What to do on moving day when helping an older adult move

On moving day

• Plan a special lunch or outing. If you've given the movers detailed instructions on where to put things, you won't be needed at the other end right away. So after the moving truck pulls out is a good time to duck out for an hour. Give the movers the key and your cell phone number in case of questions, and make plans to meet up with one of your friend or relative's friends at a favorite spot in the old neighborhood. Reminiscing and talking about the future might make the transition easier.
  Or, if a sibling or friend is available to supervise and pay the movers, and the person who's moving prefers to stay out of the fray a little longer, consider a trip to the beauty salon or the barbershop -- looking their best often helps older adults feel more confident in this nerve-racking situation, suggests Nan Hayes of Moveseniors.com.

• Accept all gifts. Even if you've always hated that antique credenza, just say "Thanks" and put it in the basement. You're solving the space problem today without asking her to part with a personal treasure. You can deal with the unwanted furniture later, under less stressful circumstances.

• Accept offers of help. If family members or neighbors offer assistance, take them up on it -- on or before moving day. Tasks that can be delegated include supervising the movers, changing newspaper and magazine subscriptions, getting the mail forwarded, and "adopting" houseplants.

• Stock the refrigerator. Even if she's moving to a place where her meals will be prepared for her, having familiar foods close at hand is comforting.