Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

A Simple $20.00 Investment Can Protect You, Your Family and Your Nest Egg!
NY - 07/23/04 - What if you discovered that twenty dollars could give you access to an array of valuable information that addresses the lifestyle, needs and financial interests of people 50 and over. Well, a twenty dollar annual membership in...

Elder Care Co-op
Could an elder-care-co-op work for family caregivers? It's an idea that's worked for years in small communities across the United States with childcare. Thirty years ago, three of my friends, all stay-at-home moms, got together and worked out a...

How the Hopi Create Their World
God gives food to every bird, but does not throw it into the nest. -Montenegrin Proverb "Do you hear that?" I whispered to my friend Tobias. "No, what?" he answered under his breath. "Drumming. The sound of soft, distant drumming." "No,...

MORAL ARMOR'S Irrational Parenting, Part II
Handing Down Malignancy. Children may begin bright and eager to face the world, but are often inundated with the conditioning of their fear-ridden predecessors speaking of lost dreams—taken by no one in particular. Their guardians appear...

‘THE TRIANGLE’ Takes A Plunge Into Reality
The long awaited and much-touted mini-series, The Triangle, made it’s debut on the Sci-Fi cable channel recently. As a person who has studied the paranormal for most of his life, I always watch these kinds of fictional entertainment projects...

 
Scaling Down (Almost) Painlessly

>

Moving to a smaller house or apartment in a retirement community almost always involves a certain degree of trauma, both for the elder who's moving and for family members. However, by planning ahead you can reduce the discomfort involved and turn what might well become a nightmare into a pleasant event.

Begin by Planning for the Move

Where is the elder moving? Go to the actual house or apartment with tape measure, pad and pencil and write down measurements. Floor space is important, but don't forget about ceilings. Many elders own large pieces of furniture that may not fit into rooms with low ceilings. Your work here will determine which pieces can move with your elder.

And while you're at the actual location, talk to several other elders who already live there. What is their life style? Do they go outside the property on frequent trips? How do they dress? Casual lifestyles will require an entirely different style of dress than more formal ones.

Gather Supplies and Contact Helpers

Having all the supplies you will need in one place will speed your task. You'll want a number of storage bins; five or six should be sufficient to hold sorted items. Plastic bags can be used for discarded belongings and as a container for articles to be donated to charities. Packing boxes and supplies such as padding materials and wide sealing tape are must-haves. Labels and dark marking pens are essential to ensure that boxes go to their intended location.

While you're in the gathering stage, begin to contact helpers you'll need. Among these may be:

  • estate sale professionals

  • certified appraisers

  • moving companies

  • house cleaners

  • repair specialists (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters)

Ask friends, relatives, and senior real estate specialists for recommendations. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau to ascertain whether problems have been reported about particular companies or individuals.

Approach Your Task One Room at a Time

Who should help? The elder and one family member should assume responsibility for sorting all items and some packing. Do not include everyone in the family if you want to make the job quick and easy because distractions increase in geometric proportion to the number of persons doing the sorting.

Sort all the items in one single room at once, beginning and ending in the kitchen. Why start there? Because kitchens in small houses and apartments typically are short on storage space, and the elder needs time and experience to determine which items are true necessities, and which may never be used. If you reduce kitchen items to a bare minimum at the beginning, your elder can determine what's needed and what's not by living with them ahead of time. After living with fewer items, your elder may find that items once thought essential may not be needed. Complete work in the kitchen at the very end of your tasks.

Even though you intend to stay in only one room, distractions will occur. Resist them by stacking items that belong in another room at the door. A bin or box placed just inside the door can contain all the items that have homes elsewhere.

Make your motto One Thing at a Time; One Time for each Thing. Once you've picked up an item, decide then and there what its fate should be. Place it in one of the bins you've labeled:

  • Discards

  • Donations

  • Distribution to Relatives

  • Keepers

  • Uncertainties

Large collections of books may require their own bins. You might have bins for Collectors' editions, books to be stored, books to be sold to book dealers.

When you have finished categorizing all the items in the room, start the packing process. Items in the Uncertainties bin can be packed for storage.

If an unbreakable item is to be moved only a short distance, don't waste time on elaborate packing and padding. Items like crystal and china, however, require excellent packing, regardless of the distance they will be moved. If you can't do a great job, leave packing fragile items to


professionals.

