The Art of Letting Go: Downsizing Made Easy

Posted on

Oct 09, 2018

share-this
Share This
Getting rid of longtime possessions isnt easy; it can feel like giving up cherished memories. For many seniors, beginning the downsizing process feels good knowing that they have some control over who gets what, and having peace of mind that a new generation will value their treasured belongings.
If youre starting to downsize or helping a senior family member, consider these tips:
Set Realistic Expectations. Give yourself a realistic timeline. Try to limit downsizing activities to a few hours per day. And, remember to be patient with your partner or parent. Going through a lifetime worth of stuff can stir up emotionstake a few moments to acknowledge those feelings!

Plan ahead. Regardless if youre moving or aging in place, its never too early to downsize. Begin by getting rid of expired medications, clothes that dont fit, and other unused items.

Ask for help. Downsizing requires some tough decisions. You dont need to do it alone.

Sorting. Its best to create three piles: keep, sell and donate. Have a yard sale but remember items you plan to sell, regardless of how top notch the condition is, arent going to fetch top dollar. Before donating, check the organizations guidelines on acceptable items. Or, try setting unwanted items on the curb with a sign that says Free. Sometimes this makes items miraculously disappear. Also, ask family and friends if there are any items they would want.

Get an expert. Businesses exist for the sole purpose of assisting seniors and their families with the downsizing process. There are enough of these companies to warrant their own organizationthe National Association of Senior Move Managers. You can check out their website to find a professional in your area.

If you or a loved one is choosing a retirement community, we invite you to contact us at Traditions of Hershey. We would be glad to provide you with information on downsizing experts and moving companies in the local area. Schedule a visit to preview our senior living community and learn what this lifestyle can offer.

_____________________________

Editors Note: Mike Lapinsky submitted this article. He is the marketing director at Traditions of Hershey Independent Living and Personal Care.

Other Articles You May Like

Providing Living Assistance without Intruding

If you or a loved one needs more hands-on care, living assistance can help put your mind at ease. Living assistance is flexible, personalized, and fosters a safe home environment while maintaining a sense of independence and privacy. It can give you or your loved one the freedom to make everyday choices and receive a helping hand whenever needed.At St. Barnabas, we understand that the transition from full to partial independence isnt easy and how important it is to ensure your needs and preferences are both addressed. Here are a few ways living assistance is provided without intruding.Receiving Help As NeededEncouraging independence is one way to foster non-intrusive assistance. At a senior living assistance campus, the staff is always available to lend a hand without eliminating decision-making. You or your loved one can retain a sense of autonomy by participating in the daily tasks and chores and receiving help on an as-needed basis. Intervention comes in varying degrees, depending on individual ability. A personalized care plan may include: Incontinence support Wheelchair assistance Medication management Help with grooming, dressing, and bathing Wound, ostomy, or catheter care Care staff is attentive and sensitive to your needs, and they can offer a little help throughout the day or when needed. By participating in daily activities, you or your loved one can plan your day based on your personal preferences.Collaborative SchedulingAs an alternative to making a pre-set schedule and asking the resident to stick to it, working together to create a personal care plan that suits everyone can be beneficial. When it comes to weekly meals, exercise routines, and social activities, residents have the freedom to choose. Maybe they enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals, or perhaps they like to do stretching exercises versus walks. Wherever passions lie, the staff can incorporate those into the regular daily routine to help encourage healthy living and socialization in ways that suit personal preferences.Collaborating with staff can also ensure that activities are both enjoyable and safe. When a resident cant do an activity they love, the team can work with them to find ways to feel that same sense of joy without putting them in danger.Respecting Boundaries and Private SpacesSpending time alone gives us a chance to relax, decompress, and gather our thoughts. In a living assistance care center, its imperative that residents still have some time for themselves. Caregivers respect boundaries and private spaces. Before entering a room, they knock on the door and wait for the resident to respond. Designating a private area for residents to turn to when they feel overwhelmed also aids in creating independence and ultimately gives them a space to de-stress and unwind.Places like the bathroom or shower are understandably uncomfortable areas for intrusion, so caregivers are sure to give residents the space they need to complete these tasks in private. The staff still makes sure the resident is safe by remaining nearby and listening for signs that something may be wrong. Learn More about Living Assistance at St. Barnabas Serving the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, including Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties, St. Barnabas is here to give you the support you need. With a dedication to providing comfortable and compassionate living assistance services, you can count on us for all of your care requirements. To learn more about our senior living assistance program, contact us today.

