Discover What Sets BeeHive Homes Apart

When choosing an assisted living or memory care community for yourself or a loved one, finding a place that feels like home makes all the difference. At BeeHive Homes, we’ve redefined senior care by focusing on what truly matters: comfort, connection, and compassionate service. Here’s what sets us apart and makes the BeeHive experience truly unique.

A Home-Like Setting That Feels Just Right

At BeeHive Homes, we understand that the comforts of home are essential to feeling safe, secure, and happy. That’s why our communities are intentionally designed to provide a warm, home-like environment.

Exceptional Resident-to-Caregiver Balance

We believe in providing personalized care that goes beyond meeting physical needs—it’s about creating meaningful relationships and fostering trust. Our resident-to-caregiver balance is designed to ensure that every resident receives the attention and care they deserve.

Easy and Efficient Admission Experience

We know that transitioning to assisted living can feel overwhelming. At BeeHive Homes, we strive to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible for both residents and their families.

Experience the BeeHive Difference

At BeeHive Homes, we’re more than just an assisted living community—we’re a family. From the home-cooked meals and personalized care to the compassionate team who makes every resident feel loved, we’re dedicated to creating an environment where seniors can thrive.

We invite you to see the BeeHive difference for yourself. Come visit us, meet our team, and experience the warmth and care that make our homes truly special. Schedule a tour today and discover why BeeHive Homes is the next best place to home.

Lessons of the Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful force. It can transform even the most challenging moments into opportunities for reflection and growth. A story shared by Gordon Green in a Reader’s Digest published in 1956 reminds us of this truth. It’s about a family on a Canadian farm whose Thanksgiving celebration taught them to find joy in life’s blessings—even when circumstances seemed dire.

The story begins with Gordon’s father leading the family in a tradition of taking inventory on Thanksgiving Day, counting the abundance of their harvest and livestock. This act wasn’t just practical; it was a way to reflect on how richly they had been blessed through their hard work and the grace of God. But the year Gordon remembered most wasn’t marked by abundance—it was the year they had almost nothing.

After devastating rains destroyed their crops, the family was left with little more than a patch of turnips and a jackrabbit for their Thanksgiving meal. In that difficult moment, Gordon’s father lit an old oil lamp and asked them to turn off their new electric lights. The dim glow reminded them of how far they had come and the blessings they still had. It wasn’t a feast of abundance, but the spirit of gratitude transformed their humble meal into something beautiful.

At BeeHive Homes, we embrace the power of gratitude every day, inspired by stories like Gordon’s. Gratitude shapes how we see the world, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Whether it’s enjoying a home-cooked meal, participating in a group activity, or simply sharing stories in our cozy common areas, we approach each day with a grateful heart.

The Benefits of Gratitude at BeeHive Homes

In our assisted living community, gratitude fosters connection, joy, and well-being. Here are just a few ways it impacts daily life:

Gratitude transforms challenges into lessons and scarcity into abundance. Just as Gordon’s family found richness in their modest Thanksgiving, our BeeHive Homes family finds joy and meaning in the moments we share together.

Come See the Difference Gratitude Makes

At BeeHive Homes, gratitude is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes how we care for our residents, nurture relationships, and create a home that feels truly special.

We invite you to experience the difference for yourself. Call us today at (505) 591-7022 to schedule a tour and see how BeeHive Homes approaches daily life with a grateful heart, creating a vibrant community where everyone feels valued and cared for.

Every day is an opportunity to celebrate life’s blessings at BeeHive Homes. Let us show you how we see things differently.

Honoring Our Veterans: A Tribute to Bravery, Sacrifice, and Service

For generations, veterans have protected our country, preserving our freedom and contributing to the peace we enjoy today. This Veterans Day, we reflect on the courage and selflessness of those who served, including the veterans within our BeeHive Homes family. Caring for our aging heroes is a unique honor, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support them in this chapter of their lives.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established on November 11, 1919, marking the end of World War I and paying homage to the soldiers who had served. In 1954, after both World War II and the Korean War, Congress officially renamed it “Veterans Day” to honor veterans of all U.S. wars, a tradition we uphold today as we recognize the service, resilience, and sacrifices of these heroes.

On a more personal note, my own family history is woven with stories of courage and dedication. My grandfathers both served in World War II—one as a tail gunner stationed in Europe and the other as a naval officer in the Pacific. Two of my uncles bravely fought in the Vietnam War. These family stories remind me not only of the resilience required by those in combat but also of the strength that comes from a commitment to something greater than oneself. The stories they shared—often told quietly, with a certain reverence—reflect the many sacrifices they made, not only in physical endurance but in leaving behind families and dreams to ensure our collective safety.

