DOWNSIZING is more than just getting rid of belongings, packing up and moving to somewhere more manageable.
As someone whose job it is to help older people move from their home of many years, senior move manager Jay Shaw said downsizing can be an emotional time for many.
Jay is the owner and director of ne:solutions, a company which helps support people through life's changes such as downsizing or the death of a loved one. She is also the first West Australian accredited with the National Association of Senior Move Managers - professionals in providing assistance to seniors and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of decluttering, downsizing and transitioning.
"As their senior move manager, clients become very familiar with me and the team during the transition. This is because we are handling and sorting through years of their lives," she said.
"When we ask if they wish to keep or discard an item - the elder begins to reminisce and open-up about their family and history.
Which leads into why their son doesn't talk to them, or when their daughter stopped calling - or the reason behind why the family has become estranged."
For Jay, she said when she is called to in assist an older person to downsize from their home of many years, she becomes their confident and friend, and is often privy to personal stories like this.
"As they share their stories over smiling family photos and recall memories ...all while we are packing their belongings.
Because this move - as they downsize from their home and move into aged care - is often the hardest and their last."
She said she feels "honoured" to give her clients "love and attention during this major lifestyle change".
"Downsizing and moving seniors can be a stressful and sensitive time for everyone involved. However, with some simple steps many of these problems can be overcome."
Jay's downsizing tips
Here are Jay's suggestions on how to approach the process of downsizing with elderly relatives.
- Open discussion: Try and start the conversation about downsizing well in advance of any negative lifestyle change, such as major illness or the death of a partner.
- Start decreasing: Help with discarding unneeded items, by asking what they would like to do with them, such as gifting to family/friends.
- Legal cover: Ensure all legal papers such as wills, enduring power of attorneys are in order, to cover any eventuality.
- Do an inventory: Photograph and list all items with a note on what is to be gifted, kept and valued.
- Expert advice: Seek professional advice on care options available or where help can be found.
