Relocation benefits for isolated older people

Our homes are more than just bricks and mortar: they are places that we invest copious amounts of time, money and energy into over a lifetime.

Furthermore, aside from physical possessions, our homes become filled with memories that can prove to form bonds that are difficult to break. However, as people age, even the most familiar home can become isolating.

Elderly people living in isolation

Sadly, all too often, we learn of distressing cases where elderly people have been living in discomfort, misery and solitude for too long:

• Take, for instance, the story of a man who hadn’t been downstairs for six months, simply because he happened to live on the fourth floor of a block of flats.
• Or the agoraphobic woman who was physically capable of venturing outside, but felt compelled to stay within the safety of her terraced house, despite feeling all alone in the world and being incredibly desperate for company.

In such cases, it is clear that a myriad of factors can cause such unacceptable situations arising, but often the fact that these individuals’ living environments are no longer suited to their needs is a key factor .

Why are older people reluctant to move?

There is a whole multitude of possible reasons why so many elderly people live in homes that are poorly suited to their requirementsMoving home can be stressful enough at any stage in one’s life, but for many elderly people, the whole process can prove to be so physically and mentally draining that choosing to persevere with an unsuitable property often feels like the only option. Many older people either don’t have the support they need close to hand, or feel too embarrassed to ask friends or relatives for help, as they fear the prospect of becoming perceived as a burden to them. 

Home adaptation or downsizing?

Sometimes, home adaptation is not the answer either. For example, it is not always possible for a person living in a large home to make the place any easier to maintain without major costly renovations or getting help in to assist. In these cases, downsizing is often a far more practical option, since doing so can also help to free up money that can be put towards personal living costs.

A person living on the upper floors of a flat cannot always make their home more accessible. The property could be under protected status, or simply be ill suited to house upgrades such as a lift or stair-lift. In situations like these, relocating to a ground-floor property, bungalow, or a flat with suitable access can make a world of difference.

For those who own a home with a large garden, keeping the grounds maintained can sometimes prove to be too much work: Hiring a gardener, or making modifications, such as paving over grassy areas all come with their own costs and disadvantages, including the prospect of reducing the value of the property.  Moving to a home with a smaller, more manageable garden, a communal green area that is maintained by a factoring company, or simply a property which doesn’t have a garden at all can make life so much easier in these instances.

How can relocating prove to be helpful?

There are many ways in which older people can benefit from moving to a home which is more suited to their needs.

• By downsizing to a more suitable property, it is often the case that more money will be freed up which can be used to pay for helpful equipment, adaptations, or even to pay for the nicer things in life to help ensure a higher standard of living.
• In cases where a move allows an individual to be situated closer to friends or family, the step of moving home can make an immeasurable difference to one’s life.  Feelings of loneliness and isolation, the cause of so much anguish, can effectively be combatted by simply having people who care close to hand.
• Sometimes, the proximity to local public transport facilities can become a major factor in determining how much personal freedom an individual can enjoy.  Moving to a location with more convenient access to public transport can help to bring this added freedom into a person’s life.

Relocating requires an action plan

After deciding that a move is the right step to take, there are a number of important details which need to be worked out in advance, so that the processes involved in relocating can run smoothly, with minimal disruption to one’s life.  With adequate planning and suitable assistance, the stress of moving can be diminished and the positive effects of relocating can start to have an impact sooner.

Some important considerations in the planning stages include:

• Looking at all options available, to determine where, why and when you wish to move
• Drawing up a moving plan
• Locating some suitable properties to add to your short-list of options
• Arranging tours of properties
• Seeking assistance, if required, on handling price negotiations
• Preparing an inventory of goods
• Organising the sale, recycling or disposal of goods which are no longer wanted
• Arranging packing, removal and unpacking services or assistance
• Sorting out utility readings
• Ensuring that organisations, friends and relatives are aware of the change of address that will be occurring
• Dealing with any refurbishment or adaptation that will be involved in order to make the new property suitable for one’s needs
• Sourcing new furniture, if required
• Administration needs may arise, in which case, assistance may be required
• Managing the probate sale of property
• Arranging transportation and help with moving

With an effective plan of action, it is possible for positive steps to be made towards improving the mental and physical wellbeing of elderly people by enabling them to move to homes more suitable for their requirements.

We offer an expert downsizing service. Call now on 0800 044 3904 and quote myageingparent

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Seamless Relocation was created as the first moving home service in the UK in 2004.  This innovative service has been developed with pioneering techniques designed to minimise the difficulties associated with the various processes involved in moving home.  The founders, Kim Tompsett and Charmian Boyd are passionate about the service that they have created and are actively involved in all of the day-to-day running of this firm’s business.