As a part of BeeHive Homes, we have the privilege to give back to veterans through quality senior care that respects their legacy:

  1. Quality Elderly Care: At BeeHive Homes, we’re committed to providing respectful, compassionate elderly care that addresses each resident’s unique needs in a comforting environment. Learn more about our elderly care services here.
  2. Compassionate Assisted Living: We believe that a home-like setting is essential for senior well-being. Our assisted living services are designed to foster comfort, familiarity, and community, helping seniors feel at ease. Explore our assisted living care offerings.
  3. Memory Care Options for Veterans: Specialized memory care for veterans with Alzheimer's or dementia is a priority at BeeHive Homes. We offer tailored programs and a dedicated team to ensure their safety and dignity. Discover more about our memory care services.
  4. Financial Options for Veterans: For veterans and their families, several financial support options are available to make quality care accessible. Learn more about these resources on our financial options page for veterans.

At BeeHive Homes, caring for our veterans is a true honor. These residents carry with them decades of history and resilience, having faced unimaginable challenges, and yet they still hold an unwavering spirit of service and camaraderie. Providing them with comfort, support, and community in their later years is our way of giving back and recognizing the impact they have had on our lives. The relationships we build with our veteran residents remind us of the value of respect, compassion, and the profound privilege it is to serve those who have served us.

This Veterans Day, as we honor those in our care and beyond, let us remember not only the freedoms we enjoy but the sacrifices made to secure them. Every day we enjoy in peace and liberty is a testament to their bravery and dedication. At BeeHive Homes, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve these men and women, giving them the same level of care and dignity that they have given to our nation.

The Human Spirit Thrives in Communities of Love and Empathy

When we think about the human spirit, it’s clear that we’re not meant to walk through life alone. We thrive in the warmth of community, where love, empathy, and affection uplift us. At BeeHive Homes, we understand this deeply. Assisted living isn’t just about providing care—it’s about creating a space where the human spirit can flourish, no matter the season of life.

As we look ahead to the next few months, our thoughts naturally turn to the holiday season—a time filled with cherished traditions, family gatherings, and the comfort of togetherness. These moments remind us of the power of connection. But they can also stir bittersweet memories—the kind that come from a lifetime of experiences, both joyous and painful. We hold onto the good, even as we remember those who are no longer with us. In our BeeHive Homes community, we honor those memories while making space for new ones, welcoming every resident into a family that grows in compassion and love every day.

Whether it’s a shared laugh over a home-cooked meal, the joy of decorating for the holidays, or the simple pleasure of a conversation with someone who truly cares, these little moments remind us what it means to belong. They help us hold onto the sense of wonder that lives inside each of us, even as we grow older. The human spirit doesn’t diminish with age—it only deepens, becoming richer and more complex as time goes on.

At BeeHive Homes, we see the beauty of this journey every day. Our caregivers don’t just assist with daily activities; they foster an environment where our residents can continue to live fully, surrounded by a community that values and respects them.

So as the holidays approach, we invite you to visit our homes, meet the people who make BeeHive such a special place, and see for yourself how the spirit of compassion lights up our community. Whether you're considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one, know that this is a place where hearts are nurtured, memories are made, and the human spirit continues to thrive.

Vitamin D in the Elderly

Vitamin D!

Vitamin D deficiency is an issue of concern for more than just the elderly.  This important vitamin contributes to good health in a number of ways in your body.  It helps your body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones and teeth.  It also helps to reduce inflammation, builds your immune system, and helps to regenerate cells.  All of these areas can be beneficial, especially for the elderly!  So, how do we make sure that they are getting adequate amounts of this amazing, life-giving vitamin into their systems?

Start with sunlight!

Look up the most beneficial times of year and day to get vitamin D from the sun in your area.  Typically during the summer months our skin can absorb vitamin D from the sun.  During those times, be outside, when possible, during the safest parts of the day.  Be sure to have exposed skin in order to absorb the rays of the sun, but not for such lengths of time as to get sunburnt.

For people who live in extreme Northern climates, they are very aware of how the lack of sunlight can affect their energy levels, their immune systems and their sleep cycles.  Those who work nights and sleep days are also aware of the detrimental affect it has on their lives.  It's not surprising, then, that the elderly are a large group of individuals that struggle with a deficiency of this vitamin in their bodies.  They are often indoors more than out of doors, have slowing metabolisms and have trouble absorbing vitamins and minerals.

