Relocating an Aging Loved One: What to Know

Senior care services are provided by Visiting Angels in Plano, Texas, and the other communities.

Moving an older relative can be scary because it means packing up a lifetime's worth of memories and possessions. Making choices becomes notably more difficult when considerations like a diagnosis of dementia or another terminal illness, a history of interpersonal conflict, or the recent death of a spouse are taken into account. Sometimes it's necessary to relocate in order to better meet the needs of an older relative and provide care and support.

Consider the following factors while weighing the advantages and disadvantages of migrating, whether locally or across the country:

Moving Is Not Just Changing Your Address

Many caregivers are unaware of the potential emotional cost of moving. Organizing logistics, putting your house on the market, and packing are all stressful tasks. Spending a lot of time away from one's routines, comfort zone, and home can also be emotionally unpleasant. Even if a parent or senior loved one hasn't been able to care for the house or engage in the neighborhood for some time, leaving behind friends, neighbors, and everything familiar won't be easy. They bid farewell to places they had frequented for years, including eating establishments, shops, and even the mailman. People who frequently travel long distances may have complicated medical histories and care needs. They won't be able to enjoy their bedroom's lovely lake view or the neighborhood kids playing in the yard next door.

It would be helpful to have a moving crew.

It is essential to involve your older loved one in the process in addition to the physically demanding work required in packing, unpacking, downsizing, and streamlining. Find out what they desire most from the home they are leaving and what they would want most in a new one.

Would it be better for Dad to go to your basement apartment rather than continue to live independently in a modest flat nearby? Consider the potential effects of variables on your connection, such as proximity. If you and your parent are moving in together after a period of strained relations, having a private room in the house for when you both need some alone time is vital.

Intergenerational connections can be advantageous to all parties, especially if your children or grandkids still reside with you or frequently visit. You will need to get ready for a new dynamic and occupier, though.

Moving never stops.

Moving requires time. After packing, you relocate, unpack, and then set up.

Due to the length of unpacking and settling, only practical difficulties remain. It takes time to adjust to new surroundings and habits. It will be a major interruption if you only chatted on the phone once or twice a month and your mother-in-law used to live in a different time zone. Since it takes time to make new friends, you might need to promote social interactions. You require additional medical personnel. It can take some time if you're seeking for the perfect fit as well. As you adjust to this shift, be gentle with yourself and your loved one. There can be moments when it's vital to help your loved one find companions or an interest, but there might also be occasions when you should back off.

Your elderly loved one can make friends and make new acquaintances online or in a new neighborhood. More information about the benefits of including elderly family members on social media can be found on this website.

An individual transforms after migrating.

Moving is by its very nature tough, and on occasion, it could even bring out the worst in people. However, it might also present you with the opportunity to make uncharacteristic connections with a parent or senior relative at this new period of your life. Your marriage will still be impacted by the change. Your life, your household's dynamics, and your daily schedule will be impacted by the older adult you are "uprooting." In the early stages of a relationship, be prepared for any power struggles or disagreements and have an open mind to unanticipated joy.

Start planning your move as soon as you can.

It's possible that you think that by spending more time with your loved ones, you'll be able to look after them on your own. Furthermore, even if at first that were the case, you should get to work straight away on creating your network of caregivers. Make as much of that support network before the move as you can to lessen the stress of packing and moving.

Investigate and make contact with neighborhood home care providers as you get ready to move. Learn what services they offer and how they might be able to accommodate your loved one's unique needs and circumstances. If just for a few hours a week, begin establishing a relationship with the facility and a qualified caregiver as soon as your parent or senior relative moves in. If it turns out that your loved one requires care than you had thought, you can make the required adjustments while they are there. If you start earlier, switching to home care will be less complicated later.

Learn more about companion care on this page and how it can be exactly what your elderly loved one needs in their new home.