Moving an older parent to senior living can bring mixed emotions. There’s the excitement of a fresh start, the anticipation of life in their new home, and the challenge of the moving process itself. This is a time of reflection and joy, but it’s essential to be prepared.
When moving older parents to a new home, make sure to:
- Create a timeline
- Assess your parents’ needs
- Choose the right community
- Declutter & organize
- Communicate openly
Create a Timeline
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during a move. However, creating a timeline can make everything much less stressful. You don’t need to follow this strictly—it simply helps you plan ahead.
Start by choosing a moving date that works for everyone involved. Then work backward, dividing tasks into manageable steps over the coming weeks or months.
Keep these basic considerations in mind:
- Select the best time for the move, factoring in weather and family availability.
- Communicate early with everyone involved, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities.
- Take inventory of belongings and create a plan for packing systematically.
- Arrange for transportation ahead of time, including any specialized needs.
- Identify key dates for utilities, lease terminations, or property closings.
Focus on handling big tasks early. Packing takes up a significant amount of time, so make sure to start early. This outline makes it much easier to plan for the future!
Assess Your Parents’ Needs
Before taking any other steps, start by honestly assessing your parent’s current needs. This includes recognizing their:
- Level of independence
- Health requirements
- Emotional well-being
- Social preferences
- Medical conditions
- Specific care needs
- Financial situation
Whether they’re moving closer to family or into a senior living community, these factors will guide the entire moving process. Talk with your parent about their preferences! It’s the key to making an informed decision for their future home.
Choose the Right Community
Once your parents are prepared for this change, it’s time to think about their future home. Senior living communities aren’t alike—you’ll want to find a place that truly feels like a home.
There’s a range of options to consider, and it all depends on what your parents want. If they’re looking to downsize, independent living can help. If they need some everyday support, assisted living is ideal.
Make a point to reach out to nearby communities to find a place that meets their needs. You’ll need to consider:
- Location
- Activities & amenities
- Dining options
- Levels of care offered
- Cost and payment options
Senior living communities offer the chance to schedule tours ahead of time. Pick a date that works for you and your parent and make sure to get as much information as you can. Stay open to discussions with your parent throughout the selection process—their comfort and confidence in the choice are crucial.
Declutter & Organize
Decluttering is an important step when preparing your parent’s belongings. You’ll need to go room by room with them. It helps to focus on one area at a time to keep everything organized and prevent frustration from the task.
Try breaking their belongings into three clear piles to simplify the process:
- Keep: Items with sentimental or practical value that will be used in the new home.
- Donate: Gently used items your parent no longer needs but could benefit others.
- Discard: Broken, worn-out, or unnecessary items that hold no value anymore.
Start packing non-essential items early, working around their schedule and comfort level. Once things are packed, label all boxes clearly to simplify the unpacking process.
You’ll also want to prepare an “essentials box” for moving day. This should include anything they’ll need after the move. This includes medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and other necessities. Having these on hand will make settling in a little easier for everyone.
Communicate Openly
Moving often brings up a wave of emotions. For seniors who have spent years—or even several decades—in their homes, leaving can be a challenge.
During this process, make sure you’re communicating openly with your parents. Talk through their concerns, ask about their feelings, and explain the reasoning behind the move. This keeps them involved in the process and reduces any significant frustration.
It’s also essential to keep lines of communication open with other family members. Everyone should be on the same page and working towards a common goal. Remember—this is a big task, and you’re all in it together. So try to communicate openly—it’s a great way to strengthen your bond during the transition.
Your Loved One’s Future Home Awaits
Moving an older parent requires thought, care, and plenty of teamwork. The transition can be challenging, but these tips are a great way to set them up for success in the future.
If your parents are ready to move to senior living, our team at Kingston Healthcare is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a visit, and let’s work together to find your loved one a place that makes a difference. Your loved one’s future home awaits!