Eat up!

A number of foods are fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, but the best food source of naturally occurring vitamin D is found in cod liver oil.  We all know that the stuff is good for us, but some people just can't stomach the taste.  If you are one of those people, but would still like to enjoy the benefits of vitamin D from a food source instead of a supplement, try the cod liver oil that is lemon flavored.  It is also found in capsules.  It may not take away the unpleasant aftertaste, but you should at least be able to swallow it down!  You can also try sockeye salmon and tuna as beneficial options.

Vitamin D3 Pills

Supplement!

If you've tried both sunlight and diet and are still having a hard time getting your vitamin D levels up to par, talk with your doctor about supplementing with vitamin D.  Be sure not to take too much, as too much vitamin D can lead to vitamin D toxicity.  More specifically, vitamin D3 causes hypercalcemia, or excessive calcium levels.  After determining the proper amount to supplement, find out if there are other things that can help increase the absorption rates of the supplement.  Also look for signs that will assure you that it is helping to improve your deficiency. The benefits from vitamin D are so widespread and diverse, they are certainly worth taking notice.  So start today and begin utilizing the natural benefits of vitamin D for yourself and your elderly friends today!

 

Why Animals Benefit The Elderly

Assisted Living Petting Zoo Snake

Alternative therapies and helps of all kinds are being researched and used on a trial basis all across the country in the care of our elderly citizens.  Especially in the care of those with Alzheimer's and other types of dementias.  In speaking with health care practitioners, we find a number of therapies that might seem logical, clinical and sterile. We will also find just as many that are difficult to explain, but seem to have very consistent and very promising results.  One of these therapies is the use of animals with patients.  But why would an animal be able to help an elderly person, especially one that is struggling greatly with memory problems?

Fulfill the Need for Companionship

We all have a need for companionship, and as we age that need is amplified by the circumstances around us.  The older we are, the fewer friends and family might still be alive. We're many times bound by physical problems, keeping us closer to our home and neighborhood.  We may not have the skills to communicate using some of the newer technology that many of the younger generation seem to use for all of their communication. (Have you posted your latest Tik-Tok?)  Animals can help us bridge the companionship gap.  They are obviously not able to fully fill the void left by healthy human companionship.  But our animal friends make help immensely by making us feel comfortable and calm, completely lacking in judgment and criticism & for being loyal.

Increase our General Health

Studies have been done that show the effects of having an aquarium in elder care facilities.  They can help lower blood pressure as well as anxiety levels of those who watch them.  Having dogs, cats and birds around can also provide a similar benefit, provided they are generally calm animals.

 

 

Keep Speaking Skills Sharp

This one may seem silly, but caring for animals really can help with the upkeep of our communication skills.  People generally talk to the animals that they live with.  Some people tell them about their day, or comment on their surrounding for them.  Having an animal around can help keep communication skills sharp.  It can also aid in giving an elderly person something to communicate about to others.  If a neighbor comes to visit, the animal can quickly become the subject of conversation that would help to span other potentially silent moments during the visit.

Children Love Animals, Children Benefit the Elderly

We all know that animals will draw and keep the attention of children.  And there are definitely benefits to the elderly of having children around.  Children add life and vitality to otherwise dull and slow days.  Having an animal in the home or assisted living facility with elderly residents can make the place much more inviting and natural feeling for children to visit.  If they feel as if it's inviting, they'll be more likely to come back for a visit.

Caring for a Pet (and Others) is Good for Us

We all know that animals require care, some more than others.  Much of that care can be carried out by a responsible elderly person.  There may be a bit that they need help with, especially if their memory issues are getting worsening.  In these cases, it's especially important to have someone double check that the animals have been fed or watered. But, the care for an animal is a good way to keep us outward looking rather than inward looking all of the time.  It can be a tendency for some aging individuals to only be focused upon what is going on within their world.  At times neglecting anyone or anything around them.  Caring for a pet helps to alleviate this tendency and helps us to remember that we are responsible for others, as well.  Caring for plants or gardening helps in a similar manner.

Animals can benefit nearly everyone in some way, but especially the elderly.  We do not need to understand all of the science behind why it works to enjoy those benefits.  We are just glad that it DOES work!

