We recently contacted moving companies, Tampa, Florida and in other areas which have a lot of senior citizen residents, and asked them if they had any tips for relatives who are tasked with helping to move their elderly relatives into assisted living facilities. One Tampa moving company in particular offered some wonderful suggestions which I think everyone in this situation will be thrilled to know. Let’s take a look at what movers in Tampa, FL had to say.
The number one Tampa moving company suggestion from was to understand that many elderly people will be somewhat depressed at loosing some of their independence and needing to move into assisted living quarters. To help with this process, they need to feel as if they are in charge of what is going on; they cannot feel like they are being pushed into the situation. To this end, you should offer to help them with their belongings, but not help to decide what will be done with them. The ultimate distribution of their items needs to be their own decision.
When you arrive to help your elderly relative go through their possessions and pack, ask if there are special items they would like to give to relatives or friends to enjoy. Rather than pay to move them, now would be a great time to be able to pass down some of their memorabilia. Offer your relative the help of redistributing their items to wherever they desire.
In addition, ask your relatives if there is a charity or thrift shop which they like to frequent or which supports a cause which they like to support. Armed with this information, you can then suggest things which would make good donations. For example, if your relative has 50 towels in their linen closets, and loves animals, you could suggest that they donate the older towels to the local animal shelter and that they then take their nicer, newer towels to their new home and enjoy them.
Tampa moving company executives also suggest that when your senior relatives are ready for assisted living, it is time to take a look at all of the family papers and photos which they own.
Start with the paperwork, and let your elderly friends or relatives know that they should be keeping their tax records, both state and federal, for seven years. In addition to the tax records, they should keep only a few months worth of past bills. Help to shred old documents and you can make a ton of free packing material in the process!
As you are going through the packing and decision process, you will find that seniors often have stashes of photos in various places. Make a special place to store all photos and take the time out to place any photo found in this box. These photos can be processed later into scrapbooks, or given to relatives. Ask your relative to make a note to remember to go through photos, make a note on the back of who the photos are of, and decide what should be done with them.
Tampa Florida movers really understand the special needs of moving senior citizens from their large homes into smaller assisted living quarters. By using some of their advice, you can help your relative make a much smoother transition, when the time comes.