It can be difficult to know where to start when transitioning elderly parents into your home. There are so many things to consider. From making your home senior-friendly to preparing meals that they will enjoy. Here’s a checklist of things you need to do in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. Follow these tips and your elderly parents will feel right at home in no time.
When Should You Consider Moving Parents to Your Place?
There are a few key indicators that it might be time for your elderly parents to move in with you. If they are struggling to live independently, have a serious conversation about moving parents into your home.
In case your parent’s health is declining and they can no longer take care of themselves, a senior-friendly home is recommended. For instance, your parent just started using a new electric wheelchair and needs some time to get used to the vehicle. It is essential to have this conversation before it’s too late. Contact your parents’ doctor and follow their recommendations.
Your elderly parents might need help with activities of daily living. These include bathing, dressing, eating, using the restroom, and transferring in and out of bed. If they are unable to do these things independently, then it’s time to change their living arrangements.
Another big indicator that elderly parents should move in with you is if they are lonely or isolated. If your parents live far away from family or friends, moving them closer to you might be the best option. Socialization can positively affect overall health. So it’s important to encourage your parents to interact with others on a regular basis.
Other signs that elderly parents might need help include difficulty paying bills, not being able to drive. As well as not being able to care for their home.
Making the decision to have elderly parents move in with you is never easy. However, if you notice any of the above warning signs, it’s time to take action. The most important thing is to ensure that your elderly parents are safe and healthy. If moving in with you is the best option for achieving this goal, then don’t hesitate to do it.
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Checklist for Moving Elderly Parents into Your Home
1. Plan Ahead
The first step is to sit down with your elderly parents and discuss their needs. This includes things like what type of care they need and how much help they need. As well as what kind of living arrangement they prefer.
If you have elderly parents who are starting to need more help, it’s important to start planning ahead. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard when something happens. By being proactive, you can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Make a list of items you need to take to your place. This might include clothes, furniture, and essential goods. Thinks of how many things you can transfer at a time. Perhaps you’ll need a help of a moving service.
2. Look for a Senior Relocation Service
A full-service senior move management company can be a big help. They will assist with every step of the transitioning process. From packing and moving to unpacking and settling in. They can also provide decluttering and home modification services.
If you’re not ready to bring your parents into your home just yet, there are other options available. Senior living communities offer a variety of amenities and services that can make life easier for seniors. There are also in-home care services that can help with things like cooking, cleaning, and transportation.
No matter what you decide, it’s important to do your research and choose the option that’s best for your family.
3. Provide Senior-Safe Transport
When moving parents into your home, consider senior-friendly transport to make the process stress free. This can include renting a wheelchair-accessible van. Or arranging for a lift to transport your parent’s belongings.
If your elderly parents don’t have much stuff, hiring a professional moving company may be the best option. They will be able to handle all the heavy lifting and provide door-to-door service.
4. Handle Health Care of Your Seniors
Keeping a health care routine is essential for your elderly parents. If you’re moving to another city or state, look for a new health care provider. You can ask for recommendations from friends or look online for doctors who specialize in elderly care.
Consider your parents’ health insurance coverage and whether it will be sufficient in your new location. If not, look into getting supplemental insurance.
You should also create a list of all the medications your elderly parents are taking. This will be helpful when you see a new doctor or if there’s an emergency.
Finally, don’t forget to pack a first-aid kit and keep it easily accessible.
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5. Consider Senior-Friendly Home Improvements
Make sure your home is safe for your aging parents. This may include installing handrails, removing throw rugs, and ensuring there are no tripping hazards.
You should also declutter your home to make it easier for your parents to get around. And if you have stairs, consider installing a stairlift.
Here are some senior-friendly recommendations for each room:
Kitchen
- Install a stove guard to prevent accidental fires.
- Move frequently used items to lower shelves.
- Get rid of small appliances that your parents won’t use.
Bedroom
- Make sure the bed is easily accessible.
- Install a bedside commode if your parent has mobility issues.
Bathroom
- Set up grab bars in the shower and near the toilet.
- Get a raised toilet seat if needed.
- Spot nonslip mats in the tub and on the floor.
Living Room
- Arrange furniture so there are clear paths to walk around.
- Remove throw rugs or tape them down.
6. Provide Good Lighting at Home
Make sure there’s enough light so parents can safely move around the house. This will avoid falling accidents.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Install night lights in hallways and the bathroom.
- Use higher wattage bulbs in lamps.
- Add a motion sensor light outside the front and back doors.
7. Get a Meal Plan for Seniors
If your elderly parents have difficulty cooking, consider getting a meal plan.
There are many companies that offer this service. They deliver healthy meals to your doorstep. This will take away the stress of having to cook every day. Meal plans for seniors are becoming more popular because they’re convenient and easy to use.
If you want to cook on your own, make sure to prepare extra food enough for you and your parents. Consider making meals according to your seniors’ dietary needs. If there are some, ask your doctor for recommendations.
Make sure your parents know where to get food when you’re out. You can leave them a list of restaurants that deliver. Or, you can cook food in advance and freeze it. That way, they can just reheat the meals when they’re hungry.
8. Baby-Proof Your Home
Baby proofing improvements work for seniors too! Look around your home and make sure there are no potential hazards. These include installing corner guards, non-slip mats, and handrails. You should also get rid of any throw rugs.
Do a test run with your parents to make sure they can navigate your home safely. Get their input on what changes would help them feel more comfortable in your space.
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9. Think of How to Keep Your Parents Active
As we age, it’s important to stay active and engaged. This can help elderly parents maintain their independence and improve their overall health.
There are a few options you can consider. One is to create a social network for your parents. This could involve inviting friends and neighbors over for regular visits. You could also sign them up for classes or activities at a local senior center. Make sure they have plenty of opportunities to get outside for fresh air and exercise.
For seniors with limited mobility, there are still many ways to stay active. One is to encourage them to participate in range-of-motion exercises. These are gentle movements that help keep joints flexible and muscles strong. There are also many adaptive sports and activities that can be enjoyed. These include wheelchair basketball or swimming.
Whatever you do, make sure your elderly parents are staying active both mentally and physically.
10. Mentally Prepare Yourself
You may be feeling a range of emotions as you transition your elderly parents into your home. It’s important to mentally prepare yourself for this change. Talk to other family members or friends who have gone through a similar experience. Join a support group for caregivers of elderly parents. Doing these things can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.
Don’t rush things if possible. It is a big change for everyone and it might take some time for elderly parents to get used to the new living arrangements. Be patient and try to make this transition flawless for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Elderly parents may need some help when it comes to transitioning into your home. By following the tips and checklist in this article, you can ease the transitioning process. Keep the lines of communication open with your elderly parents and be prepared for anything that might come up.
Making your home senior-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a little bit of effort, you can create a comfortable living environment for your parents. By being prepared and taking things slow, you can successfully transition your elderly parents into your home.
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.