On the contrary, moving can be an emotionally-overwhelming and stressful experience for senior citizens. It's akin to a large, deeply rooted tree, being forcefully uprooted to be moved to a strange new place. If not done properly, the tree may fall sick, or even die.
Recently, the enbloc exercise and eviction of residents at Rochor Centre has
generated plenty of buzz in the mainstream media and online. While some are
excited at the prospect of getting a brand new house and extended lease, on top
of some profits, in exchange of residence at Rochor Centre, others, especially
some older folks, are extremely worried and confused. To them, moving means
possible separation from their neighbours of 30-something years. It means
having to get used to a new environment all over again, something that is
usually not easy for the elderly. For some, it means saying goodbye to the very
first home they owned since HDB began encouraging home ownership in the 1960s
and 70s.
Nevertheless, what happens, has to happen, and rather than
gripe over it, one should make the best preparations for it. Moving elderly parents and grandparents may involve complications, especially
those who are emotionally and physically fragile.
You're glad to leave your moth-eaten sofa behind, but Grandma wants to bring it
along because it reminds her of the happy moments she and Grandpa spent
cuddling on the sofa and watching tv together. She also wants to bring along
that antique spitoon and ancient wedding lamps that even musuems wouldn't want.
She makes a big fuss when you tell her that you don't intend to bring them
along.
What should you do? You don't want to upset her, but you don't want your house
to turn into a warehouse! Old people tend to be very attached to their
possessions. They want to preserve memories, and they are afraid of forgetting.
They also worry that once they throw it away, they will never be able to buy
another identical item.
That's why it's important to start planning early. Gently explain to your
seniors why you don't think it's a good idea to move the item, and then subject
them to trial test; you'll keep the items out of their sight for a trial
period, and observe how they cope without it. When they realise that they can
indeed cope without it, they will be more willing to let go of it.
But never, ever dispose their possessions without their permission. You could
upset them badly. Put yourselves in others shoes. You wouldn't like it when
others dispose your things without permission.
Create a To-do checklist
Old people tend to have poor memories, so it is advisable to always keep a
checklist at hand and take note of the things they have to do, or want to do as
soon as possible before it is forgotten. This is especially crucial if you
aren't living with your seniors. You will need to make sure that they do
exactly what to do when you're not around to help them. Examples of such things
include transferring prescriptions or filing a change of address with the
police post.
You can also use some checklist templates to speed up the process and keep
things organised. For those with iPhones, try the mobile inventory in My Move
iPhone app (http://www.mymovingreviews.com/mymove/)
it’s free! Create a timetable for
packing, moving and unpacking to guide you through the whole moving
process. This will also help you to decide when to take leave to help your seniors.
Saying farewell to your current home
Help your seniors to document the memories. Take pictures and videos of them in their house and around the estate, so that they can look at these photos and videos and reminisce.
Help your seniors to document the memories. Take pictures and videos of them in their house and around the estate, so that they can look at these photos and videos and reminisce.
Familiarise them with the new residence
Help your seniors to familiarise themselves with their new home. Bring them to visit their prospective new home often, show them all the great new facilities and important ameneties like supermarkets and clinics, which they'd undoubtedly be concerned about. Show them how they can continue to work their daily routine and favourite activities into their new home. With growing familiarity and affection towards the new home, your seniors will feel less upset about moving. They may even grow to look forward to it!
Hire a good moving company
In Australia Singapore
In the meantime,
start scouring classifieds and reviews on reputable moving companies with good
customer service and integrity. In event that your seniors move house when you are
not available, these people are going to be the ones fully in charge of the
moving process. Some movers are lazy and even ask occupants to do their own
moving. Some will blatantly ask the home owner for additional tips and payment
which you have already paid to the moving company. You do not want your seniors
to have to deal with such people.
Be There for Them
Wherever possible, be there for them throughout the moving
process, whether it’s helping to pack their things, or directing the movers on
the moving day, or bringing them around to explore their new home and estate. Sometimes,
they may need a listening ear when they feel stressed and scared about the
prospect of moving. Talking to them will make them feel soothed. When they have moved to the new home, observe them for signs of depression. Some senior citizens may be afraid to leave their homes due to lack of familiarity. If they are cooping themselves up, not eating well or not going about their daily routine as per normal, be sure to talk to them and have them open up to you. If necessary, seek help from the neighbourhood doctor.
A house may contain many memories, but ultimately, these
memories are created from the occupants, and moving out does not mean destroying
these memories. At the end of the day, your love and concern will prevail their fears and they will start enjoying the new memories created in their new home.
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