"I don't know where to start."

"The thought of packing up my house and moving overwhelms me."

"I could never give up my favorite chair or my antiques."

These common obstacles keep many senior adults from moving to a community like The Oaks of Louisiana and enjoying life unencumbered by home maintenance and yard upkeep, preventing them from living life doing what they want.

"When someone has lived in their home for 30 or 40 years and has collected years of treasures and precious memories, it can be difficult to take that first step, even if he or she knows downsizing is best at this time," says Marian Dehan, community outreach manager for The Oaks. "That is why The Oaks of Louisiana offers a variety of free relocation services to help make the process manageable."

Consultation services include creating a floor plan with furniture placement; helping prospective residents determine what to keep and what to pass along; assisting with a real estate agent and moving company, and recommending ways to enhance the sale appeal of a long-time home.

An initial consultation with The Oaks relocation coordinator or a lifestyle consultant helps ensure those moving to The Oaks choose a floor plan that is best for them. Tower at The Oaks has 19 floor plans; Garden Apartments at The Oaks has five. Both are independent living options.

"We sit down with prospective residents and talk about their lifestyles and individual preferences," says Denise Brady, relocation coordinator.

"That helps us find the perfect floor plan for them. Do they have out-of-town family? Will they need a spare bedroom? Do they have favorite collections and pieces of furniture that need to be accommodated in their new apartment? If they have a pet, do they want to live on the first floor so that taking the pet outside is easier? Maybe they like to exercise and an apartment near our Spa and Wellness Center would be best, would they most enjoy the view of our beautiful chapel and grounds or would they prefer a view of beautiful Lake Eleanor?"

Once an apartment is chose, the next step is deciding what to bring and how it will fit.

"Downsizing can be overwhelming and very emotional," Dehan says. "it can be considerably stressful, and take a toll physically if you don't have the support of experts or family walking you through each step of the way," Dehan says.

"We measure each room of a prospective resident's new apartment. We note location of doors and windows, which is important when choosing furniture pieces and placement," Dehan says. "Then we help him or her select furniture that will best fit in that space, making sure it is not only functional but comfortable. We want their new home to feel like their old home."

It is helpful, Dehan advises, for anyone making such a move to make lists of must-take items - those items essential to living comfortably - and want-to-take items - those items they are deeply attached to but are non-essential.

"We decide how to fit those special collections in their new apartment or maybe help determine it's time to share those treasures with someone else to enjoy, perhaps through an estate sale or donation. Donating items you no longer need can make a difference in someone else's life," Dehan says.

Other assistance includes providing a list of suggested moving companies and phone numbers (those companies used and recommended by Oaks residents), providing change of address information and numbers to call for telephone activation and delivery set-up for The Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

The Oaks of Lousiana also offers consultation by a Master Gardener and/or The Oaks campus horticulturist, who can provide recommendations to enhance the curb appeal of a home being put on the market for sale. 

“Curb appeal forms potential buyers’ first impressions so you want to make it a good one,” says Rhonda MacIsaac, director of Independent Living and Master Gardener. “If the outside of a home has curb appeal then people will assume that the inside is also well maintained, so this is a valuable service.” 

“We can note landscaping needs such as edging, weeding, clutter that needs to be removed and shrubs that need to be trimmed,” she says. “Seasonal flowers are a special touch and we can suggest what to plant and where. Homeowners not familiar with plants may not be thinking of these things.” 

Says Brady: “The Oaks goal is to provide an environment in which our residents can live life to its fullest without having the stress of having to maintain a home and yard, so it is no surprise that we want to make the process from the very beginning as easy as possible, therefore we do everything within our power to make the transition stress free as well.”