When your aging parent is moving in, it can be a real game-changer for the entire family. To better accommodate your elderly mother or father’s needs, you must consider factors like dietary restrictions, TV viewing preferences, and bathing schedules. Prior to moving day, planning and perseverance are the keys to keeping everyone in the household happy. Using these tips will help ensure a smoother transition as mom or dad gets settled into their new surroundings.  

Assess Their Needs

First, do an honest assessment of your parent’s physical and mental condition, including any chronic illnesses they might have. If they are still relatively active and independent, this might be the ideal time to move them in. If not, the added responsibilities may be more than you can handle with your current household obligations.

Things to consider as you assess the level of care your loved one might need include your physical and emotional limitations, the time commitment involved, and whether others in your household can also chip in. Above all else, be realistic about what you can and cannot do.

Envision Family Dynamics

Seniors can be stubborn and set in their ways, especially when they are your parents. Think about the history of your relationship with Mom or Dad. If you enjoy one another’s company and can amicably resolve your differences, the new living arrangement should work.

Another concern is that certain conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, can change one’s personality appreciably. Will you be able to deal with those changes as the condition worsens?

And finally, will family members be able to adjust to the lifestyle changes that come with having an older adult in the household? This might involve everything from mealtimes to noise levels and TV viewing preferences. Be sure to discuss the situation with your spouse and kids to determine how they feel about having an older “houseguest.” On the bright side, moving grandma or grandpa in will allow your children to get to know them better!

Complete Home Modifications

It’s safer to place an older adult with functional limitations on the first floor so they don’t have to climb stairs. If that’s not possible and your parent has trouble getting around, consider installing handrails and an automatic stair lift. If there are steps leading up to the front door, you might need to build an adaptive ramp.

Additional home modifications you may need to complete include:

  • Handrails in bathroom bathing and toileting areas
  • A walk-in shower
  • Additional lighting, especially around stairways and steps
  • Wider doorways that are wheelchair accessible
  • Automatic shut-off devices on the kitchen stove (Perfect for someone with dementia)

Anticipate Budget Changes

According to AARP, out-of-pocket expenditures for the average family caregiver run over $7,200 a year. Moving a parent into your house will typically impact your monthly budget with all the food, home modifications, utility costs, etc. involved.

Ask mom or dad to help with the bills if they are financially able. Include your siblings in the discussion, as they may agree to pay for some of your parent’s room and board. In most instances, pooling family resources should result in better living arrangements for your parent.

Have a Backup Plan

Even the most battle-tested family caregivers eventually need time off to avoid caregiver burnout. Your backup plan should include trustworthy family members, friends, or neighbors.

Other potential sources of caregiver relief (respite) include:

Family Trusted Respite Care for Seniors in South Bend, IN

Caring for an aging loved one can be challenging with everything else on your plate. When you need to take a well-deserved break, contact Senior1Care. At Senior1Care, our dedicated, compassionate professionals deliver exceptional care to individuals seeking dependable ways to maintain their independent lifestyles. In business since 2006, our unique scope of services ranges from personal care and household services to dementia care, family consultation, and geriatric care counseling.

We are a local, family-owned, and operated home care company with services that can be uniquely tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. To learn more about Senior1Care now or schedule an assessment for a senior in South Bend, Granger, Osceola, or Mishawaka, IN, today, please visit us by clicking here now.