Holiday Season Visits - a dose of reality?

Hard to believe it's mid-October already!  Many people are probably making plans for a holiday visit to see Mom, Dad, Grandparents, etc.

And for lots of folks, these visits only happen once a year (or less).  Sure they probably talk on the phone frequently (or occasionally), but there's nothing like seeing them in person and spending time together.  

For many, these annual visits aren't all "Norman Rockwell".  While Mom or Dad may sound good on the phone (or Skype), in reality, they may be struggling; seeing first hand that all really is not well.  Driving skills might not be as sharp as they once were.  Clutter and disorganization may be creating safety issues.  The house or yard might not be as meticulously kept as in the past.  Past Due notices and stacks of papers/bills are scattered about.  

Some might think, "He/She hasn't had an car accident, no need for me to discuss this now".  Others might assume that "Mom/Dad has been pretty good on the computer, I doubt there's any issue."  Someone else might say, "Dad's managed the medicines for both of them, I'm sure he's still got it under control."

Yes, it can be awkward....the children having "the talk" with their parents.  But it doesn't have to be.  Here is a wonderful website with many great tips and suggestions for "having the conversation":

  http://www.havingtheconversation.com/

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you or an older adult, please visit our website.

A Doctor, Move Manager and Auctioneer

"A doctor, move manager and auctioneer walk into a bar..."

Ok, not really, but this is a true story about a gal named Sara, a doctor (Doc), A Stress-Less Transition and an auctioneer (Art).

Sara goes to see Doc and laments she is struggling with the death of her mother two months ago, no help from her brothers and is stressed out trying to figure out what to do with all the belongings on her mother's condo.

Doc says, "Sara, you need to call A Stress-Less Transition.  She will be able to help you."

Sara calls A Stress-Less Transition and schedules an appointment for a free consultation.  Since her mother's death, Sara had already made a huge dent in what needed to be done, making many trips to a local "big box donation center", food pantry and the dumpster.

But Sara was becoming very weary, overwhelmed with everything that still needed to get done, stressed about some of the expenses that hadn't been planned for, and at a loss for the best way to dispose of all the beautiful treasures profitably all the while keeping the condo in order for realtor showings.

One thing A Stress-Less Transition prides itself on is being able to find a good home for things.  Sara's mother was a sharp dresser with many lovely suits, dresses, and shoes. A Stress-Less Transition's knowledge of an organization that helps disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, made it an easy decision where Sara wanted the remaining clothes to go.

Sara wanted to clear out her mother's condo quickly (and profitably if possible).  A Stress-Less Transition explained the options.   A call was placed to Art the Auctioneer and he conducted a thorough review of the contents of the apartment.  At the end of the meeting, Sara was feeling very good about the plan that was put in place and that she would meet her goal of getting the place empty quickly and could make a few pennies to help cover some of the expenses.

Moral of the story:  Working with a senior move manager like A Stress-Less Transition EARLY on can help alleviate the worry, stress and overwhelming responsibility of figuring out what to do with a houseful of furniture, belongings but can also save lots of time and money.  The relationships a senior move manager has with people who can help get things done is so important for families in their time of need and crisis.

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you or an older adult, please visit our website.

"Survey Says..."

In the words of the famous game show host, Richard Dawson, "Survey Says...".

But this post has nothing to do with the "Family Feud", Richard Dawson or any real life survey results.

This blog entry is about the number one comment I get from people when I tell them about A Stress-Less Transition.    

"Survey Says":  

Where were you x months ago when I was dealing with my relative???

Part of my responsibility as a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers is to educate others on this relatively new industry.  We are dedicated to assisting older adults and families with the physical and emotional demands of downsizing, relocating or modifying their homes.  While the industry is new, the challenge of transitioning an older adult is not.  Helping to make people aware of all the services available to seniors is also an important part of our commitment.  

A Stress-Less Transition serves the Tampa area (Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties) and is a trusted resource for older adults and families.  Our mission is to alleviate much of the anxiety that naturally comes with a later-in-life move to a retirement community by handling all the details.  We also help families with the daunting task of figuring out what to do with a houseful of furniture and belongings when a loved one goes into a nursing home or passes away.  Taking care of the details of a transition is just one of the ways we can free up time for families to focus on their loved one.

We have built relationships in the Tampa Bay area with other senior-sensitive professionals (elder law attorneys, geriatric care managers, bankers, financial planners, Realtors, appraisers, etc.) who are experts in their fields and who can help older adults and their adult children.  We have also spent time learning about the many communities in the area (independent living, assisted living, memory care, etc.) as well as the many agencies that offer home care services (health, skilled nursing and companion care), in order to make informed suggestions.  

While every Senior Move Manager runs their business a little differently, there are people around the country dedicated to helping older adults and families.  To find a Senior Move Manager near you, please visit the NASMM website.  

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you or an older adult, please visit our website.