Is It Time To Move Closer to Your Senior Parents?

Guest Post From Hazel Bridges
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When you moved away from your parents many years ago, caring for them during their senior years was not top of your mind. However, as your family members age, they may need assistance with daily tasks and activities. How can you tell if it is time to move closer?

Monitor and Assess Your Parents' Physical and Mental Abilities
Make some trips to your parents' house regularly if possible to determine the level of assistance they require. Older adults tend to prefer to remain as independent as possible, retaining control over their lives, so they are unlikely to tell you they need help. You must observe for yourself to understand the scope of their current physical and mental health. The Home Care Association of America notes that more than 70% of seniors will need help with daily activities at some point.

Look for Signs Your Senior Family Members Require Help
Some common indicators that your loved ones may need extra assistance include:

• Difficulty maintaining personal care tasks
• Trouble running errands or grocery shopping or completing necessary chores
• Changes to household cleanliness or clutter
• Unfilled prescriptions or missed medical appointments
• Burns, cuts or other injuries that indicate falls or other mishaps
• Changes in mood, behavior or sleep patterns
• Unpaid bills
• Unsafe driving 

Discuss Options With Your Loved Ones Regarding Their Living Situation
Depending on your parents' needs, you may want to consider moving closer to provide routine care, manage essential tasks and prevent potential injuries or falls. Alternatively, it may be easier for them to move near you. Often, older adults live in large houses that are difficult to take care of or have stairs and other features they cannot navigate. If this is the case for your relatives, review possible living choices that better suit them. It can be challenging for seniors to make a move, though, and they may be better off remaining in their homes with assistance or modifications.

Consider Renting Instead of Buying
If you feel it is time to live closer to your relatives, you may initially want to rent a condo, apartment, or small home rather than buy something right away. Doing so makes your relocation process more manageable by removing the difficulties associated with buying a house.

If you plan to purchase a home, it is best to invest time in the process. However, you can easily find a rental property online without having to make multiple trips to the new area. Use a rental directory site to quickly locate a property that suits your current needs and meets your budget. Then, once you are living near your senior relatives, you can search locally for a property to buy. Renting allows you to take your time finding the perfect spot while enabling you to provide care for your family sooner.

Hire Professional Movers
When making a long-distance move, hire professional services to assist with large furniture, fragile items, and heavy boxes or objects. Start searching for a reliable furniture moving company by reading reviews online. Evaluate online testimonials, research current moving specials or discounts, and request cost estimates from a few highly rated companies to find the best local movers in the area.

If you have noticed your older relatives have an increased need for homemaking, medical, companionship, or other care services, you may want to live nearby. It can be incredibly stressful when your parents require aid that you cannot provide because you live too far away. Caregiving is rewarding but also presents many challenges, so take steps to minimize the stress of moving as much as possible.

If your loved one is in need of quality in-home care, get in touch with In Home Care Sacramento to see how we can help. Call us today at 916-702-8552.

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