If you’ve made the decision to move an elderly parent into your home, you may be feeling overwhelmed about the transition. You’ve undoubtedly become aware of the many challenges associated with consolidating households—from privacy expectations to big questions about finances. Here are five tips to ensure a smooth move as you welcome your elderly parent into your home.
1. Think about the Costs
When you move an elderly parent into your home, you may be more focused on your parent’s health and wellbeing than on your wallet. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider the potential costs. Establish a budget for what this move will cost—not just in terms of moving expenses but also in terms of any necessary home improvements, increased utility consumption, and any required care if your loved one needs support when you’re at work. It’s important to discuss this budget with your parent before the move takes place. You should both be comfortable with how you decide to allocate costs and whether or not your parent will pay monthly rent.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
2. Set Expectations
Apart from the financial considerations, you should set expectations with your parent about what it will actually mean to live under the same roof. Discuss weekly schedules, any household rules for shared spaces, chores, and privacy expectations. You and your parent should both think about what rules you’ll need to enjoy your own spaces.
3. Get the House Ready
Some home improvements may be required before your parent moves in. These improvements will ultimately depend on your parent’s health and mobility. Possible adjustments range from minor things, such as installing nonslip mats and handrails in the shower, to major upgrades, such as wheelchair ramps. You may also need to make other household adjustments, such as leaving lights on during the night or installing privacy locks on doors.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Tucson families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
4. Get Organized
One of the biggest challenges of a household consolidation is helping your parent determine which belongings he or she can reasonably bring. You’ll most likely need to help your parent sort through furniture, clothing, and personal items. Make sure to balance available space against sentimental attachments your parent may have to a life’s worth of possessions. As a compromise in case of disagreement, consider getting a storage unit for belongings that won’t fit in your home.
5. Outsource Strategically
If you can afford it—and as part of your conversation about budgeting—consider outsourcing some of the labor so you and your parent can focus on creating your new shared living arrangement. Examples of ways to outsource labor include hiring movers, hiring a professional organizer to sort belongings or redesign closet spaces, using a handyman or contractor for household repairs, using an accountant or computer software to track finances, and making arrangements with a local senior care provider for hourly or respite care. As always, check to see if your loved one’s insurance or other benefits could cover or defray some of the associated expenses.
Although it may be overwhelming to move your parent into your home, communication and organization can facilitate a smooth transition. Above all, make it a practice to talk to your parent if you have concerns, and urge him or her to do the same. Whatever challenges crop up during the process, remember you’re also gaining a great deal by having your parent with you. You’ll have greater peace of mind and the opportunity to spend much more time together.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Tucson families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at (520) 276-6555 today.