Advice for Moving in With Your Senior Loved One
If your aging parent or grandparent needs help with daily tasks but doesn’t want to enter assisted living, moving them into your home is an option. However, choosing to live with a senior relative is a big step affecting every family member.
Essential Tips for the Transition
It’s important that you consider all aspects of the move and how dynamics will shift in your home. After all, you and your family member both have established routines. Here is some advice for making the move smoother for you both.
Have a Family Meeting
No matter what, your senior loved one’s presence in your home will impact your family life. Meet with everyone you live with to discuss the following questions:
- How will our activities, privacy, and routines change?
- Where will they live? Is there additional space to accommodate them? Should we remodel or possibly add more square footage to our home?
- Will the parent contribute towards household expenses? If so, how much?
- What boundaries will need to be enacted?
- Will I need to quit my job or change the amount I work?
- Are there any unresolved issues or tensions between members of the family?
- Will we need to make safety accommodations or add a wheelchair ramp?
Try a Trial Run
You need a complete scope of your loved one’s needs to prepare for the transition. Hold a “trial run” before the big move at either one of your homes. You’ll be able to observe aspects of their routine, such as when they go to bed, when they prefer to eat dinner, and how mobile they are.
Set Limits
Even the most selfless person can’t possibly care for their elderly loved one around the clock. If your parent or grandparent is in poor health or requires a lot of hands-on assistance, consider hiring a professional caregiver through a respected agency like Visiting Angels. Whether they remain in their own home or come to live with you, our caregivers can assist you both with keeping them safe and well cared for.
Additionally, consider encouraging them to partake in classes through the Chelmsford Senior Center to stimulate and provide them with opportunities to socialize.
Visiting Angels Can Help
At Visiting Angels Chelmsford, we understand that as much as you want to be with your senior parent or grandparent in person, you still have a busy life and schedule. If your loved one has moved in, you may need some assistance caring for them. Our flexible in-home care options are here to help. Respite care is an excellent option for when you have a last-minute obligation, want to take a vacation, or could simply take a break from caregiving duties. A kind and experienced caregiver will visit your home to help your elderly loved one with everyday tasks and offer meaningful conversation and companionship.
To learn more about in-home services or set up a free initial consultation with Visiting Angels Chelmsford, fill out our contact form or give us a call at 978-244-0200. We look forward to speaking with you!