Organizing for Seniors

Recently, a client asked me for suggestions for helping her elderly parents organize their home to make daily tasks easier due to illness and the inability to move around easily.  She was also wondering where to start when thinking about downsizing or moving to a retirement home/assisted living/nursing home. 

 One thing to remember is to have patience when working with seniors.  Medication, depression, and frustration can make the process emotional and overwhelming.  If children do not live close by, the task is even more daunting because limited or sporadic visits are not going to be enough time to accomplish all there is to accomplish.  Consider hiring a “Senior Move Manager” or professional organizer to help with the process.  The Senior Move Manager is an objective professional better able to handle emotions or conflict.  Services offered may include: organizing, sorting and down-sizing services, donation drop-off, estate sale organizing, move organizing from packing to having utilities set-up, preparing the home to be sold, etc. See the National Association of Senior Move Managers website for additional information and to find a Senior Move Manager in your area.  http://www.nasmm.org/ 

I thought this article, “Tips for Organizing Elderly Parents”, pointed out some good questions to ask yourself if you’re wondering if your parents can continue to live on their own.  I also thought the “Get Permission” list was a good start for handling their financial affairs.  Check with a Family Estate Planning lawyer in your area for additional considerations.  These articles provided by OnlineOrganizing.com.

More posts to follow including managing medications, tips for making daily living easier, and suggestions for beginning the downsizing process. 

I would love to know other questions you may have or problems you’ve encountered in helping your senior parents.

Sincerely,

Kelly