Seniors have many options as to where they can live for the rest of their retirement years. Most seniors would rather spend their remaining years in their own homes. According to a new survey, 77% of respondents want to age in place.
They want to remain close to their families as well as their friends. They want to live in a place that is comfortable and familiar to them. However, as our elderly loved ones age, there may come a time when living in their own home is no longer feasible or safe.
Your senior loved one could be starting to struggle with the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. You might notice that their home has become cluttered and needs repair. It could be that their neighborhood has become too dangerous, or they no longer feel comfortable leaving their home.
When your elderly loved one can no longer safely or comfortably remain in their own home, it’s time to start considering other options.
Senior’s Options After Aging in Place
One option is for your senior loved one to move in with you or another family member. This could be a good solution if you live close by and can provide the care and support they need. You can also hire professional in-home care providers and make sure your loved one is safe when no one is home with them.
Another option is for your senior loved one to move into an assisted living facility or nursing home. This could be a good solution if they need more care and support than you can provide or if you live far away. These facilities can provide around-the-clock care, meals, activities, and transportation.
Another option is for your loved one to move into an assisted living facility or nursing home. Assisted living homes are a good solution if their health needs have become too complex for you or another family member to handle. For instance, if they require help with basic activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, or if they have chronic health conditions that need to be monitored.
These facilities can provide 24-hour care from a team of trained professionals and meals, activities, and transportation. It is always a good idea to find one that offers a 24–hour Emergency Response System. This is especially true if your senior loved one doesn’t have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in place.
A DNR order is a legal document that states that your loved one does not want to receive CPR or other life-sustaining treatments if their heart stops beating or breathing. Suppose your senior loved one does not have a DNR order in place. In that case, the staff at the facility will administer CPR and other life-sustaining treatments if needed.
Making the Decision to Move
It’s never easy to decide to move your elderly loved one out of their home. They might even resist the idea of leaving the house they’ve built so many memories over time. You can help them realize that saying goodbye to aging in place can be the best decision they can make.
It would be best to educate them about your reasons for wanting them to move. Whether it’s for their safety, comfort, or health, try to explain your reasoning in a respectful and understanding way. Use a language they can understand and make sure they know that you are only trying to help them.
The most important thing is to involve your elderly loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Simply telling them that they will be moving to a new home without getting their input or feedback can cause a lot of anxiety. You’ll want to give them a sense of control by giving them options.
If they can, allow them to visit the assisted living facility or nursing home before making the move. This will help them feel more comfortable with the idea of living there. If they cannot visit, you can ask the staff to give you a tour of the facility so you can describe it to your loved one in detail.
You should also involve them in the packing process. This will help them feel like they are a part of the moving process and not just along for the ride. Allow them to choose which belongings they want to take with them and help them pack their things.
Making the Move
On moving day, try to make the transition as smooth as possible. This means having everything packed and ready to go before the big day. It’s also a good idea to plan how you will transport their belongings and get them to their new home.
If possible, have a family member or friend drive them to their new home so they can see the surroundings and meet the staff. This will help them feel more comfortable with the move.
Once you’ve arrived at their new home, help them get settled in by showing them around and introducing them to their new roommates. If they are moving into an assisted living facility, the staff will usually do this for you
Finally, say goodbye and tell them that you’ll be back to visit soon. Be sure to stay in touch after the move.
Making the decision to move a senior loved one out of their home can be difficult. Still, it is often necessary for their safety, comfort, and health. In this article, we have outlined the process of making a move and helping your loved one adjust to their ew living situation. We hope that you find these tips helpful in making what can be a challenging experience a little easier.