Mark boxes as you go.


Mark boxes as you go.


Mark boxes as you go.

Nothing is more frustrating than finding that you've shipped your elder's bed linens to Aunt Minnie and kept a silver salver you meant to send your nephew.

Don't try to do everything at once. Do only one room on any given day, and take the time to enjoy reminiscing as you sort items.

This is also the perfect time to have a certified appraiser come in to appraise items that may be of significant value. Very expensive items may be auctioned at an auction house such as Christy's or Sotheby's. Less expensive items can be sold to local antiques dealers. By having an idea of their value before going to dealers, you reduce the chance that dealers can scam you.

You could also consider selling items through an on-line auction. If you do so, remember that you will be responsible for shipping items and ensuring their condition to successful bidders.

Distribute Items to the Intended Recipients

Schedule a single day for distribution of items. In-town relatives can come to pick up items intended for them; they may also be helpful by taking bags to charities, books to resellers, boxes to storage, and trash to dumps.

Use this day for shipping as well. Small items can be shipped via UPS or FedEx; large pieces of furniture and antiques may require special handling by movers. Once you've finished distribution, you should have a considerably reduced pile of boxes and furniture. These boxes should contain only items to be moved to the elder's new residence or to storage. Remaining items should be those to be sold in an estate sale.

Move the Elder to His New Residence

Will the mover actually show up on time? Will the mover actually show up at all? Increase the probability of a good outcome for the move by contacting the mover to confirm arrangement a week ahead and the day before the actual move is scheduled. Of course, missed appointments may still occur, but if you've checked out the company with the Better Business Bureau and reminded the company of your appointment, the chances are good that the move will go as planned.

Accompany your elder to his new residence and help him with the moving-in process. Even if not all boxes can be emptied in a single day, he will feel more comfortable if a few items that are meaningful to him are unpacked and placed where he can find them.

Hold an Estate Sale

Once the movers have left the premises, the estate sale professionals should come in to evaluate and price items for the estate sale. Give them a key to the house, and then get out of their way. If you have chosen well, these professionals can do a great job of pricing items to sell and clearing the house of whatever remains. They will take a percentage of the sale receipts as compensation.

The days of the sale are good days to keep your elder busy elsewhere. A tearful elder does nothing to help sales.

Schedule a professional cleaning service to clean the house once the estate sale is over. When that has been completed to your satisfaction, turn the keys over to your senior real estate professional and give yourself a big pat on the back. You're done!

Click here for a checklist to help you through this process. Or copy this address into your browser address bar.

http://www.thebestisyet.net/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/pando19/start.cgi/movechecklist.htm

About The Author

Phyllis Staff, Ph.D. - Phyllis Staff is an experimental psychologist and the CEO of The Best Is Yet.Net, an internet company that helps seniors and caregivers find trustworthy residential care. She is the author of How to Find Great Senior Housing: A Roadmap for Elders and Those Who Love Them. She is also the daughter of a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Visit the author's web site at http://www.thebestisyet.net


pando19@thebestisyet.net



 

Eldercare Search
Local information, referral resources, and contact information for state and local agencies, from the United States' Health and Human Services Department.
www.eldercare.gov
 
Eldercare Search
Main Eldercare Image. Clear Image. Medicare Search ... Eldercare Locator Footer. Contact us | Privacy Notice | Accessibility |. Text Size : Small | Medium | ...
www.eldercare.gov
 
ElderWeb | ElderWeb
ElderWeb. Award-winning online eldercare sourcebook. Topics | Regions | Site Map. Theme. Medium, Large, X Large. ElderWeb ...
www.elderweb.com
 
ElderCare Online - Information, Education, and Support for Elderly ...
information and support for caregivers to the elderly with alzheimer's disease.
www.ec-online.net
 
CareGuide ::
The CareGuide Assessment is designed to help you quickly locate the most relevant resources and information about your elder care situation. ...
www.eldercare.com
 
Seniors, Caregivers, Elder Care, and Disabilities in Massachusetts ...
Somerville Cambridge Elder Services (Massachusetts) offers resources, information, advice & services to Seniors, Caregivers & People with Disabilities.
www.eldercare.org
 
san diego eldercare directory
eldercare.uniontrib.com/ - 1k - Cached - Similar pages
 
