Planning to Move Your Parents When It’s Needed

Moving is not fun and Change can be hard. Home is home. It’s best to talk with your parents before something happens.

These tips might help you have a better conversation.

How to start a conversation about assisted living

Sometimes talking with your parents about community life begins with a simple question such as, “What are your biggest daily struggles?” Ask them if they can help.

We don’t like it when someone begins a difficult conversation by saying “You need …” or “You should ….”. As you approach senior living with your parents remember that they still consider themselves your parent and you their child.

You may be able to continue to discuss options from there but you might prefer to end the initial conversation. You might not want to move your parents from their home into the assisted living community unless there is an urgent need.

How to move the conversation to the next level

Ask your parents if you have ever thought of selling your home to use the equity for a move to a more comfortable place with lower maintenance.

They would be happy to show you home estimates from websites such as Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com. You can compile a list of expenses related to your home, such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs and compare it with the cost for senior living. You can’t argue with data. If you can convince your parents that moving into a senior living community and selling their house will ultimately save them money, it may ease their anxiety.

It is possible to get estimates for home renovations, such as installing:

• Non-skid flooring, and how to remove slippery rugs
• Grab bars in bathrooms
• Security alarms or medical alerts
• If stairs are difficult to navigate, there are ramps outside.
• Handrails along stairs, hallways
• Bright, motion-activated lighting in hallways, closets, and stairwells
• Accessible doorways that are wider to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs
• Stair climbers
• Walk-in bathtub/non-slip shower
• Security cameras

Ask for professional advice about your parents

You might consider a third-party professional if your parents are at risk of falling, or if you have serious concerns regarding their ability to care for each other.

A financial advisor or accountant can help them to understand the costs and expenses of aging in place.

The healthcare professionals of your parents may be able to talk with you about your parent’s long-term care needs. They might also explain what to do if they have mobility or memory problems. Professionals may be more helpful to your parents.

Invite your friends to share the stories of their parents who have moved into senior living communities. Ask your parents if they are available for you to visit them. It can be comforting to hear someone else’s story of making such a major life change so late in their lives.

Take a tour of assisted living communities

Sometimes convincing your parents to move into a senior lifestyle community can be as easy as visiting a local community. You and your loved one can explore all the options available.

Arrange tours in multiple communities. Arrange to visit during meals and social events. Senior communities may allow residents to mix and mingle while they eat together.

Bring a list of questions and a checklist with features to be evaluated to each tour. Ask the staff at the community about the costs and the fees for living. You may be surprised by all the perks and amenities that senior living offers.

With your parents, create an aging plan

If your parents refuse to sell their house or move, tell them that you are creating an aging plan. This will ensure that you have a plan for when something happens and you can provide care.

The Aging Living Care Association (ALCA), suggests a five-point strategy for an aging plan.

1. Purchase a medical alarm system. Make sure the system has a fall alarm sensor. There are also smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, Apple Homepod, and Google Home. These smart speakers can be used to help seniors with daily routines, medication reminders, and turning on and off lights.
2. List all medicines. Make a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications. Include dosages and frequency. Keep the list handy for your parents.
3. Please note allergies. You will also find a list of medications that includes food, medication, and other allergies such as latex or adhesives.
4. Create and display a Community DNR. What is a community NR? Does a “do-not-resuscitate” order that your parents have applied to any medical emergencies that occur in the community? If it doesn’t, get it.

Schedule and make a daily check-in call. Ask your parents to schedule a daily check-in call. Listen to their speech and look for any abnormalities. Give them a place.

Seeking guardianship over your parents

Guardianship allows you to make legal decisions about your parents. Senior Lifestyle is not a legal advisor. However, we recommend that you consult your family attorney to learn more about the process of obtaining legal guardianship over a parent/loved one.

Findlaw states that guardianship can be costly and take a lot of time. While your family attorney can help explain the requirements of guardianship in your state, they will most likely require you to follow these steps.

1. Sending a petition to the court explaining why you are seeking guardianship
2. Notifying the family and elderly relatives
3. The court will investigate
4. Hearing where a judge renders a decision

Speak to an assisted living professional

Grande Cypress provides tranquil living at its best. Located on beautiful Jewel Lake, this gorgeous 35 bed Circle of Life Community features three sizes of private or semi-private suites. Eight rooms come furnished with kitchenettes and all rooms furnished with a mini-refrigerator/microwave combo. Come say hello to home. Call us today for more information or to schedule a tour.