Meaningful Moves: Tips for Moving an Aging Loved One Closer

When you have an aging parent or loved one, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to help them stay independent and happy, but as time goes on, you may start to notice that their needs are changing, and they may need more help than you can provide long-distance - here are a few tips for knowing when to transition and ensuring things go smoothly.

Signs Your Loved One Needs More Focused Attention

●   They’re becoming more withdrawn: If your loved one is beginning to withdraw from their social activities and isolate themselves, it could be a sign of depression, which is common in seniors, so it’s important to get them the help they need.

●   They’re becoming forgetful: Forgetting to take their medications or not eating properly can lead to serious health complications. They may also begin to compromise their hygiene because of forgetfulness.

●   Their home is becoming unsafe: If you’re noticing that your loved one’s home is becoming cluttered or unsafe, it’s time to start talking about their living options. A cluttered home can be a trip hazard and contribute to accidents, so it’s important to avoid this at all costs.

●   They’re having difficulty managing their finances: If your loved one is having trouble keeping up with their bills or managing their finances, you may need to help them set up a budget or get them set up with a money management service.

Ways to Help Your Senior Loved One

●   Review their living options: There are many different types of senior living options, from independent living to assisted living or nursing homes, so it’s important to find an option that will meet your loved one’s needs and budget. Alternatively, you could move them into your space so you are able to take a more hands-on approach.

●   Optimize the safety of their living space: Decluttering the home will help prevent trip hazards. You can also install grab bars in the bathroom and put a ramp up to the front door if your loved one uses a wheelchair or walker. Fall detectors and medical alert systems could also prove useful. However, before purchasing any safety products, be sure to read honest product reviews here.

●   Set up home care services: If your loved one needs help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, or eating, home care services can be a great option. They can help your loved one stay independent and retain their dignity in their latter years.

Making Your Move Easier

Moving is often inconvenient. However, there are a few ways to ease the burden - before packing up, ensure that you’ve found and set up your new home. If you opt for a Watershed Structure, you can customize your home to best meet the needs of both you and your loved one and optimize it to be rented out at a later stage. It would also be wise to set up your utilities, like electricity, gas, and water, before you move so you’re more comfortable when you arrive.

If you’re a businessowner, you’ll need to transition this aspect of your life too, so it’s important to prepare ahead. To move with minimal disruption, start planning as early as possible and reduce downtime by working remotely. When it’s time to pack up, you’ll be able to save yourself from undue stress by labeling your boxes meticulously and hiring a moving company todo the heavy lifting. Be sure to update your contact information, including your address, phone number, and email address, and notify your clients of the change.

Watching a loved one get older is never easy, but you can help make their senior years graceful by providing support in person. Uprooting your life may be challenging, but the memories made will be well worth the effort.

Watershed Structures uses top-quality materials and construction techniques to build wood panel homes in Snohomish & Skagit Counties. Start your next building project at: www.watershedstructures.com

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