If your parents have always been there for you, it can be emotionally challenging to realize that the time has come for you to step into a caretaker role for your mom or dad. Whether your parent struggles to take care of themselves due to aging or declining health, providing your parents with appropriate support is difficult unless they live nearby. For families that live far away, moving an elderly parent closer to an adult child is imperative to ensuring that the child can care for their parent.
Still, navigating the move can be difficult for many families. Some older parents may not want to move or may need some convincing before coming to terms with the fact that they’ll be safer and happier after the relocation.
Luckily, helping your older parents take up residence nearby is possible. By employing help from family members and professionals, taking time to plan, and remaining patient, you and your parents can experience a relatively smooth transition. If you’re ready to help your parent make the big move, check out these five tips for moving older adult parents closer to you.
Ask relatives for help
You don’t have to go it alone if you’re moving your aging parent across state lines. After all, helping out with critical life changes is what family is for. If family surrounds your loved ones during the move, they’ll likely feel more comfortable and supported. Moreover, you can outsource tasks to family members and approach the move as a team. Taking on the move as a family will help ensure that no one winds up feeling resentful for doing all of the work.
Hire professionals
As you try to convince your parent that their move is necessary, you may mention that it’s time they accept help from those around them. When it comes to taking on relocation, you ought to take your own advice. The move will go more smoothly for everyone if professional help is involved. Consider outsourcing some of your work to professionals to minimize the workload.
A car shipping service like Guardian Auto Transport can minimize stress for yourself and your parents. Car shipping services eliminate the need for you or a family member to drive your loved one’s vehicle across the country so that you can focus on making the transition more comfortable for your loved one.
Plan strategically
Taking the time to plan out the steps you’ll need to take to pull off the move successfully will prevent unexpected roadblocks from getting in your way. Moreover, having a clear plan that you can lay out for your loved one will help your parent feel less confused and more comfortable during the process.
While planning the move itself will prove significantly helpful, you can also involve your parent in planning fun details for their arrival. Consider planning things like activities you’ll do together in the new city or home decor trends they’d like to try in their new space.
Keep communication open
Emotions can run high when undergoing a considerable life change like moving homes. Be sure to keep lines of effective communication open between you and your parent. Keep in mind that they may be feeling emotional, confused, and nervous as they embark on an unfamiliar journey. Invite your parent to share what’s on their mind by asking questions and checking in regularly.
Have patience when settling in
Remember to have patience regarding expectations surrounding your loved one’s adjustment. Residential relocations can cause feelings of stress and grief, especially for older adults who are uprooting an already established life that they had built elsewhere. Your loved one may appear hesitant to embrace their new lifestyle. Settling in may take them some time, but a period of unease is to be expected. Remain patient with both your loved one and yourself.
In conclusion
Moving is rarely a sinch, but relocating older adult parents is often accompanied by a host of unique challenges. Still, by planning ahead, remaining patient, and keeping lines of communication open, you and your parents can come out on the other end of the move feeling optimistic about the new chapter ahead.
