Handling A Relocation For Your Aging Parents

One way to allow your aging parents to remain independent is to equip their home with a medical monitoring device. These devices allow them to obtain emergency medical assistance at the touch of a button from their medical alert button and provide peace of mind for them and the family members for those times when your parents are alone in the home.

One factor to allow your parents to remain in their home is to equip them with a medical monitoring device

Chances are there will come a time when the family will need to address the question of, “What are we going to do about mom and dad and where should they live?” In many cases, you’re going to find that your parents will want to age in place and for some that may be a viable option. In other cases, though you will need to make some difficult decisions on selling the family home and relocating them to a smaller dwelling or an assisted living type arrangement or in with one of the family members; regardless of the decision it is likely to be fraught with tension and tears.

How do you know it’s time for a move?

There are bound to be warning signs that will indicate your parents are no longer able to live independently and they could include:

• You notice a change in your parent’s behavior that can’t be explained.
• You notice their refrigerator or cupboards are almost empty.
• There are unpaid bills and unopened mail.
• You discover your parents are neglecting their heath; not taking their medications, not testing their blood sugar levels, not getting any activity or leaving the house.
• The house is in disarray.
• One of your parents has suffered a health condition or a trip or fall accident that results in hospitalization and will require extended care once released.

Noticing a decline in your parents’ health or ability to care for themselves could be the precursor to a family meeting to decide what to do when the time comes when they can no longer live independently. One way to allow them to remain independent is to equip their home with a medical monitoring device. These devices allow them to obtain emergency medical assistance at the touch of a button from their medical alert button and provide peace of mind for them and the family members for those times when your parents are alone in the home.

How to decide where they should live?

Prior to any final decisions being made, family discussions need to take place and your parents should be a part of these conversations as this move will involve a huge life shift for them. Gaining a consensus on “what to do next” is crucial to making it a smooth a transition as possible. What will you need to discuss?

• What living options are available, ex. Living with a relative, assisted living, a smaller home in which they could remain living independently
• What kind of care do they need? Are they able to care for themselves but simply need a smaller home or do they need medical care?
• What is their financial situation?
• Who will be involved in helping make the transition and who will be involved following the move to help out?
• What changes in lifestyle will your parents experience as a result of the move?
• In which city will they relocate?
• You will need to determine the type of care your aging relatives will need whether it’s occasional help around the home or more intensive medical or supervisory assistance. Look at the situation long range as you don’t want to make them have to relocate numerous times

The time to have these discussions is “sooner rather than later” because you don’t want to make them in the midst of an emergency situation when emotions are running high.