“Tough Transitions Playbook” is a Useful Guide

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Moving is often listed as one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. That stress can be compounded when it involves a senior who has lived in a home for decades. A local company called Caring Transitions, which specializes in senior downsizing and relocation, is on a mission to make this process a bit easier for aging Americans.

Caring Transitions is sharing the “Tough Transitions Playbook,” which is a useful step-by-step guide to helping families navigate this stressful event.

The playbook addresses how families can gauge if it’s time for a move, what options to consider, and how to make the actual move smoother.

According to the experts at Caring Transitions, one of the biggest hurdles to a successful move is convincing people to part with the many things they have accumulated over the years.

“Going through stuff is an emotional process, and it will take time since so many items will spark memories. So, patience is a must,” said Nicole Maher, Caring Transitions North Dallas Suburbs Vice President. “Sorting and organizing can help a senior see if they have multiples of certain items. Gently suggesting that those items can be donated and made useful by someone else in need is a good way to soothe emotions or attachments to things.”

There may also be an attachment to the home itself. Seniors have decades of memories in the space. They have likely watched a family grow in the house. They remember grandchildren playing in the yard and having holiday meals. The advice is to keep all of this in mind as you guide them to the next stage in life.

“Emotions can run high, and discussing changing a residence or routine is not a welcome conversation,” said Maher. “They might be naturally overwhelmed and fearful of a move. It's not always easy making decisions about what to take and what will fit so that they feel comfortable in their new space.”

This is why Maher suggests hiring help like experts from Caring Transitions, or at the very least, recruiting a third party to assist with the process.

“It's important because a team of helpers is neutral,” said Maher. “If there is any family tension, a move might not go smoothly if there is not a professional to help. It's important that a move minimize the stress of everyone involved, especially the aging loved ones. Having a professional team do the move allows the family to concentrate on other important matters they may be dealing with.”

It may never be an easy process, but following the steps of the “Tough Transitions Playbook” can help families make it a little less painful.

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