Press

Ask the Care Manager . . .
By: Darla Heivly, Senior Solutions

Q: We have decided to move from our home of 40 years into a retirement community. We are overwhelmed at the thought of downsizing, packing, unpacking, trying to fit our treasured belongings in a new space, not to mention the sale of our home and all the details of changing addresses, etc. Help! How can we make this process easier?

A: Once you have made the decision to move, there are many resources available to assist you. You may want to contact a senior mover who can help you choose the items that will fit into your new home or apartment. Depending on the specialist you choose, this person can help with packing, moving, unpacking and setting up your belongings or arranging movers that can do so. Lifestyle coordinators or professional organizers can help you de-clutter and organize before a move. Fee structures vary from a flat fee to hourly charges for these professionals. Some area realtors employ senior relocation specialists to help with the sale of your existing home. You may want to consult with an auctioneer to sell valuable but unused items. Charitable organizations may accept some of your unwanted items and many are happy to pick-up the items at your home. If you are unable to arrange a move, you may want to consider consulting a private care manager who can coordinate all of the details. In short, whether you require a little help or total assistance, there are many resources available to make a move less overwhelming and more manageable for you.

If you are coordinating a move yourself, be certain to:

• Notify the post office of your move by completing a change of address card (form 3575). A movers guide containing this form is available at your local post office or online at www.usps.gov/moversnet. Use the postcards included in the kit to notify correspondents of your new mailing address.
• Prepare a list of friends, relatives, businesses who should be notified of your move. Be certain to include:
  
  
  1. Utilities – electric, gas, water, trash, fuel, telephone cable tv
  2. Professional Services – Doctor, dentist, accountant, lawyer, broker
  3. Insurance Agencies – Life, auto, home, health, etc.
  4. Established Business Accounts – water softner service, lawn service, drug store, banks, credit card companies, etc.
  5. Government/Public Offices – Veterans Administration, State Motor Vehicle Bureau, Social Security Administration, State and Federal Income Tax Bureaus
  6. Publications – Newspapers, magazines, newsletters, professional

Darla Heivly is a certified geriatric care manager at Senior Solutions, Inc. She can be reached at 610-435-6677 or ssrsolutions@aol.com.

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