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If your elderly loved one is preparing to transition to an assisted living facility, there is much to look forward to. Here, they will get the everyday medical and personal support they need while also benefiting from increased social contact. Before they can make the move, however, they will have to downsize in preparation for a smaller space. Follow these tips to ease the emotional process.

5 Steps for Successfully Downsizing

1. Keep Your Loved One Involved

Making the move to assisted living can leave seniors feeling like they are losing control over their lives. Don’t feed into this sentiment by taking over downsizing. Keep them involved in the decision-making and planning. 

2. Take It Slow

senior careGo room-by-room to avoid turning the whole house into a chaotic scene. Leave at least a few weeks for the process. Rushing your parent or grandparent will stress them out. You also want to give them time to reminisce, as they come across sentimental items.

3. Sort Into Categories

Help your elderly relative divide their belongings into three piles: take, donate, and throw away. Be firm and avoid putting items in a “not sure” pile; if you have to come back to each item, downsizing will take twice as long. Use color-coded post-its to categorize.

4. Encourage Early Giving

Whether it’s jewelry or artwork, older people often have keepsakes they intend to leave relatives. Encourage them to consider gifting these valuables now. It frees up space — plus, they get to see the joy on the recipient’s face.

5. Get Storage Space

If there are still items your relative won’t part with but can’t bring to their assisted living facility — like their favorite recliner — rent a storage space. Revisit the prospect of passing on or trashing such objects in one year. After twelve months of not using the item, they will be more open to eliminating it.

 

If you’re on the hunt for a welcoming assisted living facility in Cumming, GA, and in Atlanta, GA. Take a look at The Mann House. This senior care center believes in fostering residents’ independence while providing a safe and nurturing environment. Their professionals are driven by compassion; with a one-to-four ratio of caregivers to residents, you can be sure your loved one will get the attention they deserve. Check out a video tour of the retirement home online. Better yet, schedule a visit at either of The Mann House’s locations: Atlanta (404-250-9300) and Cumming (770-844-9055)

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