Eldercare Services, Elderly Care, Aging Parents, Seniors, Long ...
An in-depth resource center for elder care topics such as: geriatric care management, home health care options, estate planning, understanding medicare, ...
www.eldercareadvocates.com
 
Family Eldercare - Serving older adults, people with disabilities ...
Austin non-profit organization providing a range of services for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.
www.familyeldercare.org
 
Transitions, Inc. Elder Care Consulting
On-line guide to elder caregiving, opinion column written by an older adult, caregiver's support forum, assessment tools, tips about working with older ...
www.asktransitions.com
 
Health Care & Elder Care - Resource Center
Providing articles, information, and financial planning calculators for retirement and elder care.
www.nolo.com
 
Eldercare Referral Service
Eldercare Referral Service is a free service offered to seniors or their family members to assist them in locating senior housing.
www.eldercare.net
 
Elder Care Services - Elder Care Of Wisconsin
Health care coordination and long-term care for older adults. Includes descriptions of programs and services, job opportunities, and ways to help.
www.elderc.org
 
eldercare website
Eldercare have been operating a social alarm control centre near Manchester ... In 1998 Eldercare became the first Social Alarm Control Centre to be granted ...
www.eldercare.co.uk
 
Eldercare Locator
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) administers the Eldercare Locator in partnership with the National Association of State Units on ...
www.n4a.org
 
The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA)
Eldercare Locator. Search Eldercare Locator Toll Free: 1-800-677-1116. Summit Registration. Register for Summit · New Intensives Added ...
www.aoa.gov
 
FHA - Eldercare at Home
From the Foundation for Health in Aging. A twenty eight chapter online resource for families and friends who are caring for older people at home.
www.healthinaging.org
 
ElderCare New Zealand
ElderCare is a national network of residential care facilities which offer ... ElderCare… a network of residential care homes and hospitals for older people ...
www.eldercare.co.nz
 
Eldercare Home Health - All about Elder care in Toronto
Eldercare Home Health is a Toronto, Ontario Canada based home healthcare provider specializing in Elder Care. Helping seniors stay happy, independent and ...
www.eldercarehomehealth.com
 
Eldercare
Phone: (02) 9416 6922 Enquiries: info@eldercare.com.au ... O&P Eldercare is a division of Occasional & Permanent Nannies & Housekeepers (NSW) Pty. Ltd.
www.eldercare.com.au
 
 

 

