Assisting aging parents with a move can strengthen family bonds, create a safer living environment, and encourage a more vibrant lifestyle. Whether the transition involves an assisted living community, moving into your home, or downsizing to a senior apartment, these six valuable tips can help you navigate the process.
Make sure their new home is free of fall risks with this Guide for Fall Prevention.
1. Share Moving Responsibilities
Helping your loved one downsize means facing the challenge of leaving behind cherished possessions. To make this process more manageable:
- Begin with small steps, tackling one room at a time to avoid overwhelming emotions.
- Assist in making tough decisions about items with low sentimental value first.
- Encourage donations or gifting cherished items to family and friends.
2. Explore Senior Relocation Services
Consider professional assistance from senior move managers, especially if you can’t be present during the move. These experts specialize in organizing, downsizing, and relocating seniors:
- Hire a senior move manager to ease the emotional strain and aid in decision-making.
- Look for companies focusing on senior relocation for a seamless moving experience.
- Explore services that extend beyond moving day, such as cleaning, staging, and estate sales.
3. Plan Transportation with Seniors in Mind
Consider your elderly loved one’s specific needs during the move, whether it’s a road trip or air travel:
- Allow for extra travel time and frequent stops during road trips.
- Book nonstop flights for those with mobility issues, consider requesting special accommodations in advance.
- Arrange non-emergency medical transit for individuals with additional health requirements.
4. Address Health Care Before the Move
When relocating elderly parents to a new city, ensure access to healthcare by planning ahead:
- Consult with a geriatric care manager for assistance in finding local healthcare providers.
- Transfer prescriptions to a nearby pharmacy in the new location.
- Verify that healthcare providers in the new area are covered by insurance.
5. Personalize the New Space
Make the new living space feel like home by incorporating familiar touches:
- Organize possessions thoughtfully to replicate the previous home’s arrangement.
- Understand the new location’s dimensions to plan for furniture and decor.
- Encourage positive updates, such as new furniture or design elements.
6. Emphasize the Benefits of the New Home
- Help your loved one focus on the positive aspects of their new living situation:
- Highlight the conveniences of assisted living, such as chores being taken care of.
- Re-create familiar routines, such as selecting a new congregation for regular worship.
- Identify activities and amenities in the new community that will bring joy.
Moving elderly parents can be emotional, but with careful planning and consideration, the transition can be made much smoother for everyone. Reach out to your support network or a Home Matters Houston Aging Coach for encouragement throughout the process.
Reach out to us at 832-371-6600 and learn how you can ensure a smooth transition for your parents.
Home Matters Caregiving proudly serves the Houston Metro area providing care for seniors wherever they call home.
