Moving is an exciting yet stressful time, especially for the elderly. It can be hard to keep up with all the details and paperwork that go into a move—and even more difficult to manage any anxiety that comes along with it. That’s why we put together this list of tips specifically designed to help seniors manage moving anxiety during a change to assisted living.
1) Make a Plan and Stick To It – One of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety is by having a plan in place. Make sure you write down all the tasks you need to complete prior to moving, such as cancelling utilities or changing your address. Having everything written down gives you something tangible to refer back to and helps ensure that nothing gets missed during the transition.
2) Take Your Time – There’s no need to rush through the process of moving! Take your time packing your belongings so that you can properly sort them into boxes, discard items you don’t need anymore, and label each box clearly with its contents. Don’t forget to give yourself plenty of breaks throughout the day.
3) Ask For Help – Don’t be afraid or embarrassed about asking for help from family members or friends when packing or carrying heavy items. It’s important that everyone involved feels comfortable during the move—including yourself—so don’t hesitate in delegating some of the tasks if needed.
4) Create an “Essential Box” – Pack one box filled with all your essentials, like toiletries, medicines, phone chargers, keys, etc., so that they don’t get lost among all your other belongings during the move. This will make it much easier for you once you reach your new home since these items will already be accessible right away.
5) Visit Your New Home Before Moving – If possible, take a trip out before moving day so that you can familiarize yourself with your new home ahead of time. This will help reduce any feelings of apprehension upon arriving at your new place for the first time on moving day.
6) Talk To Someone – Whether it’s a family member or friend, speaking about how you feel about moving can really help in managing any stress or anxiety associated with it. Talking openly about what is making you anxious allows those around you to understand better and offer support where needed.
Moving can be an incredibly stressful experience but it doesn’t have to be if you are prepared properly beforehand and take steps afterwards that will aid in easing any anxieties caused by relocating homes or changing living environments altogether. By following these tips outlined above, seniors should find themselves more equipped when managing their own anxiety during a move – allowing them to enjoy their transition into their new home without worrying too much about all of the details involved along the way!
