UNKNOWNS, so her Senior-Move process is dedicated to inentifying those at the outstet, and having none remaining at the end of the move. "I find that my greatest value to seniors is my experience with nearly all senior-living communities and facilities around Louisville, so I know the administrators as well as their processes for moving. It helps to get through the 'unknowns' much faster with more more assurance."
Seniors and their caregivers are encouraged to Contact Simply Shift, no matter where they are in their planning or considerations about transitioning to new senior-living environments. Sooner is better, especially with Cindy Bush's experience with virtually all Senior-Move situations around Louisville, KY, to even help identify questions you migh need to be asking of the communities and facilities being considered!
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