Your parents have grown old and now they’re finding it difficult to live on their own. You’ve decided that the best thing for them is to move in with you. This can be a challenging transition for everyone engaged. But with careful planning, it can be a smooth process. In this article, we will discuss 10 tips for moving elderly parents into your home. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to make your home a safe place for your aging parents.
Tips for Moving Elderly Parents into Your Home
1.Delegate Moving Responsibilities
Start with small steps to make the process easier. Delegate some of the responsibilities to your siblings or other family members. This will help to take some of the load off of you.
Moving can be a daunting task. Especially for seniors using a shoprider mobility scooter or wheelchair. But with careful planning and delegation of duties, it can be easier.
Help your parents to make wise decisions about what needs to be packed and shipped. This will help to avoid any last-minute surprises or problems during the move.
If your parents need help downsizing or packing for their upcoming move, consider hiring a professional organizer or moving company. This will take some of the duties off of you. And allow you to focus on other important tasks related to the move.
2.Show Your Parents Their New Home
If possible, have your parents take a tour of their new home before they move in. This will give them an idea of what to expect and can help to reduce stress levels.
Make sure that you are available to answer any questions they may have about the move-in process. By being proactive, you can help to ensure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
3.Take Your Time
When it comes time to actually move your parents into your home, be sure to take things slow. This is especially important if they are not used to living on their own anymore. Help them get acclimated to their new surroundings and take things one step at a time.
Resist the urge to rush them through the process. They will likely need more time than you think to adjust. Welcome your parents with open arms when they finally make the move into your home.
4.Make a List of Bare Essentials
Before your parents move in, take the time to make a list of goods that they will need. This should include things like food, clothing, and toiletries.
It may also be helpful to create a list of important phone numbers. These include family members, doctors, or pharmacists. So your parents can easily access it in case of an emergency.
When you’re putting together your list of essentials, try to think about things from your parent’s perspective. What would they need in order to feel comfortable and at home?
If your parent is using a wheelchair, make sure to have a ramp or lift available. If they need help with bathing, make sure you have a shower seat or chair available.
Making a list of essentials will help ensure that your parents have everything they need when they move in. And it will also help to minimize the amount of stress for both you and your parents.
5.Make Sure Your Home is Elderly-Friendly
One of the most important things you can do is make sure your home is safe for seniors. This means making changes to accommodate those who may have limited mobility. Some things you can do include installing ramps or rails, adding non-slip surfaces to floors and stairs. As well as installing grab bars in bathrooms.
If your parents will need help with bathing, make sure you have a shower seat or chair available. You may also want to consider a handheld showerhead that they can use while seated. And be sure to install nonslip mats in the bathtub and shower to prevent falls.
6.Place Furniture in Accessible Areas
Another important thing to consider when preparing your home for seniors is where you place the furniture. You’ll want to make sure that all the areas they will need to access are easily within reach. This includes placing beds, chairs, and tables close to walls. So there is plenty of room for maneuvering.
You may also want to think about rearranging your furniture. So that it creates open spaces instead of small, cramped rooms. This will make it easier for seniors to move around without running into obstacles.
7.Proper Lighting All Over the House
One of the main concerns for seniors is that they will trip and fall. This is why it’s important to have proper lighting in all areas of your home. This includes hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and kitchens.
You can install lamps or overhead lights wherever necessary. And make sure to keep them well-maintained. So they continue to provide good light coverage.
Make sure there’s enough natural light in the house as well. This will help seniors feel more alert and awake during the day.
8.Rent a Storage Unit
If your home is getting too cluttered with furniture and belongings, you may want to consider renting a storage unit. This will give your elderly parents some extra space to store their things.
It can also be helpful for them to have a designated place where they can put all of their important documents and medications. This way, they won’t have to search through your entire home every time they need something.
You can also use the storage unit as a temporary solution until they get more comfortable in your home.
9.Find a New Doctor
If your parents are moving into your area, they will need to find a new doctor. It’s important to do some research ahead of time. So you can find a reputable physician who specializes in seniors’ health.
You can ask your own doctor for recommendations or look for online reviews. Once you’ve found a few potential candidates, make sure to call their office. Ask about their policies regarding seniors.
This is an important step because you want to make sure that your parents will be able to get the care they need when they move in.
10.Make a Safe Room
It’s also a good idea to create a “safe room” for seniors. This is a space where your parent can go in case of an emergency. Fill it with items like a first-aid kit, water, and non-perishable snacks. You should also include a phone in this room so they can easily call for help if needed.
Conclusion
Moving your parents into your home can be a big adjustment. But by following these tips, you can make the transition smoother for everyone involved. With a little bit of planning, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your aging parents.