How to Help Your Senior Loved One Determine Where to Live
Updated: Feb 4, 2022

There often comes a time in a senior's life when they must change their living situation. Maybe they are becoming unsafe in their current home, or they need someone else living with them to help make their lives more comfortable.
Whatever the case, if you are trying to care for your senior parent from afar, you may eventually realize it's too challenging for both you and your parent. Long-distance caregiving can be overwhelming for the caregiver, and it can prove inadequate for the senior. Below, Discover Organizing shares some advice on recognizing when your loved one needs additional care and how to make the decisions ahead.
Is It Time?
If you suspect that your senior parent needs more care than they are currently getting, you can confirm your suspicions by looking out for common symptoms. For example, If your loved one has trouble bathing, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, getting in and out of bed, or holding their bladder, they probably need more medical attention.
The inability to maintain a balanced diet or keep up with typical household cleaning duties is another common indicator. The key is to determine whether or not your loved one can independently maintain their health and safety from day to day.
Getting Others Involved
When it comes to providing your loved one with the necessary care, you mustn't carry the burden alone. If some friends and relatives can pitch in on responsibilities, that can go a long way in helping you keep your stress levels down and maintain your quality of life. And if that's not an option, you might consider hiring a professional to help your loved one with daily care and household tasks.
If you choose to help your senior parents move to a different home (which we will discuss below), a professional moving company can help with the process. Do an online search for "best movers near me" to see a wide range of local moving services. You can compare customer reviews, costs, and availability before choosing the best candidate.
Moreover, if you and your loved one need help to keep your home decluttered and organized, you can find reputable professionals for that as well. For example, Discover Organizing will come in and help you create a healthy and comfortable living environment without you having to lift a finger!
Moving to You
One living option is for your senior loved one to move closer to you. This might be ideal for your situation if you are working full-time and juggling other life responsibilities. But understand that many older adults are hesitant to move cities, so don't be surprised if your loved one is resistant to the idea. If they opt to live with you, however, you will need to make any necessary adjustments in your home to accommodate their needs.
Moving to Them
It’s common for a child to move closer to their senior parent to help them maintain their quality of life. If that's the case, you will need to determine whether your parent's current home is suitable for yours and their needs or if you will need to get another place. Go over your finances and consider what features you need in a home to help decide whether you need to buy or rent a home.
If you're getting a new home, make sure it will allow you, your loved one, and anyone involved in your daily routines to thrive. And of course, if your loved one needs extensive medical attention and care, you might consider moving them to an assisted living or nursing home facility. In that circumstance, you would need to review your budgets and insurance policies to determine the best way to move forward.
If the time has come for your senior loved one to receive more medical attention and care, it's essential to plan accordingly and approach the situation well-prepared. Learn to recognize the signs that your loved one needs more care, and try to recruit family members, friends, and professionals to share the burden with you. Then, determine the best living situation for you and your loved one so that you can start making plans for a bright future!
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about my home organization services? Visit DiscoverOrganizing.com today!
Article by Millie Jones of seniorwellness.info