When our loved ones reach a certain age, it’s natural for us to want to be closer to them. Deciding how to go about making this happen is not always easy and there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few to consider before you make any concrete decisions.
Options
t this critical juncture, what are your priorities? If we assume that the most important thing is the safety and wellbeing of your loved one/s, you’ll want to take into consideration the condition of their home and whether it is (or isn’t) well suited for senior living. It may be that their current property just needs some repair work and requires input from professionals. For example, if windows are letting in cold air, you could reach out to fixing services. The national average cost of window repair is $290, but this can vary depending on the extent of damage and window type. Remember, with any professional service, to get a quote, check out online reviews on Angi.com, and ask for referrals from satisfied customers before discussing hiring.
Alternatively, you may find their property is in need of some accessibility adjustments. Depending on your loved ones’ mobility or physical limitations, these kinds of changes can range from minimal to extensive, and the costs will run accordingly. It’s important to have a frank, open conversation with them to ascertain the required installments and whether their existing home is able to accommodate them. They may need handrails, adjustable features, or even stairlifts.
Moving to Them
Everyone lives somewhere for a reason. Maybe they were brought up in the area and it’s familiar to them or they’re located close to important amenities. Whatever the reason, if you want to be closer to your loved one, it’s important to consider their relationship with the local area. If they can’t be detached from their surroundings and you’re adamant about being closer, you may have to carry out the legwork yourself.
There are many things to consider before moving in with a loved one. You may be choosing to do this with the aim of providing care but, depending on the nature of their debilitation, it isn’t always advised. You also have to think about the implications of this important decision on the lives of you and your family. Will their locality accommodate your own lifestyle and those of your partner and/or children? Will their property adequately provide enough space for everyone? Or would you be moving there alone? It can sometimes make more sense to move closer to them, rather than into the property itself. You could even consider renting, as this provides a more impermanent state of affairs.
Moving Them to Us
Alternatively, you could arrange to have your loved one move in or near to you. This is a more common strategy but also one that presents its own unique complications. As we grow older, our requirements change and we may need to be local to pharmacies, hospitals, or senior care. It may be that they can no longer drive and prefer shops within walking distance. If crime is prevalent in your area, you may be putting your senior loved one at risk (as senior citizens are more likely to be victims of property crime). Ultimately, it’s about gauging their quality of life ahead of a move.
You should also consider the logistics of having a senior loved one move into your own home. How will this affect the lives of cohabitants? Will your property accommodate for any physical limitations they might have? Try to consider all and any variables – pets, heating, stairs, for example – before proposing any plans.
Remember, however you proceed, this is an emotional intersection in the life of your senior loved one. You’ll need to handle things slowly and delicately to ensure a mutually comfortable situation at the end of the day.
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