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

In the aftermath and destruction of Hurricane Ida, many of us are considering what we can do to better prepare for natural disasters and unplanned emergencies.  Add emergency planning together with senior care and aging, and we begin to have an entirely new set of questions.  Have we ever thought about how aging impacts our preparedness for an emergency or a natural disaster?  Tasks and other daily activities get more difficult on a monthly basis as we age.  Now think about emergency preparedness from the perspective of someone elderly who is living on their own.  From owning life saving medical alert devices to participating in a state-wide or even national emergency program, it is best to be prepared before an incident occurs rather than wishing that we had been prepared.  And, what's more, if we are prepared and our loved ones are prepared, perhaps we'll be able to help someone who isn't when the time comes!

Medical Alert Devices

Medical Alert Device

Seniors who are beginning to notice difficulty with walking or stairs should take some time to investigate medical alert devices.  It doesn't necessarily mean that you'll have to wear a necklace with a button (although that is certainly an option). There are watches available, too.  This way, at a very basic level, you are able to contact Emergency Services to come to your aid in the event of a fall or getting stuck while alone.  Many people do not think about needing them until there is a serious problem where they've found themselves unable to get up when they've fallen outside.  Consider Northern climates and whether or not you'd be able to survive for long if the temperatures drop to -20F.  Or, in the South, if you're in an area that gets very hot and humid, if you'd survive without water for long.  Cell phones can also serve as a mobile alert device, as long as it's in your pocket when you need it!  Take 30 minutes to research the options you have available and make a decision about whether you should be getting a medical alert device and wearing one for peace of mind.

Household Hazards

My grandmother lived for years with tripping hazards all around her house.  She loved her old rag rugs.  As she advanced in years, however, they became more of a nuisance and liability.  She lived on her own, but because of extreme arthritis, the effort of lifting her feet to avoid turning up the corners of the rugs became too much for her.  She finally got rid of the rugs in most places or had them replaced with options that were heavier and stayed down on the edges better.  Door knobs that are easier to open, close and lock are other possible safety improvements.  Replace rolling chairs with non-rollers and sturdier options.  Unusually high or low bedsides can be replaced with easily maneuvered beds set at the right height.  Showers and bathrooms can have tubs with doors, handles near the toilet and in the shower, etc. Take a little time assessing the potential household hazards that can be removed now and might allow our us to enjoy our aging years in comfort.

Preparedness Kits

Before spending money on building an emergency preparedness kit, first spend some time thinking about what emergencies could occur in your area.  In all areas of the country, power outages can occur.  If those outages last for a number of days, how will this affect a senior living alone or even a group of seniors who rely on others for help?  Water is the first and primary concern. We should have adequate water for at least three days time somewhere in our house. In Northern climates, that water must also be accompanied by a way to have heat should it go out. Water will do no good if it frozen solidly.  Light via flashlights, candles or lanterns is another good idea to consider when facing a power outage.  Shelter, heaters for warmth, fans to stay cool in warm climates, and food are also other considerations for these times.  How will we eat and stay warm (or cool depending on circumstances)?

You can read some great tips from the Red Cross on this PDF - for building a kit:

Form a Plan

Forming a plan that family/neighbors/friends know about is an important step for being prepared. In all of the preparations that we make or that we help a loved one to make, please keep in mind that plans are most effective if they are shared with others.  Many older people look out for one another.  If that is the case with you or your loved one, share necessary emergency numbers, keys or papers with those you trust.  Forming a chain of people to call is a great idea so that everyone knows when things are safe and that you're okay.  Lack of communication can be the scariest part of an emergency, so find a way to combat that, if you can.

These are only a few suggestions to help start you on your preparedness journey.  There are countless websites and books that can help you to prepare for specific emergencies in a more comprehensive way.  This article takes aging into consideration in the process.  Most of us do not think about the limitations that aging presents in these situations.  Start with simple steps.  Begin thinking and preparing today for these types of emergencies and rest easy knowing that you're as ready as you can be.

Sleeplessness In Older And Aging Adults

Sleeping as we Age

Have you noticed that as we age, genuine, deep sleep is more and more difficult to attain?  Many people blame this sleeplessness on the aging process, but is it right to do so?  There are certainly many older persons who can sleep well through the night.

Why Don't I Feel Rested?

Sleeplessness is caused in part by the aging process.  As we age, our bodies produce lower amounts of growth hormone while we rest.  This can result in making it harder to fall into a deep sleep.  Our bodies end up requiring more sleep to get the same amount of "rest" when compared to our younger years.  We will want to go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier.  We may also need to take a nap during the day to make up for the lost rest.  So what steps can we take to try to get a good night's rest again?

