Moving Senior Parents Checklist: Realistic Tips for Moving an Aging Loved One

Assisted Living Home

Whether your parent is moving into your house, into an assisted living facility, or downsizing to a senior apartment, these suggestions can help you prepare.

Assign Shifting Duties To Others

Many elderly people have devoted their entire life to accumulating special items. Your loved one will have to give away belongings if they are downsizing.

Begin Modestly: When a relocation involves moving items accumulated over a lifetime, it might feel overwhelming to attempt to handle the entire transfer all at once. Start your loved one off with a space that holds little significance, such as a bathroom or guest suite. This will give them a strong sense of accomplishment as they start the relocation process.

Help In Making Difficult Choices: If your loved one has lived in their home for a long time, seemingly unimportant items may seem crucial. Spend some time assisting your parent in determining which possessions they have that they no longer find enjoyable or useful. Offer to help divide goods into “keep” and “give away” piles, and make gentle suggestions for improvements. Giving beloved possessions to charities might give you a sense of moral purpose that makes it easier to let go of things.

Consider Employing Assistance For Senior Relocation

If you can’t be there for your loved one as they prepare to move, get professional assistance. Even though relatives and friends are frequently willing to assist with loading and unloading, it is frequently worthwhile to hire aid on moving day. As an example of professional assistance, senior move managers are businesses that specialize in moving, downsizing, and organizing the belongings of elderly people.

Hire A Professional: The emotional component of relocating might be lessened with the assistance of an outside professional, such as a senior move manager. Having a third person to help you make difficult decisions can ease tension and family disputes, even if you are present to assist your elderly parent with the transfer.

Get Assistance For The Transition: Numerous senior relocation services also collaborate with businesses that may assist with post-move tasks including cleaning, staging, estate sales, and donation collection.

Plan Your Elderly Loved One’s Transportation According To Their Needs

Many senior citizens find it impossible to endure lengthy drives without assistance or rest stops, while others might need full-service medical transportation.

Assign Extra Travel Time: Multiple stops for your loved one could increase the length of your trip. Ask frequently if your loved one needs to take frequent breaks or stretch their legs during long drives.

Think About Mobility: For those with mobility challenges, reserve nonstop flights if flying is the best alternative. For unique needs like boarding assistance, curb-to-gate escort, or customized seating arrangements, get in touch with the airline in advance. If your loved one hasn’t traveled in a while, let them know the safety procedures.