The senior has moved into a room or suite in a retirement residence. All the belongings were sorted, packed, stored, or donated to a family or a charity. The packing was done; the movers came.
Now everything is piled in the new place. The senior is facing dozens of boxes and feeling overwhelmed. Have you considered the different options available?
This is the time that a family member or friend can assist with the settling process. It would be even more helpful if this same person also helped with the preparation and packing.
Organizing the Unpacking
Professional movers know enough to place furniture first and bring in the boxes. If the move is made by family and friends, try to make sure that happens.
Consider the following suggestions before starting to unpack:
- Decide with the senior how the job will be tackled. This was discussed before the move, but it is a good idea to summarize what will happen and in what order.
- Ensure that the handicap ramps are installed and bolted securely. You can calculate the ramp slope and remind helpers to clean the aluminum handrails regularly for your peace of mind.
- Finalize the placement of any furniture that was moved. Make up the bed, put cushions on any chairs, and put towels in the bathroom. That instantly says ‘settled.’
- Position any pet items in an appropriate place. For example, place a litter box or food dish where they will stay.
- Test the phone and the television. If these phones were scheduled to be connected and are not, call in a service request immediately.
- It is usually easiest to fill empty closets quickly, whether the clothes were packed and needs hanging or if they were carried over on hangers.
- Fill the dresser and cabinet drawers, including the bathroom. The boxes should have been labeled well, so this is an easy job.
- Put any dishes, kettle, toaster, microwave, etc., in the kitchenette if there is one.
- Place any lamps in appropriate places and test that they work. Electrical plugs are often connected to wall switches.
- Ensure at least one clock is visible, working, and set to the correct time.
- Leave any small breakable items – China, figurines, knick-knacks – until it will be easier to decide where they will go.
- As the boxes are emptied, break them down and, if possible, move them out of the room.
- Take frequent breaks, perhaps getting a cup of tea in the residents’ lounge.
Just do what she wants, making suggestions only if asked. There is nothing placed that cannot be moved later on.
Try to do only some things at a time. If the room or suite is comfortable, the rest can be left for the next few days. Be sensitive to the physical and mental fatigue of the senior. The senior needs a chance to catch her breath.
Follow-Up to the Move
Before the senior is left alone, ensure she knows the time of the next meal and how to get to the dining room.
- There are a few follow-up suggestions that will help settle the senior.
- Return the next day or two to help finish unpacking in stages.
- Hang pictures when the senior has had time to decide what goes where on the walls.
- Check if the cleaning and dining routines are working out as expected.
- Make sure there is a calendar of events in the room, and discuss what might be interesting.
- Phone daily for a few days to check that she feels comfortable going to meals or needs anything.
Then, it is time to resume a regular routine of visiting or phone calls so the newly-moved senior can begin this new phase of her life.