Moving in the Right Direction
Right sizing. Down sizing. Minimizing. Transition trauma. All are new buzzwords for moving older adults into more supportive living environments as their care needs change. How you plan for and approach these transitions can make all the difference in achieving a smooth and satisfying outcome. Guiding and supporting clients and families through moves from the planning stages to celebrating after everyone is settled into their new "home" is especially rewarding for me. 
Right sizing. Down sizing. Minimizing. Transition trauma. All are new buzzwords for moving older adults into more supportive living environments as their care needs change. How you plan for and approach these transitions can make all the difference in achieving a smooth and satisfying outcome. Guiding and supporting clients and families through moves from the planning stages to celebrating after everyone is settled into their new "home" is especially rewarding for me.If someone came to me today and told me that I must move, I would be traumatized. I've been down that road a few times in the past-I know how overwhelming moving can be. And, since I have an aging parent, I can readily relate to the stresses family members face as they struggle with how best to help their own loved ones move as their care needs increase.Of course, preplanning is very important. The caring team at Elder Law of East Tennessee spends as much time as necessary with families and our older clients to make sure the planned move is the right fit and link them with other professionals or services that help smooth move difficulties. But more than that, we help families and clients prepare and deal with the emotional impact of transition trauma.One writer has said that "One of the best ways to 'move' past a transition trauma is to rely on your circle of friends to make it through the tough times." Another commented that "There are three things that have helped me in my transition, Love, Laughter and Time." Both comments contain a wealth of wisdom. Time and timing are especially important. Older adults who need to move require time to adjust to the idea, to enlist the right kind of help to sort through possessions, and to settle in to a new environment and routine. All take time. Having a good support system of friends and family who will laugh and cry with you, who love through short-temperedness, and who will be there to help you create a new life in a new place is invaluable. You can count on Elder Law of East Tennessee to be there for you and with you from start to finish too.
If you have concerns about moving an elderly loved one or wonder if you are "moving in the right direction," think about scheduling a consultation with Amelia and Connie. Call us at 965-951-2410.
