“This situation is hard enough,” Debra said, “but the pandemic is making it harder.” After the untimely death of her Father, Debra is trying to help her mother, who has significant health challenges, move into a senior living complex just outside of Boston. “Because of my own health concerns, I can’t safely travel to help Mom pack. But the job’s got to be done.”
Debra got a valuable clue from a colleague. “They steered me to a moving service near Boston that specializes in small moves. I called them and explained we’d need an additional level of assistance, as my Mom is not physically capable of packing boxes or emptying dresser drawers. You can imagine how thrilled I was when they said that was no problem.”
Technology has made our lives easier during the pandemic. Debra’s mother was used to using Facetime, and used it to let her daughter see the moving services were performed quickly and professionally by the Boston moving service. “I was really thrilled that they came prepared to do the entire job. We’d had a few phone calls about what needed to be moved, including some of Mom’s artwork and antique furniture. They brought the moving boxes, the crates, the moving blankets, everything. Mom felt like her possessions were in very good hands.”
All of Debra’s mother’s things were brought to her new residence, and unpacked for her. “The level of consideration and professionalism made what could have been a very emotional time easier for my Mom. She felt cared for and respected.”
Senior living experts agree that the move to senior living can be among the most difficult transitions for elders to make. Working with professionals to make the process less hands on can reduce some of the stress for seniors. “I know for a fact it would have been very difficult for my Mom to wrap and pack her dishes,” Debra explained. “Not only because of her arthritis, but because there’s a lot of memories in any kitchen.” If you’re in a similar position with your parents, Debra recommends contacting a moving service early in the process. “We had quite a few phone calls back and forth, but it was a good investment of time and money. Mom needed to move, and I couldn’t be there to help her make it happen. Bring the right professionals in was the right way to handle this issue.”
