At different times in life, changes in our situation might make our current home feel less suitable for how we live. When that happens, people usually either move or make changes to their home. These types of changes happen throughout life. Young adults move out of their parents’ home, newly married couples buy their first house and as jobs or families grow, more moves often follow.
Later in life, older adults may face even more changes. Instead of moving into bigger homes, they often choose to downsize. Some move after their kids leave home, while others look for a vacation or retirement home, or choose to live in a Senior Living Community.
Moving is stressful for most people but it can feel even more overwhelming for older adults. Some research shows that moving later in life can feel as emotionally hard as losing a spouse through death or divorce.
The process becomes even tougher when there’s a lot of personal stuff to sort through, give away or sell. On top of that, complicated family relationships, changes in health, mobility issues and adjusting to a new place can make things harder.
It’s common for seniors going through a big move to deal with things like trouble sleeping, loss of appetite and even mild memory problems—these are signs of what’s known as Relocation Stress Syndrome.
Family members can play a big role in helping. Even those who live far away can still support their parents during the move by keeping good communication, being sensitive to the emotions involved in letting go of a longtime home and helping them feel more organized and in control—especially on moving day.
Planning ahead for future care and housing needs is a great way to reduce the stress that comes with moving later in life. Older adults tend to handle change better when they’re part of the decision-making process from the start.
Of course, this may not apply to those with memory-related conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Getting ready in advance should include carefully looking at finances, health and home care needs, lifestyle choices, and preferred locations.
Choosing where to live and planning a move can take a lot of time, so it’s best to start looking into it early. Every time we decide to move, it gives us a chance to think about what we really need and want—whether that’s in our home, neighborhood or nearby services. As we get older and our needs grow, taking time to do this becomes even more important.
Knowing how to plan ahead and set both short-term and long-term goals can really help families. When we prepare early for big moves or home changes, we’re less likely to end up in tough situations where a health emergency or personal crisis decides where and how we’ll live.
Senior moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning and the trusted support of STI Moving & Storage, you can make this life transition easier, safer and more comfortable. Contact us today to see how we can help with your next move.
