How You Can Help Your Aging Parent When They’re Moving to a New Home

The following contribution is from another author.

Just as a child will eventually transition into moving out for college, a starter home, and eventually their permanent home, it’s similar for your parents, too. Not all aging parents, but a lot of them will eventually downsize once they become empty nesters or even when it’s time to go to a retirement/ senior living community. Usually, there are a lot of reasons why this happens. Usually, it’s to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. 

While this process can be emotional and challenging, providing support and guidance can help ease the transition for aging parents and ensure a smooth relocation. But how can you help out your aging parents during this move? Honestly, all moves are challenging, all moves are stressful, and while a checklist does help a lot, it doesn’t immediately make everything okay. So, with that all said, here’s what you can do to help your aging parents when they move into a new home!

Start the Conversation Early

It’s going to be a good idea to just go ahead and begin the conversation about moving with your aging parents early to allow ample time for planning and decision-making. Of course, they need to actually be certain they’re going to move, so don’t just randomly bring this up. Instead, you’ll want to approach the discussion with sensitivity and empathy, acknowledging their feelings and concerns while emphasizing the benefits of moving, such as improved safety, accessibility, and social opportunities. 

Try and Collaborate on the Decision-Making

Chances are, they’re the ones paying for this, so they are the ones who make the major decisions in the end. Keep that in mind! So, just be sure to involve your aging parents in the decision-making process to empower them and ensure their preferences and needs are considered. It’s their decision, but you should at least offer to collaborate. 

For example, it’s going to be super labor-intensive for them to pack everything, and you might lack the time, so one thing that you could collaborate on is suggestions like professional packing services for them to choose from. But offer to help them find a new home, plan logistics, and even finances if need be. But overall, just be sure to encourage open communication and respect their autonomy and choices every step of the way.

Downsize with Sensitivity 

You really need to keep in mind that downsizing can be a daunting task for aging parents, especially if they’ve accumulated a lifetime of belongings. They’re going to have a lot of stuff that’s filled with sentimental value. So you’ll have to approach the downsizing process with sensitivity and empathy, respecting their attachment to cherished possessions while gently encouraging them to let go of items that no longer serve a practical or sentimental purpose. 

Honestly, when it comes to everyone, this can be hard, especially if you’re older. So, try to offer assistance with sorting, organizing, and distributing belongings to ease the burden.

Help Them Create a Realistic Timeline

When it comes to moving, you absolutely need to keep in mind that there needs to be a realistic timeline for the move that allows for adequate planning, preparation, and transition time. Basically, every tiny detail needs to be kept in mind, so just go ahead and break down the process into manageable steps, but of course, don’t try to take control.