A Hard Day's Work

First, we can ensure that we have been active during the day.  As we age and go into retirement or stop working a regular job, it oftentimes gets harder to sleep at night, but not because of any health concerns.  Rather it is because enough energy has not be expended during the day to make us sufficiently tired at night.  Though our minds may refute this argument, the truth is, our bodies NEED certain levels of work or activity throughout the day in order to rest properly at night.  If our bodies don't have a sufficient level of activity, they also do not recognize or trigger the need for rest.  We need to try our best to raise our activity level during the day, finding work and exercise that's appropriate for our abilities at this stage of life.  Work hard and later enjoy a more restful night's sleep.

Clocks and Time Schedules

Consistent Sleep Routine

Another helpful step that we can take is to establish a regular routine of waking and sleeping.  Sometimes, as we age, our schedules can be thwarted by illness, aches, incontinence or even just out of boredom.  We find ourselves dozing at various times during the day.  Yet not able to sleep later, or staying up later watching television and sleeping in later in the morning.  Whatever schedule we decide makes us feel best, we should stick with it on a daily basis in order to obtain the most restful night's sleep possible.  Our sleep patterns are rhythmic and throwing off that rhythm can have an adverse effect on our sleep at night.

Turn off the T.V

Cutting off any screen time in the evenings a couple of hours before sleeping will help notify your body that it's time to begin winding down to rest.  That means perhaps not texting or video chatting with your friends and family after a certain hour.  Choose quieter activities that are not as stimulating, such as crossword puzzles, restful music, reading books, playing solitaire, etc.  Help your body to be able to identify the cut off time from evening activities to sleeping time by establishing a nightly routine.  Soon enough, you will find yourself longing to retire for the evening and looking forward to the rest that comes with it!

Doctors Orders

Finally, if you are still having problems sleeping after all of these steps, talk with your doctor.  See if your doctor can suggest any other steps or changes you might make in your life.  Your doctor may also be able to diagnosis if you have insomnia or other sleep depravation conditions.  Supplementing melatonin is an option for some people.  Others might need something a little stronger in order to help them set the rhythm of sleep again.  Before you head to the doctor, however, be sure that you've tried everything in your power to re-gain sleep in a natural way.  Older adults tend to take more medications than younger people and the combination of drugs can sometimes impair sleep.  Natural sleep patterns will always trump medicated ones.

Time for Bed

Sleeplessness is frustrating and tiring by very definition!  Even though we won't sleep like babies as we grow older, we can take many steps to improve the rest we are getting.  Relax, don't stress and soon enough you'll be dreaming of the good old days again!

Personality Changes and Dementia

A Few Early Signs of Alzheimer's

  1. Lapse in memory that disrupts daily life
  2. Challenges solving problems
  3. Trouble making plans
  4. Mixing up time and places
  5. Problems using words in speaking and writing
  6. Misplacing things and then not being able to retrace steps to locate
  7. Overall decrease in judgement - trouble making decisions
  8. Withdrawal from social activities
  9. Change in mood or personality

 What would a change in personality mean?

Personality is something that we rather take for granted.  It is true that certain aspects of it are inborn, but there are other aspects of one's personality or at least of the persona that they portray, that are learned and practiced over time.  We come to depend upon how well we know a person because their personality remains consistent over time.  We know, for instance, whether they are generally polite or cranky.  We know if they are honest or tend to lie.  We know if they tend to be soft-spoken or loud.  All of these things help us to feel as though we are on solid ground when describing who a person is.  But once dementia or Alzheimer's enters the picture, the ground can begin to shift right under our feet.

Because different types of dementia affect different parts of the brain, the disease may affect personality and behaviors in different ways.  If a person has dementia that affects the frontal areas of the brain, their personalities may seem to shift more drastically.  It's an important thing to ask about at onset so that you can begin to prepare yourself mentally for how you will deal with the changes you may encounter in the coming months and years.  Generally speaking, most individuals with dementia do not completely change their personality.  For instance, a person who was nice and calm would not become violent, unless there were other issues such as hallucinations or drug interaction problems going on, but it can occur.  Most often the changes that occur are an amplification of their former personality.  A soft-spoken person may become even quieter.  An angry person may become very overbearing and upset easily.

