Senior care can come in many forms, but when you live far away from your loved one, it can be challenging to make sure they have everything they need to stay safe, comfortable, and happy. If you’ve been thinking about moving closer to the senior in your life to help them on a daily basis, there are some steps you can take to make the process stress-free and easy. Start by making sure you have help finding the right home; Realty With Rich can assist you whether you’re looking to buy or sell. You can also start planning next steps for your loved one in case they need help finding a new home themselves.
Consider your needs
When looking for a new place, you’ll want to consider whether this will be a temporary or permanent move of course, but you’ll also need to think about location, proximity to the places your senior loved one visits the most, what your timeline is, and price. Do some research online and take a look at available homes or apartments, using a filter to narrow down the options. Utilize virtual tours and set up video chats with your realtor before the move so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.
Plan ahead
Moving can be stressful no matter how much research you’ve done ahead of time, but with some planning, you can make the process quite a bit smoother. It starts with packing and organizing; you’ll find moving day much easier if your belongings are well-sorted and labeled.
Gather any necessary paperwork—invoices or contracts from the movers, change-of-address forms from the post office—and make copies that can be kept together in one place. Find out what street parking is like at your new place and make sure there won’t be any issues on moving day, especially if it’s an apartment; some cities have ordinances about moving in that require advance notice or only allow it on certain days of the week.
Look for help
It’s important to keep in mind that even after you move closer to your loved one, they may need help with things that you can’t provide yourself. Many seniors have trouble keeping up with home maintenance, which makes getting through the colder months a challenge.
If your loved one has windows in their home that are cracked or don’t have a good seal, they’ll risk letting in cold air in fall and winter and will see their utility bills go up at the same time. Search online for window repair near you to find an insured, licensed window repair service, and read reviews of the companies before setting up a consultation. Keep in mind that for these kinds of repairs the price will depend on the type and size of the window or repair. You can also look for nonprofits that will help with things like installing a ramp or removing clutter.
Evaluate your loved one’s options
If your loved one’s home has more maintenance issues than they can handle, or if it’s a large space with a lot to clean, it may be time to talk to them about either downsizing or making a move to a senior community. If their existing home can be adapted for their safety, they may be able to age in place. These days, there are many options for older adults according to their daily needs or desire for more independence, and downsizing is beneficial because it’s a great way to save money and ensure a healthy social life, which is essential for seniors. Talk to your loved one about their options and how you can help them make a move if they’re ready.
Moving closer to a senior loved one can help them stay healthy and comfortable for years to come, but it’s important to also practice self-care during this time to prevent stress and make the process as easy as possible. Evaluate your needs beforehand and plan accordingly to give yourself peace of mind.
This article is brought to you by Realty With Rich, where we want to arm you with the knowledge to make the best decisions and save you valuable time, money, and stress. A brief phone conversation (833-442-7355) with us may be life-changing. Whether you are looking to purchase a home for you and your family, or if you’re looking for an investment property, contact us.