Helping
the Elderly With Good Family Support
Problem:
Mrs.
K., 91, had downsized twice already in her life, and was convinced
that she needed to move at this time to an assisted living
facility where she could have help with all of her meals,
bathing, and medications; as well as some dressing and grooming
tasks. She had two devoted daughters with full and busy lives
and did not want to bother them for daily personal assistance
more than was necessary. Mrs. K. had macular degeneration,
decreased hearing, heart and circulation problems, and used
an electric cart for mobility, which she operated with a joystick.
She was mentally sharp, able to make her own decisions, and
enjoyed socializing and being nicely groomed daily. She was
on a waiting list at the assisted living facility of her choice,
and when a room became available, she had only about two weeks
to get organized and complete the move to a space about half
the size of her present senior independent living apartment.
Her daughter contacted Moving Forward for assistance in making
the move as smooth as possible, completing closet re-design
for more storage prior to the move, and for helping with downsizing
decisions.
Solution:
The
owner of Moving Forward met with both Mrs. K. and her daughter
to discuss options and give tips during the initial free consultation.
This included viewing the new apartment and discussing furniture
arrangement that had been previously thought through by the
daughter. Measurements were taken of the closets as well as
the windows since Mrs. K. had some draperies that could be
re-fit and installed.
The
daughter was given a tip sheet listing things to be aware
of when moving a parent that can help ease the psychological
pain of "letting go" of treasured pieces of furniture
and special items collected over a lifetime. Although purchase
of items through a referral source was discussed, Moving Forward
recommended that the family pitch in if possible and store
or use the items according to the parent's wishes. After discussion
with the extended family, that is what was done. The family
decided to hire Moving Forward to help with packing Mrs. K.'s
fine china, lamp shades, electronic items, and some miscellaneous
items. The daughter provided some of her own boxes and much
of her own packing work. She also spent quality time with
her mother helping her sort through items, determining what
would fit in the new space, what items were most important
to her mom, and which relatives would enjoy having the others.
Moving
Forward contracted with a licensed builder to install closet
shelving and rods that provided optimal use of space as well
as allowing Mrs. K. to reach items easier. We recommended
a moving company that we know works well with seniors. Large
furniture items that were not going to the assisted care facility
were dropped off at the second daughter's home on moving day.
Moving Forward personnel arrived at the end of the unpacking
session to clear away boxes and packing materials and check
on the family to see that things had gone smoothly, and assist
in any way possible. Because the family was able to provide
so much help, they kept their costs to a minimum. Mrs. K.
was able to fit right into her new life with emotions intact,
a smooth transition, and loving support from a family who
was not burdened beyond their abilities.
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