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Moving Elderly Parents Out of Their Home: 5 Tips

Transitioning your parent from their home to a senior living facility comes with a variety of challenges. While making the move to a senior community is a great fit for many seniors, it doesn’t make saying goodbye to family homes, or feeling like you’re losing a sense of independence any easier. During a move, emotions can be high and the stress of physically moving your parent’s personal items can add another element of worry. So, if you or someone you know is moving elderly parents out of their home and into a nursing home or retirement community, be sure to use these helpful tips.

1. Have a Plan in Place

Many seniors feel a loss of control as they prepare to leave their homes. Make sure you and your family members clearly communicate what will be happening, why the move is in place, and what will happen to their belongings. Give your parent the option to have as much participation in the process as they would like to have. This can include making decisions on which room to pack first or what items should be given away or donated.

2. Stay Organized

Stick to your plan as much as possible. As you sort through items, make sure to clearly identify which items your parent will take and which items they will leave behind. Go through the house slowly, allowing time to say goodbye to certain items or memories. It’s important not to rush the process and allow all feelings to be felt and recognized.

3. Know What Will Happen the Day of the Move

Think about how much help you will need the day of the move. Will other family members be involved? Will you be hiring a company to help you move boxes and large pieces of furniture? If you choose to enlist a moving company, consider making reservations in advance and give yourself enough time to search around for the best deals.

4. Make Preparations in the New Home

New homes take some time to feel comfortable. Do as much as you can beforehand to make your parent’s new arrangements as familiar as possible. You might choose to keep some familiar items like lamps and pictures to make the new place feel like home.

5. Always Communicate

No matter where your parent chooses to live, it’s crucial to keep communication channels open. Don’t forget to ask your parent for their opinion, needs, and desires for a smooth transition. Moving to a new place is stressful, but communicating makes the whole process easier.

Our Carespring transitional care and long-term rehabilitation facilities in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky are always looking for ways to ease transitions for our patients and their families. What’s helped you and your parents during a transition to a new place?