How to Help Senior Parents Downsize Their Home in Murrieta, CA
Your elderly parents have most likely accumulated an extensive collection of valuables, sentimental items, and old electronics, along with many books, kitchenware, random power cords, and other miscellaneous items. Sometimes, they may not want to move into a smaller home due to the work involved in sorting, organizing, and discarding these possessions.
When their parents arrive with work clothes, cardboard boxes, and dust masks to organize the garage, closets, and attic, many adult children assume that their parents are beginning the process of downsizing their house. The procedure should start well in advance of that day.
Call Visiting Angels of Murrieta at 951-639-5949 to schedule a free consultation.
A Caring Method for Seniors in Murrieta, Riverside, CA, and the Surrounding Areas
Even when they know the items are unnecessary, older adults may struggle to part with their possessions. But downsizing necessitates decluttering more than anything else.
Start the downsizing process early and proceed with grace and gentleness. This will give your loved one a sense of control over their possessions, lessening stress for you and your family.
The following advice will help your aging parents downsize their house while reducing stress and worry for everyone:
Present the concept early.
Every downsizing project should begin with a conversation or conversations that occur days, weeks, or months before a clean-out event. Discuss with your loved one what they own, and together, you will devise a plan that satisfies your needs and respects their desires.
Treat delicately.
Handle the procedure with empathy. People lose a lot as they get older, such as friends and family passing away, their health and mobility deteriorating, and their level of independence decreasing. Your parents might hold on to their belongings even more tightly because they believe parting with them is another loss. The process can proceed more easily if it is acknowledged that some items have sentimental value and efforts are made to comprehend the reasons behind their reluctance.
Talk about "opportunities."
Talk about "opportunities" when talking about downsizing. For example, talk about the chance to help their kids clean out while they're still well enough to help, the joy of sharing treasured items with family, or the opportunity to spend time with loved ones while going through family relics.
Make it simple and handy.
Make things as simple and convenient as possible on "clean-out day." Make three distinct boxes or bins with the labels "Keep," "Donate," and "Toss" so that your loved one can quickly sort and arrange things. Offer to deliver or ship goods to relatives, move donated goods to the neighborhood collection point, sell goods on the internet or at a garage sale, or get rid of unwanted stuff.
Give it some time.
When going through things, go at your loved one's pace, even slower than you would like. To help your loved one feel in control, valued, and respected, give them time to reflect on the past and make a leisurely decision about what should be kept, donated, or thrown away.
The caregivers at Visiting Angels of Murrieta can be very helpful to your elderly parents by listening to them and being companions. At the same time, they share stories and memories about their possessions.
Make an appointment for a free, no-obligation in-home consultation with Visiting Angels of Murrieta to discover how expert senior care can help you and your loved ones.
