The Best Tips For Moving Elderly Parents

January 11, 2016

If you’re the oldest child or designated caregiver for your elderly parents, you probably feel quite a bit of pressure to help them make the best decisions about their living situation.

A move away from a life-long home or a transition to a retirement community can be very difficult for anyone. Here are some tips on how to make the move a smoother one for you and your parents.

Find Support: Once you find a community, retirement or assisted living home for your parents, ask the facility if you could have reference numbers for new residents. These are the best people to talk to in regards to what you’ll need to know about the first few weeks. Ask if you can speak to a close family member who has supported them through their move, as their perspective may be a little different.

Encourage Connection: The quicker your parents can make friends in their new home, the better. Ask about community senior centers, or welcome ambassador programs that might help make the transition easier. See if you can go and eat lunch at the facility a few weeks before the move date and help your parents make friends. Be sure to find a community calendar of events and circle some that your parents might enjoy.

Be Sensitive: The first few weeks, could be an emotional roller coaster. Be prepared for some hesitation or regret about the move. Be ready with patience and positive comments about their new home.

Take Up Something New: Focus on something new that they’ll be able to do once they are in their new home. Maybe start a patio garden or encourage them to take up a new hobby (one that will preferably get them out of their home and meeting people). A lot of senior retirement homes have bingo, scrabble, Bible study, knitting and craft groups – just ask around!

Being a caregiver to elderly parents is a difficult job, especially during a big life transition. Be sure to seek support for yourself if you are feeling overwhelmed and try to help them enjoy this new chapter in their lives.

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Moving Tips

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