Tips for Seniors Downsizing their Homes in Chelsea, MA

"Let them know the type of service you are looking for, and I guarantee you and your loved one will be satisfied! I was looking for a companion for Mom, and after multiple interviews with various companies, I was sold on Visiting Angels. They tailored their services specifically to mom's needs, which was a deal for all!"

Taking a Compassionate Approach

According to downsizing statistics reported by Forbes, Fannie Mae expects a 42% increase in home downsizes for seniors in the coming decade. However, it’s more common than ever for Letting go of things in the home can be a challenge for many seniors. As such, it’s important to always be compassionate and patient with your loved one while providing them help in downsizing their home. Here are a few ways that you can make the process smoother and lower in stress:

• Approach the idea early onDownsizing shouldn’t be a surprise. You should approach the subject long before the actual date of downsizing and be gentle with your loved one while doing so–they may be hesitant to the idea initially.

• Be EmpatheticAs people get older, loss becomes a more regular part of life. It’s understandable that many seniors do not wish to part with things–even mundane objects in the home. Recognize why your loved one may place sentimental value in certain objects and work to accommodate this.

• Make Clean Out Day EasyOn the day you help your loved one downsize, have three bins labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Toss” so that your senior loved one can have an easier time making decisions. Then, provide them help with trash hauling, runs to donation centers (such as the Sommerville Salvation Army), and other assistance.

• Don’t Rush the ProcessDecluttering, for seniors, can be an emotional process. Make sure to allow your loved one the agency to work at their own pace. Without the feeling of being rushed, your loved one can make thoughtful decisions on what to keep and what to remove from their home.

We Can Help Your Loved One at Home!

Whether your loved one has already decluttered their home or is still in the process, our Angels are ready to provide them with nonmedical assistance to help them continue to reside in the comfort of their own home. Though we do not provide full-service downsizing options for seniors, we are more than happy to help your loved one with light housekeeping and other home chores to keep their home organized and clean. We can also provide your loved one with help for other things like cooking, bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, moving around the home, and more. With our help, your loved one can focus on the personal and emotional elements of downsizing.

Emotional Support from Trusted Caregivers

Our professional in-home caregivers at Visiting Angels form strong bonds with our clients. We are here to provide your loved one with empathetic support during their downsizing. Our Angels can listen to your loved one’s concerns, help them navigate difficult emotions, and assist them in staying positive during this process. Think of our Angels as compassionate friends who are only a phone call away!

Get Started With a Free Home Care Evaluation

If you’d like to learn more about how our in-home care services can support your loved one in Chelsea, East Cambridge, or another nearby area during their downsizing, reach out to our team by phone at (617) 409-9039 or via our online contact form to schedule a free care consultation. We can then send an Angel to your home to speak with you and your loved one and answer any questions you have about our services. Contact us today!