While we all know that change will happen in our lives, especially as we get older, we don’t often like being in the middle of it. That’s especially true when it comes time to shift from a large family home into a smaller senior living apartment. Although you know logically that it is the best possible move for you or a loved one, it’s a lot of work – and can stir up a lot of emotions.
“No matter how you slice it, getting rid of the things you’ve accumulated over the years isn’t easy,” says Cindy Wirth, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury, a memory care assisted living community in Sudbury, MA. “For starters, you may be moving out of the home where you raised your children and spent many happy years. Then, you have to deal with the fact that you simply can’t take everything with you, which can cause angst as you have to decide what to keep and what to give away.”
If you’re considering downsizing your own living space, or if you’re helping an older adult make the move, it can seem overwhelming at first. Fear not. Downsizing doesn’t have to be as intimidating or as stressful as it seems. Cindy says that by following a few simple steps, you can make the process easier, more enjoyable and more rewarding.
“There are many, many benefits to downsizing your living space, like reducing your stress and your workload,” she says. “Once it finally happens, you or your loved one may wonder why they didn’t do it sooner.”
1. Think about what you’re gaining, not giving up.
It’s human nature to dwell on what we’re giving up when we make a change. In this case, it’s the childhood home of your children, your huge collection of antique dolls or your gorgeous garden. We aren’t minimizing the loss of any of these things at all – they are important to you. However, instead of dwelling on what you will be losing when you move away, flip the script and think instead about all the benefits you’ll gain by moving to a smaller place. For starters, you’ll have less space to clean and deal with (and if you’re moving into a senior living community, you may be saying goodbye to chores forever – doesn’t that sound great?). You’ll be moving to a place that better suits your needs because you don’t have to go up and down stairs, you can use your space more efficiently and you’re in a place where helping hands and security are available 24/7. By thinking of your situation as moving to a place that’s better for your needs, you or your loved one can end up having a sunnier outlook and feel much better about the future.
2. Change up the vocabulary if it helps.
For some people, the idea of “downsizing” is inherently negative – after all, it has the word “down” in it. A lot of organizations have been changing up the vocabulary surrounding downsizing, instead branding it as “upsizing” because the process is actually providing a better quality of life for the senior. “Rightsizing” is also another buzzword that’s been gaining popularity in the senior living space. Although it may seem a little silly at first, the old adage is true: words have power, and reframing the experience with some new vocabulary can have some huge benefits for your or your loved one’s frame of mind.
3. Make it a family affair.
Lots of things in life are more fun when family is involved. Why shouldn’t downsizing (er, rightsizing) be the same? Now, we understand that all families are different, and the idea of getting all the family together to help Mom or Dad downsize their stuff may give you the heebie-jeebies. Take the situation with a grain of salt and adjust to work with your family dynamics – but having buy-in from the most important parties makes any transition easier and even more fun. Also, many hands make light work. Divvy up responsibilities between family members based on their strengths and interests. For example, your older brother may be the right person to contact a senior relocation company or movers. You and your sister can help Mom and Dad go through their belongings and figure out what’s staying, what’s being given away and what should be donated.
4. Create a timeline.
Maybe you or a loved one are downsizing due to an immediate need – for example, an illness requiring a move to an assisted living community. If there isn’t an immediate need, however, consider creating a plan and designating an end date. We as humans tend to be pressure-prompted, meaning that we need due dates in order to make projects actually happen and come to fruition. With downsizing, you don’t have to be incredibly aggressive – a timeline of six months to a year can be perfect. Again, think of this as a benefit rather than a negative – being able to focus your efforts and take your time with everything will allow you to be collected, calm and focused when you or your loved one eventually do move away from the family home.
5. Declutter like a pro (or hire one if necessary).
Now we’re getting to the meat of the matter – actually going through possessions and determining their fate. Again, attitude is key for making this a rewarding experience. Your mission isn’t to get rid of everything in your home – it’s merely to get rid of the items that aren’t essential for your future lifestyle. In order to make things more manageable, break down things into chunks. “Chunks” can be going through the easy things first (like items in a storage unit, rooms you don’t use or the pieces you don’t have emotional attachments to), or going room by room, tackling the task in a way that’s not overwhelming. By starting before you “have to,” you won’t have the pressure of getting things done all at once, which gives you or your parent a chance to internalize the change and really think through things before you make a decision.
While downsizing can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be a hardship, says Cindy. “If you or a loved one are moving to an assisted living or memory care community like Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury, be sure to use one of the most valuable tools in your toolbox – the community itself,” she says. “Communities like Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury are skilled and knowledgeable about the downsizing process and help people just like you each and every day. Having that expertise on your side can make the process much easier and more enjoyable, which can be priceless when it’s time to move you or a loved one.”
Engaging Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury provides exceptional memory care in a comfortable, upbeat and engaging environment. Designed specifically to support people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that respects individual preferences. Our teams receive ongoing, specialized training so they may help residents to safely exercise their independence and individuality in a secure, calm environment.
Dedicated Memory Care
We provide complete peace of mind for families and residents experiencing early-, mid- or late-stage memory loss. Our expert dementia care, Personalized Services and personalized programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with respect.
Welcoming, Purpose-Built Design.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury is more than a safe, beautiful place to live; it’s truly a home, where compassionate, dementia-educated caregivers help people with memory loss live more joyful lives and where families enjoy spending time together again. Our research-based design features soft lighting and colors, non-glare flooring, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to comfortably move about their homes with confidence.
Contact us today to learn more.