Making the decision to move is the first, but not necessarily the hardest, step. To help overcome procrastination, seniors may want friends and family to join the planning process and help with the transition. Or they may prefer to enlist the professional services of an objective third party. Many seniors find this arrangement less tense than working with their own children. Several area firms are available to help seniors plan and carry out all phases of the decision to scale back and actually move.
Some firms supply checklists, a timeline, and referrals to resources.
All provide a lot of emotional support. Because the actual move can be physically and emotionally exhausting, having professional help on moving day may be the best money ever spent. Helen Ganster, a freelance writer, specializes in senior housing issues.