Content Menu
  • 10 simple steps to avoid phony telemarketers

  • 15 ways to create some extra holiday money

  • 5 dangerous eldercare myths

  • 6 keys to happiness

  • aging women and body image

  • all about love

  • alprazolam xanax a habit forming drug

  • am i asexual

  • and this unto you

  • an overlooked plan for bush kerry democrats republicans and healthcare costs

  • an unexpected letter

  • are you eligible for any of these tax credits

  • are you prepared

  • arthritis drugs celebrex vioxx safety in doubt

  • arthritis the pain and the reasons

  • ashton and demi a giant step for older women

  • ashton demi a giant step for older women

  • asthma a common affliction

  • at the junction

  • a cure for cancer

  • a meaningful activity for you your animal companion

  • a midsummer nights flowers

  • a powerful method for healing depression

  • a simple 20 00 investment can protect you your family and your nest egg

  • beating middle of the night stress

  • becoming an excellent human five great ideas from aristotle

  • best gift for your child

  • be mindful of your exercise

  • blind science

  • board and care homes what are they

  • book summary eveolution

  • breastfeeding problems and natural solutions

  • breast feeding problems

  • bridal lingerie and the trousseau reviving a romantic tradition

  • can an alkaline diet help prevent osteoporosis

  • christian in the workplace pii how to deal with co workers

  • christmas gift ideas from the heart

  • complete home rehab in 10 days

  • contextualized christianity the life of sadhu sundar singh

  • cricket a gentelmens game

  • dating relationships

  • design your destiny life is what you make it

  • difference

  • does shaving set a fire in your armpits

  • dogs mans best friend

  • do your hands make you look older

  • elderlife matters for caregivers and employers

  • elderly drivers stop or go

  • elder care co op

  • exactly what is success

  • familiarizing yourself with oral chelation

  • family life in christ

  • financial responsibility

  • finding your life purpose

  • five great ideas from aristotle

  • five ways to manage difficult elders

  • games are for children

  • getting your affairs in order a guide to living wills

  • get a pet for stress relief

  • get a prenuptial agreement before your next marriage

  • got to get to change the way your family thinks

  • having it all why some people make the leap and others dont

  • heat related illness

  • hedwigs angry inch

  • helping caregivers get comfortable asking for help

  • herbs for profection

  • herbs for protection

  • heres to the dedicated wives

  • holiday gift giving ideas to save you money

  • home for the holidays ask yourself some questions

  • home for the holidays avoid aging parents becoming a burden

  • home for the holidays happy times right

  • home for the holidays heirloom stories are a perfect gift

  • home for the holidays is it time for that talk

  • home for the holidays start that conversation

  • home for the holidays visiting aging parents

  • how long will my cat live

  • how the hopi create their world

  • how to align your goals for success

  • how to avoid an obsessive or abusive relationship

  • how to find affordable senior housing

  • how to find a sitter for your dog

  • how to find true love

  • how to keep love alive in your marriage

  • how to overcome loneliness

  • how to recognize elder abuse and protect its victim

  • how to save money with great gift ideas

  • how to teach your children gratitude

  • how will you pay for skilled rehabilitation in the nursing home

  • index

  • is emotional intelligence just the fad du jour

  • is your skin prepared for the winter

  • keep seniors independent and involved practical acts of kindness

  • learning to live

  • lets get serious about the nursing home tour

  • lifecare communities commitment to quality

  • ll elderly family members and friends need to be safe

  • long distance caregiving for a loved one is particularly

  • long distance caregiving for a loved one is particularly difficult

  • long distance care for your aging parent living alone

  • long term health care options

  • make new year resolutions for family traditions

  • making a difference

  • making hand made walking sticks

  • medical alarms

  • moral armors irrational parenting part ii

  • moral armors irrational parenting part iv

  • more effective communication with children part 1

  • my teenaged parents

  • nail fungal infections a guide to prevention and treatment

  • ordinary people can live with significance

  • osteoporosis

  • parents deciding kids future

  • perfect gift for the senior or those caring for elderly family members

  • pharisaic hedges and fences

  • powered suits as walking aids

  • prayer the medium of miracles

  • preparing for disasters

  • prevent or delay alzheimers disease

  • principles of human misery happiness

  • remembering

  • renting with pets

  • research into human growth hormones reveals amazing results

  • rotator

  • rx my heart and hope to die

  • sas partners with caring for eldery family members

  • save a life in a story

  • scaling down almost painlessly

  • senior citizen calling tips

  • senior health care insurance

  • senior housing 101

  • should mom move closer

  • solitary confinement for life

  • so boomers are turning 60 whats all the hype

  • stairlifts a guide for the disabled and elderly

  • stretch your eldercare dollars

  • study skills how can you help your kids

  • sucessful aging

  • suddenly cooking for one

  • table tales

  • teaching our children about the true meaning of christmas

  • teaching your child to be respectful

  • texas pecan treats

  • thanks to my father for my life teachings

  • theres some place like home

  • the best gift for mothers day

  • the daughters of elder care

  • the didjeridu

  • the face of america is changing

  • the final solution for dating

  • the perfect christmas gift

  • the power of your words

  • the pros

  • the pros cons of beach weddings

  • the triangle takes a plunge into reality

  • the ultimate green garden

  • top 10 tips for traveling by air with an elderly parent

  • top ten ways working moms can take care of themselves

  • touch a major key to wellness

  • toy dog breeds

  • trekshare crashing a laos wedding part 2

  • unique gifts ideas for all seasons

  • unloved and unwanted

  • vacation insurance saves your money time and frustrations

  • valentines day ideas for couples and singles

  • volunteers valued for many contributions

  • what is abuse

  • what you should know about west nile virus

  • whose thought is it anyway

  • who needs a rear view mirror successful living by mastering our past

  • why caregivers die young

  • why should you buy an air purifier

  • womens role in church and society

  • women are more powerful

  • women in sindh

  • yarrow the i ching herb