As the disease progresses into advanced stages, several of a person's learned behaviors begin to fade.  If they were a voracious reader, they may lose the ability to read.  If they wrote often, they will most likely lose that ability.  If these were important things to them, and particularly if they were activities that you shared with them, it can seem as though you do not know who they are anymore.  We often associate people and our relationships through hobbies and interests.  This can also, understandingly, cause a great deal of frustration on their part.  They are losing things that they consider to be important parts of themselves.  During their lucid moments, if they recognize any of this, it will be frustrating and disappointing to them.

While there is not much that one can do to prevent this from occurring in the advanced stages of the disease, we can begin to prepare ourselves by knowing the likelihood that these changes may occur.  We can also take time while we have it, to enjoy their true personality that we've grown to love over time.  Take every opportunity to spend time with them and support them through this scary time, assuring them that whatever happens, you'll still remember their true nature.  And as you speak of them to others, you'll emphasize who they are rather than the disease to others.  This will do more to maintain their dignity than anything else you can do.  Their life and personality is a gift to us while our love and care is our gift to them.

Moving to Assisted Living? How to Downsize

 

 Downsizing is one of the most popular trends around the nation right now.  There are as many motivations to downsize our lives as there are lives.  Some downsize in order to move into tiny houses, some downsize in order to simplify their lives, or to allow them more time to travel.  Today we're going to talk about downsizing our possessions in preparation for a move into an assisted living situation.

How many of us are living with entirely too many items in our possession?  If we're honest, probably nearly every person in our country could stand to shed some excess in this area.  We've all got excess.  If you raised a larger family, especially on a homestead or farm, you most definitely have excess.  We're not here to examine how we find ourselves in such a situation, however, but rather how to deal with getting rid of some of the excess so that we can move forward into a healthier atmosphere for us!

The house.  What to do with the house?  It's a hugely daunting question if you've never considered how to make a transition from owning your own home to living somewhere else.  There is a proverb that says, “How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.”  This is precisely how you'll need to deal with getting rid of your house & possessions, one small step at a time.  First, know that you will not be able to do this alone, or quickly.  It will take time.  The first step would be to get an assessment on the value of your home/property.  Check with a local realtor with whom you can list it if you will be needing the income in order to fund your move into an #assistedlivingfacility.  If you do not need that extra income, consider giving it as an inheritance to someone you love, or preparing to sell it in order to gift the profit for those you love.  When you begin discussing the process with your family, be prepared for all kinds of emotional responses.  People have a number of emotions that are connected with places and memories & it is natural to see a full spectrum.  If there is a smooth way to pass it on or sell it to a family member without causing resentment, do so, otherwise you should feel no guilt at selling it on the market to avoid resentment between family members.

Once you've answered the largest question, you'll more than likely have an easier time with the smaller things you need to deal with.  It will also help you in other areas.  If you're selling or gifting the house, you'll have a time frame within which to work in order to have your things taken care of.  You can decide whether your large appliances or farm tools will convey with the house or property.  The smaller items will become much easier to handle.

Beginning with the more valuable furniture and possessions, decide which things give you joy & those that you'd like to have around you for the remainder of your life. Do not feel guilt about having them moved.  Do you enjoy playing an instrument?  Will you have room in the place you're moving to? Bring it along & you'll find that after you've downsized, you'll have more time to practice.  Do you have a favorite hobby?  Bring the items along that will enable you to participate in the hobby as long as possible.  Downsizing does not mean getting rid of everything you enjoy, but rather narrowing your scope to keep only those things that you DO enjoy and ridding yourself of the rest.

If you can, try to go through your home in categories & move as quickly as you can from one category to the next.  Discard those things that have no value to you or others.  Donate those items that have use to a charity.  Goodwill is working together with USPS to accept items that you ship free of charge.

You'll have obvious needs where you're going.   If you need kitchen items, consider which ones are the most pertinent to your situation.  Now is a good time to get rid of the excessive kitchen gadgets, pan collections, tea sets, silver service, etc.  If you're moving to a smaller location, you'll more than likely not be the one hosting large family gatherings & will, therefore, need fewer kitchen items.  Keep basic linens & clothing items.  Keep photos that are meaningful to you, distribute the rest that may hold more meaning for others in your family.

Above all, keep the lines of communication open with all of the people who will be affected by the decisions you're making.  You want this move to be a positive one for you and for your family, so don't allow petty miscommunications and misunderstanding to ruin the good things that can come from this time of transition.  Moving is always stressful, but taking it one step at a time, one day at a time, you'll be able to accomplish the huge task of downs