Caring for our senior parents is perhaps one of the most profound ways to give back and show love. Sometimes, the care of your parent involves a monumental change—moving from their long-time residence into an independent or assisted living community.
Some ways you can support your parent in a move from their home include:
- Approaching the conversation with empathy and care
- Including your parent in the decision process
- Helping create a detailed moving plan
- Including professional movers
- Not neglecting legal and financial needs
- Creating a welcoming space and help your parents settle into their new home
- Emphasizing your ongoing support
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for every situation, but this guide can give you a good place to start when helping your aging parent transition into a senior living community.
Set the Stage for Change
Moving a senior parent requires a delicate blend of empathy and assertiveness. There’s the nostalgia of their current home, the uncertainty of the future, and the transportation logistics, often compounded by health considerations.
Begin by envisioning this relocation as a positive step towards a new chapter or a transition, not just a move. Discussing the move early and often can alleviate some initial shock and foster a sense of control. Share in your parent’s excitement for fresh adventures and the prospect of joining vibrant communities tailored to their needs.
Include Your Parent in the Process when Possible
Understanding and addressing your loved one’s emotional and physical constraints during a move is paramount. Appreciate that they are leaving the nest they’ve lovingly built. Physical limitations might necessitate a slower pace, with more frequent rest breaks.
Empower them as much as possible in the planning process. Decide together which possessions to keep, gift, or donate. Each artifact often carries a story. Take the time to listen and honor these memories. It’s about creating a new, warm environment that holds dear the essence of their previous home. Involve your parent in the search for a new home if possible.
Create a Detailed Plan
Begin by crafting a detailed timeline that allows for gradual adjustments. Engage with trusted, supportive professionals who specialize in senior relocations. Organizing and decluttering services, trusted movers, and real estate agents familiar with the unique needs of seniors can alleviate a significant burden.
Include Professional Movers
Enlisting proficient movers and advisors is not just practical—it’s a manifestation of care. These professionals bring expertise in packing and managing the intricacies of different types of moves, and they often act as the emotional lighthouse during this turbulent voyage.
They can transform a potentially arduous process into a well-choreographed series of events. Look for those movers who excel in their roles and demonstrate patience and respect for seniors.
Don’t Neglect Financial & Legal Considerations
Financial and legal considerations are critical gears in the moving machine and deserve dedicated attention. Ensure that all legal documentation is in order by consulting law professionals. Discuss will and estate planning and the sale or transfer of the existing property if applicable.
Create a Welcoming Space in Their New Home
Your parent’s new home should exude warmth and an aura of welcome. Consider the layout of the home and any necessary modifications for safety and convenience. These might include installing ramps, grab bars, or lowering shelves for easier access.
Familiar objects from their old home can serve as anchors to your parent’s past and touchstones for the present. Personalized items, cherished artwork, and beloved books or music can help make the new space feel like home.
Help Your Parent Get Settled
The emotional move begins after the physical one. Senior parents may feel disoriented in the new space. Establish a new routine with familiar meal times, regular walks, or visits to favorite spots. Encourage them to unpack at their own pace, perhaps starting with the essentials.
It’s crucial to acknowledge any feelings of sadness or loss that may surface and provide comfort through these transitions. Patience and sensitive communication can help them adjust to their new surroundings and build a sense of community within those spaces.
Emphasize Your Ongoing Support
Position this move as a shared voyage. Remaining a steady and reassuring presence throughout the process will be a source of immeasurable comfort. Regular visits and calls, involving them in family decisions, and nurturing connections with new neighbors and friends all contribute to a sense of belonging and security.
A Vibrant Life Awaits Your Parent
By approaching the move with love, care, and practical foresight, you can help empower your parents to live a vibrant and fulfilled life.
This process is not without its challenges, but it can be a richly rewarding experience with your sustained effort and the support of others. Encouraging your senior parents to flourish in their new environment is the most beautiful testament to the love and dedication you have for them.Call our team at The Grande at Laumeier Park today to book a community tour. We’re happy to show you the quality of life your loved one can expect when calling our community home. And we’d love to answer your questions on how our team can help facilitate the transition.