Is Paying for Senior Living a Worthwhile Expense?

The decision to invest in a senior living community is not always an easy one to make. However, paying for the services available can be very beneficial, especially as you grow older. Retirement communities that offer a continuum of care support individuals through various stages of life and accommodate unique and ever-changing needs. Here, St. Barnabas looks at the benefits of senior living and why its a worthwhile expense.Continuum of CareStart by thinking ahead and figuring out what your investment might mean in the future. Aging adults with evolving needs benefit from retirement communities that provide multiple levels of assistance. If youre a young, active retiree who is looking forward to making the most of every day in retirement, you can find what you need in an independent living community. Independent living communities combine the convenience of secure, upkeep-free living centered on your needs with the independence that you typically enjoy at home.If you or a loved one needs greater support for daily activities, accommodations with living assistance may be more ideal. Attendants provide 24/7 assistance, allowing residents to live as independently as they can while receiving more hands-on care for chronic illnesses and other conditions. Services may include: Regular safety checks Physical transfer assistance Ostomy and catheter care Incontinence support As health needs change, more in-depth services may be needed and can easily be accessed in a community that offers a broad range of support. Retirees who need short-term or long-term rehabilitative care can find it through skilled nursing services. Skilled nursing services are available for individuals who are recovering after a stroke, an injury, joint replacement surgery, or another event that may require access to a team of medical professionals to help them on the road to recovery.Balancing the Comforts of Home with Community EngagementWhile researching retirement communities, making sure your prospects feel like home is important in determining if paying for senior living is a worthwhile expense. Comfortable accommodations and a variety of amenities can help make the transition from home life to a senior living community easier.  Whats more, programming and social activities that keep residents active and meaningfully engaged with their neighbors can help make retirement life feel fulfilling. Some of the amenities to look for while searching for a retirement community include: Nutritious and delicious meals Calendar of social activities and special events Scenic grounds with opportunities for outdoor recreation Exercise centers and fitness classes Easy access to shops, movie theaters, and more Learn More from St. BarnabasAt St. Barnabas, we understand that your needs may not be the same today as your needs tomorrow or 10 years down the road. We offer several senior living options that support varying levels of need, including comprehensive care services. St. Barnabas proudly supports residents in the greater Pittsburgh area, including Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties. To learn more about our senior living services and how they support a continuum of care, contact us today.

Affordable, Comfortable Living at ONA Solutions

Find Peace and Comfort at ONA Solutions A Dedicated Space for Adults 18+At ONA Solutions, we create a community that prioritizes comfort, respect, and tranquility for adults 18 and over. Our spaces are thoughtfully designed to offer both privacy and a sense of belonging, with separate living areas for men and women to ensure peace of mind.Affordable, Comfortable LivingFor just a $75 move-in fee, you can secure a fully furnished room, tailored to your needs. Our goal is to make affordable comfort a reality for all residents.A Respectful, Adult-Only EnvironmentRespect is at the heart of our community. ONA Solutions offers a peaceful, adult-only space where you can relax, socialize, and feel at home. We cater to a diverse range of individuals, from seniors and veterans to students and teachers, providing a space where everyone is valued.Who Can Join?Our community is open to all adults aged 18 and over, including: Seniors & Retirees Veterans Teachers & Students SSI/SSDI Recipients Take the Next StepReady to find a supportive, affordable living space? Contact ONA Solutions today. (239) 688-4815 | (239) 785-3315 www.onasolutionsllc.com Join a community where respect and comfort meet.