It's
hard to help an elderly parent move to a senior housing facility.
Often, seniors have limited physical capability and are reluctant to
leave behind their old home. This makes moving a challenge. If you're
a relative of a senior who is making the transition from a house to a
senior home, you may find yourself helping your relative quite a bit.
These tips can help you and your relative through the moving
process.
Scout
the Place Out
Your
senior relative's transition to the new home will be easier if the
facility is well-suited for your relative's needs. Before they sign a
lease, spend time exploring the facility thoroughly. If the house has
grounds outside which include activity rooms, or other amenities, pay
a visit to each one. Interview the property manager or supervisor to
find out whether the facility is well-managed.
Find
out details about visiting hours, how often rates are raised, the
minimum age to live in the facility, whether or not utilities are
included, if the facility has access to public transportation, and
where the laundry facility is located. Ensure that your senior
relative has all of these details before they make a final decision.
Help
With the Downsizing
Many
seniors need to downsize when they move into a senior living
facility. If your relative is going to have to downsize, get started
on this project well in advance. If your relative is physically
unable to lift boxes in storage or if they need help getting items
down from the attic, set up a time to do these tasks together.
Once
everything has been sorted, you can help your relative get rid of
each item in the most appropriate way. Some things can be sold in a
garage sale, others may be given away to charity, and yet others can
be thrown away in the garbage.
Making
it Your Home
Once
a lease has been signed, your relative may want to personalize the
unit to make it better suited to their tastes. Making the space feel
more like home can help your senior relative adjust to the change
after moving into the house.
Invite your relative
to help if they're up to the challenge, as this may help your
relative take ownership of the new home.
Hire
a Moving Company
Since
you're helping your loved one through this major transition, you've
probably got enough on your plate. Hiring a moving company makes the
move easier for both of you. Depending on your relative's ability to
interview candidates and select a company for services, you may need
to be present when your relative meets with moving companies.
If
your loved one wants to make the arrangements on their own, keep
in mind that seniors are a vulnerable population and are sometimes
subject to scams. Stay involved with this part of the process, even
if you aren't present for the interviews and mover selection process.
Ask questions about the rates, contracts, and other details from each
mover.
Take
Your Time
Moving
can take a lot out of a person. This is especially true when you're
moving in a hurry. Give yourself and your loved one time to pack
without being rushed. Packing and downsizing can take months. If this
means that you need to start packing and downsizing in advance of
signing a lease, then work these details out with your relative.
Coordinate your schedules to ensure that you both have the time for
the moving process.
Have
a House-Warming Party
If
your senior relative has lived at their old address for a very long
time, then they may have a hard time adjusting to life in a new
place. Plan to throw a house-warming party for your relative soon
after the move into the senior living facility. Invite your
relative's friends and loved ones to attend the party so that your
relative will know that they haven't been forgotten just because
they've left for a new home.
If
you've met any of your relative's new neighbors, invite them as well.
This may get the ball rolling and help your loved one develop new
relationships.
Work
With the Housing Facility
Representatives
from your relative’s new housing facility can help you through the
moving and transition process. Before moving day, contact people from
the senior housing facility to find out details like where the moving
truck should park, where empty boxes can be discarded, and if there
is a specific window of time when the moving company should arrive.
If
you have a loved one who is thinking about moving to a senior housing
facility in the Peoria area, contact
Robert
Cottingham Property Management today. We'll be happy to answer your
questions!
