Moving at any age isn’t necessarily easy. It can be exciting but it’s also a lot of work. There’s all that physical stuff that you need to pack and unpack. Then there’s the change you’ll need to get used and whatnot. So moving is tough on a psychological and emotional level in addition to the physical difficultly.
Emotional Challenges of Moving at an Older Age
But moving at an older age can be even more challenging.
While elderly people probably won’t be doing any heavy lifting or strenuous work, the emotional change can be overwhelming. From the familiar layout and scent of the house, which they spent their last 30 years in, to the familiar friends on the block to the local grocery, it’s that much harder to start anew.
Yet elderly people tend to move quite a bit. For some, it may be moving closer to their children. For others, it may be moving into an assisted living facility, like Wellington Estates.
Whatever the reason or circumstances, the psychological difficulties of leaving behind the old and familiar for uncharted waters are real.
Helping Your Loved One With the Move
So what can you do to help your loved one with the transition?
Here are 3 suggestions:
Support
Your loved one needs you first-and-foremost to be there for them. Show them you understand. Talk to them about how hard it must be for them. Encourage and allow them to talk about it as well. Listen and validate their experience.
Pictures
Pictures bring up memories and can transport you to a different time-period. So make sure to bring along pictures as soon as you can. Frame some of them and hang them up or put them in areas that your loved one will be spending time in frequently.
A word of caution: pictures can also cause a longing effect, which may make your loved one more sad or lonely. Look out for this possibility. Have a conversation about the feelings that are coming up for them and, if appropriate, ask them if they’d rather have you put the pictures away.
Visit
This point can’t be overemphasized. Make sure to visit your loved one frequently, unless, of course, they don’t want you to. By visiting them, you’re giving them a social connection and easing their transition. You’ll also be able to monitor how they’re adapting and provide them with assistance when needed.
Has your loved one moved at an older age?
How did it go?
Please share in the comments below.