Whether you have aging parents or relatives moving to a retirement community, an assisted living center, or into your own home, managing their relocation can often be a stressful and emotional event. Here are some tips for easing the transition for both you and your elders:
- Talk to siblings and other close relatives about sharing the responsibilities of the move. If all of the work falls on your shoulders, ask friends for support to avoid the move taking over your personal life.
- Take your elderly relative to the doctor for an opinion about what kind of home care is best. Communicate your expectations and discuss what options you can afford.
- Factor in emotions. Most likely your relative will resist leaving the household that he or she has been in charge of for years. As long as they have cognitive skills, your relatives will want to make their own decisions. Try to let your relatives assert some independence as far as sorting out which items will be moving with them and which will be donated or sold.
- Be realistic about how much time you have to help pack and move. Packing and unpacking a three-bedroom home is estimated to take 80 to 90 hours. You may want to hire a professional organizer as well as professional movers.
- If your relative is moving in with you, consider safety and accessibility issues, space for medical supplies, and plans for bathing. Also, have an emergency plan in place.
- Be positive about the new living situation. Show your relatives any floor plans or brochures to help them visualize their new home.
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