Moving an older parent into personal care is rewarding. However, it’s also an emotional time. Moving at any point in life can bring significant challenges, and it’s important to be prepared. Your loved one deserves a swift transition to help them maintain the life they love. So when you’re moving older parents to personal care, make sure to:
- Plan ahead
- Downsize with care
- Simplify the moving process
- Be there for emotional support
- Coordinate moving day logistics
Knowing what to expect can help your loved one feel more prepared and comfortable as they take this important step.
Plan Ahead
Preparation is the foundation of a smooth move. Make sure you start as early as you can—this gives you time to explore each option carefully and effectively.
One of the first steps is to involve your parent in the decision-making process. You should sit down together and discuss their needs, preferences, and goals.
This lays the groundwork for choosing the right community. It helps to visit potential communities ahead of time so you can see for yourself what life is like there. Then, you can get a proper understanding of your loved one’s future home.
Take time to understand the costs associated with personal care—including monthly fees, add-ons, and any potential financial surprises. This lets you create and stick to a budget. Meanwhile, you can also get a floor plan so you can plan ahead for the future!
Downsize With Care
Once you have a plan, it’s time to prepare to downsize. This is a practical, meaningful move—but it can also be quite a challenge.
Start by focusing on the most-used spaces. The kitchen, bedroom, and living room are ideal starter spots. Try determining what items are truly useful and essential, and be realistic about the process.
It also helps to work room by room. This keeps the process manageable rather than overwhelming. Once you’ve started, work with your parents on which items to:
- Keep
- Gift
- Donate
- Sell
However, effectively downsizing helps your parents let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. Approach this situation with care, and be patient—your parent likely has plenty of emotions to go through here. Give them time and attention here, and keep lines of communication open. This creates space for your parent to feel heard and valued.
Simplify the Moving Process
If you feel overwhelmed, try simplifying the task. Don’t look at the move as one giant task—break it into several more manageable projects. One key thing to focus on is the essentials. This helps you prioritize what items need to come along.
First, create a simple list of the absolute must-have items. If their future home isn’t furnished, they’ll need to make sure to bring appropriate furniture. If you have a floor plan, make sure to refer to it—only bring items that will actually fit in their new place. If the unit is furnished, you’ll want to make sure their items will find a home.
Next, consider everyday use. Think about practical things, such as:
- Clothing for different seasons
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Medications and medical supplies
- Important documents and identification
- Sentimental items to make the space feel like home
Finally, make sure to create a list of items for the first day in their new home. Toiletries, clothes, medications, and other required items should be put into a separate box or bag. This makes the day of the move much less stressful.
Be There For Emotional Support
Moving to a personal care community can bring up a wide range of emotions. Your parents are making a big life change, and they’re likely going to lean on you for support. Make sure to be there for them emotionally throughout the process.
Before, during, and after the move, make time to talk with your parents about their feelings. Listen attentively, and let them express themselves without judgment or criticism. Acknowledge their emotions and validate them—this lets your parent know that it’s okay to feel the way they do.
However, don’t forget to take care of yourself as well! Moving can be stressful for everyone involved. Remember to prioritize self-care and seek support as needed.
Moving a parent into personal care is a big decision. But with the right planning and support, it can be an amazing way to help your loved one maintain the life they live.
Coordinate Moving Day Logistics
The day of the move is a big one. There’s going to be plenty to do, so make sure you’re prepared in advance. The logistics of the move determine how smoothly this transition goes.
You’ll have plenty of factors to consider. Try remembering to:
- Coordinate transportation for your parent and their belongings
- Label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier
- Communicate with the personal care community to confirm details
- Make all important documents and medications readily accessible
- Check the new space to ensure it’s move-in ready
- Recruit help from family, friends, or professional movers to streamline the process
Having a transportation plan in place eliminates unnecessary hiccups. Don’t forget about the smaller details, like updating addresses on important accounts or canceling utilities at their old home! A little preparation goes a long way.
Celebrate Life Every Day
Every move takes time, and transitioning to personal care is no different. Just remember—this move is a great way to support your parent and help them live the life they love. Thoughtful planning makes all the difference in the world!
Here at The Bridges at Warwick, we’re ready to open your parent with open arms. We’d love the chance to show you how we’re here to support your parent. Schedule a visit with us today, or contact our team to learn more!
