Over the last month, my family made a major life change—we moved. Now that I’m on the other side of packing, purging, donating, and unpacking, a few truths have surfaced that are worth sharing—especially for the families we serve at Senior Provisions
This first truth came from my daughter. She gently suggested that moving is traumatic, and I’ll admit—I shrugged it off at first. Surely that was an overstatement, especially in my case. After all, our move was a choice, and a good one at that.
But as the dust settled, I began to understand what she meant. Even a positive move comes with disruption, loss, uncertainty, and emotional fatigue. And if that’s how it felt for me—with time to plan, pack, and mentally prepare—imagine what it’s like for the older adults we serve.
Many of our clients don’t get to choose their move. It often follows a medical event, a fall, or an urgent safety concern. And while our team works hard to preserve dignity and improve quality of life, the move itself is often deeply disorienting. Trauma doesn’t always come from danger—it can come from change that happens too fast, with too little control.
For the past few months, our family was immersed in “pre-move” prep: organizing, selling furniture (even a canoe!), and making countless trips to donation centers. We had warning, we had weekends, we had help.
But many seniors don’t get this kind of runway. They often learn of their upcoming move from a hospital bed or rehab room. They don’t get to visit potential communities or choose the layout of their next home. Decisions are made on their behalf—by adult children, medical professionals, or care consultants like us—because they can’t safely return home.
By the time they arrive at their new residence, they are often still physically recovering and emotionally overwhelmed. New staff knock on the door with well-meaning introductions, asking personal questions and explaining unfamiliar routines. Once the family leaves and the room grows quiet, reality sinks in. And what they’re left with is a wave of loss—not just of home, but of independence, capability, and control.
While my move isn’t the same as relocating to senior living, the emotional and physical reactions felt eerily familiar. That empathy has only deepened my commitment to helping families navigate this transition with compassion and clarity.
At Senior Provisions, we often recommend strategies to reduce the emotional toll of moving:
Maybe my daughter was right—moving is traumatic. But change, as we know, is inevitable. How we process it and grow through it becomes part of our story—and helps us better support others in similar seasons.
It’s my prayer that we continue to encourage one another through life’s transitions, always remembering that someone close to us may be silently struggling.
At Senior Provisions LLC, we believe no one should navigate senior care decisions alone. Our local advisors are experts in the full range of care options—from independent and assisted living to memory care and supportive in-home services.We only recommend communities that match your family’s personal needs and budget. We know their reputations, strengths, weaknesses, and can even provide references from families who’ve been there. And we’ll never share your contact information without your permission. Best of all—our services are completely free to families. Let us walk this journey with you. Because moving is hard—but you don’t have to do it alone.
Proverbs 11:14-15 Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Ruth Woodson
Client Care Coordinator
Ruth was born in New York. She lived in several states and countries before meeting her husband, Bryan, while on a missions trip. After a few international moves and five children, they are thankful that God brought them to the Atlanta area to raise their family. Ruth studied Psychology and Education. She received a Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education. Ruth has enjoyed teaching middle school and has held volunteer roles in her church and community. She joins Senior Provisions after eighteen years as a stay at home mom. Ruth values Senior Provisions as a perfect fit for her and her heart to see families and communities thrive. Ruth enjoys exercising, the great outdoors, cheering on her kids, and coffee! |
“There are many times in life when we will find ourselves in a position of caring for the well being of another: from newborn to senior years, there are seasons and stages when individuals depend on their loved ones for safety and survival. I’m passionate about supporting caregivers in times of crisis and through life in general!”
We are excited to announce our new Caregiver Community! If you are caring for a spouse or parent, this is a safe place for you to share your experience. Join this free group to receive weekly updates on trusted aging resources and links to encouraging help. Be a part of a community that is walking the same path and facing the same challenges that you are!
The Caregiver Community can be accessed on Facebook.
“Atlanta’s Home for Information
and Inspiration for Living Your
Season of Life with Grace”
The Harvest is the heart of our company’s community ministry for speaking hope, love, and support. We created a platform for promoting, celebrating and connecting our area ministries, non-profits, and resource providers in the service of our elders and their families.
Each week, Hans and Amy field questions and spotlight community ministries. They provide informative and inspiring content focused on guiding Seniors and their Adult Children on healthy living, life planning, and care all resting on the foundation of God’s Word.
Check out this month’s show about “Brain Health after 60: Strategies for Maintaining Cognitive Health”
Welcome to the world of caregiving. No matter how you got here, there are things you will need to know about caring for your loved one and caring for yourself along this journey. Navigating the Caregiver’s Journey offers practical tips about how to care for both your loved one and yourself. It is written in easy-to-read topical format with journal pages to help you process your ups and downs each week. It is designed to offer caregivers moments of respite and reflection-valuable time for you to think about how the role of caregiver affects your heart in the midst of the day-to-day details of caregiving. The combination of other-care and self-care is not easily accomplished without a guide. Consider this your handbook to help you navigate the world of caregiving.
The Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Services provide comprehensive services for adults ages 65 and older with depression, anxiety, and cognitive function disorders. Our array of outpatient programs offer individual and group therapy, incorporating diagnostic evaluation.