By Cheryl Farkas

For most families the holidays bring relatives together, and for some, it’s the only or best opportunity in the year to see each other and spend time together.

Discussions usually arise about the health and well being of family members. Before the eggnog is poured may be the best time to discuss any changes within the family. For some, the holidays are a stressful time, and it may be beneficial to try and foresee where a discussion may go before everyone gets back to their daily grind.

Maybe you yourself have noticed changes in your lifestyle, or a family member has noticed changes in a senior relative. There are many things to consider. Are bills being paid? Is it harder to clean and maintain the house? Are social events and doctor’s appointments being attended? Are meals being prepared and nutritional and medicine needs being met? Is there depression or major forgetfulness?

Most of us wait entirely too long to make moving and downsizing decisions. Holidays may be a good time for the whole family to agree on a plan. Safety, comfort and happiness come first.

It’s not always easy for a family to resolve all the issues. It’s good to discuss the big picture and let an independent professional expedite a plan, leaving the family uninvolved.

You may need a Senior Move Manager. They deal exclusively with seniors and their families. They understand the upheaval and are empathetic, caring and patient, specializing in taking the stress out of relocation.

Home to Home is a Senior Move Management Company. They do all of the pre- and post-move planning, having you packed, moved, unpacked and settled into your new location, usually in just one day.

Some clients prefer to use the floor planning service and the decorating service to help them decide what to bring to their new home or what to purchase. Other services are offered for what is left such as conducting estate liquidation, taking unwanted items to a consignment shop or making a donation to a charity of choice. They will even stage the house you are leaving for transfer to a realtor.

Jos Jansen, owner of Home to Home says, “When looking for a Senior Move Manager, make sure they are a certified member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers, they are licensed and insured. Fees and contracts are signed and agreed to upfront and they can handle moves outside of the state if needed.”