Downsizing, To Move or Not to Move? That is the Question

Oh my, all these wonderful posts.

I worked for a company who helped families sort through their home's dresser, closets, kitchens, garage and everywhere. This happened when family did not want to step in an do it. We labeled items if the senior knew who wanted it and we specially made sure every piece of furniture and memento that they wanted to keep fit into their new place. I loved helping with that part. So many of those we moved had stayed in their homes as long as they could. Some were forced to move their parents as dementia removed the safety they had in be able to make daily choices. There were most of the scenarios that have been covered above in the posts.
Visiting the communities is so important. The cost on a per month basis needs to be looked at long term. I went to school for Gerontology in 2010. The city of Pomona and Claremont were creating a community with transportation and services that would be able to help seniors stay in their home with help within reach. You may know about the Clairmont colleges. Within that space part of the city there are 5 if not more senior living communities. Vastly different costs.
I reckon i move 600 or more families with that company in California.
We moved seniors into every kind of retirement home. So many high end communities and Sunrise and those in the more affordable range. What i want to add, is that all of you are part of the conversation with your parents. Parents ultimately will want to make the choice for their own life. Staying in their homes is what so many want. We saw prior seniors we moved often. We asked the community directors we checked in with how many seniors have visitors. I think you might now the answer. Never enough for most. In their own homes, they may still have neighbors and friends that will check on them.
Some communities who have activity directors that will keep the seniors busy if they choose. One community in Pasadena has a number of seniors who are on or were on the Rose Parade committee. Movers and shakers in that event. It was fun moving seniors into that space. We moved one good looking single lawyer in and reminded him as others had, that they ladies in this community will be knocking. He said he will be on the lookout.
As centre mentioned all those wonderful items from her family, I most loved the families who came over to Mom and Dad's house and put post it's on all the items they wanted. That will only happen if the parent will let go.
Thank you all for posting how it is for you right now. This is what makes Mayo Connect a place to learn that is safe andf abulous.

@katgob
Hi Katgob: First of all, my son graduated from Harvey Mudd! So yes, I do know of Pomona and the Claremont Colleges. I've been there!
Now a very specific question for you: what method did you find works well for labeling items when they are to go to specific people? Are sticky notes sufficient with the recipients name and maybe phone number on them? Do they stay on long enough? What method did you find that worked for labeling items? Thanks much! and Thanks for sharing your expertise!

@joanland
Sticky notes for many families with many items went on the back or the bottom of the item. They also make labels that do not leave a residue. Sticky notes worked for most. Some families did it right before people move, but others did it well before. Our company had a magnetic board with furniture pieces. We fit all furniture items they wanted to take with them. This allowed all furniture and the collectables that would not fit, paintings with no place to hang on the wall, stuff in cabinets. When the parents allowed, family could pick items they treasured.
We came to find people have way too many things that they stopped using or seeing for 15 years or more. Some were lucky enough to have family who treasured items their parent no longer needed.

@thisismarilynb
Sounds like a good plan. Husband took a turn in his health & everyone was convincing me to move closer to them. Now I am wondering if this is a good idea. Still trying to figure it out. Good luck! What ever you choose to do it is yours. You can always change your mind.

@katgob
Please explain more about the magnetic board with furniture pieces. What did you do with the magnetic board? I;m not able to visualize how your system worked. I'd appreciate some more explanation. Thanks much.

@joanland
Our company had a board that had furniture pieces. I turned the board in when i left, but amazon sells ones like it.
We had the room size where the senior was moving, and we placed all furniture in using this scaled down model. We had to make sure a wheelchair could turn around in the spot, so in the end the BEST pieces the senior had, and their favorites went to their new home. All the paintings and small favorites went, and we found places once we got there. The joy when we put everything away and hung the pictures, mostly in one day, was priceless. Keeping all but what you love when you move works at any age.

Room furniture and magnet layout.
https://www.amazon.com/s