Albuquerque Seniors Moving Tips
Moving a senior is much different than a standard move. Proper, careful planning is essential to ensure a safe and sound transition. Here are some moving tips to move your elderly loved one in or out of the Albuquerque area.
Start planning your move at least 3-6 months ahead of time
Moving is generally a stressful and energy-consuming experience. It’s best to give older adults as much time as possible to prepare for the move so it doesn’t become overwhelming. Chances are, your elderly loved one has accumulated many belongings in his or her life. Taking time to sift through items, declutter, and keep the essentials takes time. Make sure this gets done ahead of time so the move can be a lot less strenuous.
Fall-proof the new home
It’s common and scary to see older adults fall and potentially injure themselves. When moving into another space in Albuquerque, it’s essential to install things like grab bars, clear out pathways, and create non-slip surfaces. Tile and saltillo flooring is very popular amongst Albuquerque homes. While these decorations are pretty, they’re a potential safety hazard for seniors. Non-slip mats or rugs prevent falls. Albuquerque is known to have beautiful Adobe-style homes. Some of these houses have step-up or step-down living rooms. Walk through these spaces to be sure your loved one doesn’t fall with these setups.
Ease into Albuquerque’s altitude and dry climate
If an older adult is moving to Albuquerque for the first time, there are certain protocols to follow. Proper hydration is key in such a dry climate. The sun is very unforgiving, especially for seniors, so be sure they are protected. Albuquerque is one of the highest elevation cities in the country. Pacing activity and exercise will prevent exhaustion and potential injuries.
Stay socially connected after the move to avoid isolation
While family members and friends are with seniors every step of the way before and during the move, it’s the after that is also important. There’s a loneliness factor involved with seniors moving to a new place for the first time. Check in with your loved one after the move and make sure he or she is okay.
