Aging is a natural part of life, and we will all have to help elderly loved ones relocate at some point in our lives.
Moving an aging loved one is a natural part of life, whether they want to downsize their home, relocate to a warmer location, or if their health is worsening and they require specialized care.
Moving an older loved one, on the other hand, is difficult. Their bodies and minds may not be what they used to be, and if they are not moving entirely on their own volition – or are resentful of being evicted from their home, things can become even more difficult.
This is not, however, unavoidable. With a few simple ideas and guidance, you can make moving an aging loved one much easier, giving you peace of mind that they’re getting the care they require and a smooth, uncomplicated transition to their new home.
Having “The Conversation” Before You Need To
The saddest aspect of “the talk” about your aging parents or loved ones leaving their homes is the shock. They may interpret your proposal that they relocate as an insult, implying that you don’t believe they can care for themselves, that you want them to live in a nursing facility, and so on.
If they are not the ones making the decision, this is the most difficult aspect of moving an aging loved one. And the best way to make things easy is to have the conversation – and plan – before you need it.
Elderly loved ones are less hostile to relocation recommendations when it is something that will happen in the future rather than an immediate difficulty.
Understanding their point of view on what should be done if they are unable to care for themselves can be quite beneficial in removing their concerns and objections to moving.
Also, your aging loved one should be included in the planning process; you should not simply tell them that you believe they should relocate and where you believe they should move to.
They may require full-time care, but they may also be perfectly content in a retirement community where they can only receive routine checks and medical attention.
Nobody hates it when decisions are made without them, so engage your loved ones in these discussions as often as possible, and consider their preferences and desires.
Support in Choosing the Best Home – Or Assisted Living Facility
When it comes to transferring an aging loved one out of their home, there are numerous options available, and the best one depends on your finances, your loved one’s health, and their attitude toward alternative living arrangements.
Living on your own
Living independently can be an excellent option for healthy elderly relatives. Typically, the home in which your aging loved one lives is far too large, inconvenient, and unsuitable for an “aging-in-place” solution. Your loved one will most likely require chair lifts, grab bars, and other safety elements to live their best life alone while maintaining independence.
Installing a residential elevator can also be a valuable addition to provide easy access between different floors, enhancing their overall mobility and comfort.
Moving into a new home with improved amenities for the elderly, such as a one-story design, is a terrific way to ensure they can maintain their independence while also having the tools they need to stay safe.
At-home care
Moving in with your family is an excellent option to care for an older family member who is in good health. They will be able to spend time with you, enjoy their independence, and still receive the care they require if they have medical issues.
Retirement residences
Retirement communities offer the best of both worlds. They’re designed with elders in mind, with convenient recreational amenities, medical facilities, and groundskeeping staff, and while your aging loved one can preserve their freedom, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ve provided them with all the support they need – if they need it.
Assisted living residences
If your loved one requires medical attention, an assisted living facility may be a wonderful option. These facilities are not nursing homes, and your loved one retains autonomy, but meals are cooked and necessities, as well as basic medical needs and care, can be met.
Nursing homes with advanced training
These are referred to as “nursing homes,” and they provide 24-hour medical care, as well as supervision and help to your loved one.
Organize Yourself
Become organized once you’ve determined the optimum living situation for your elderly loved one. Assist them sort through, pack, and arrange their belongings, and assist them in getting rid of anything they no longer require.
It also helps to have a thorough understanding of the facility or home they’re moving into – try to figure out how much space they have and how many belongings they can bring with them.
Find a Home for Extraneous Items
Your loved one most likely owns a lot of possessions. They’ve had a long and full life, after all. Don’t just toss everything away if you’ve gone through most of the belongings in their home and there’s still too much for the home or facility they’re relocating to.
Instead, find a place to keep it. If your loved one is moving in with you, you could store some of their belongings in your basement; if they are moving to a smaller home or a retirement community, they could hire a nearby storage facility and keep it there in case they need it. It’s reassuring to know that you still have what you used to have – and moving an aging loved one is all about comfort.
Schedule Your Moving Day
Before moving day arrives, you should be prepared; boxes should be packed, and your moving company should be able to pick everything up and transport it smoothly.
If you’re moving a loved one a long distance, you need to also consider transportation. Most seniors don’t enjoy long road trips, so while you’re driving to Florida, consider buying them an airline ticket to ease the transition.
Choose a professional moving company, such as Movers USA.
Relocating an aged loved one is never easy, but a full-service moving company, such as Empire Movers & Storage NYC, can help alleviate some of the stress and strain.
Our full-service movers can pack everything in your aging loved one’s home and transport it to storage facilities and their new home, freeing you up to focus on their needs as they transition to this new stage of their lives, whether they’re moving locally in Glen Burnie, MD, or across the country.
Visit our website for more information about our services, and contact us to talk costs, meet our full-service movers, and learn more about our offerings.
