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As the population lives longer, more and more families are faced with the question of how they care for their parents as they age. While some seniors welcome the idea of downsizing into a smaller home or moving into a retirement community, others resist moving out of the home they’ve resided in for decades. The answers to these moving questions are complex on their own, but the difficulty is compounded when an elderly parent refuses to move.
Shleppers Moving & Storage is sharing tips on navigating this challenging time with kindness and respect for all involved.
Listen
If you are in the difficult position of considering moving an elderly parent out of their home, you are probably basing your decision on signs that they are not safe living alone. While you may know in your heart that moving is the best idea, your parent may think otherwise. Many seniors get frightened at the prospect of leaving home and resent being told what to do by their children.
Before you make a unilateral decision, it is important to have an open and honest conversation. Your mother or father may be afraid of issues (like cost) that you have not considered, and you may be able to alleviate their concerns. Perhaps they would like to move closer to where you live, for example, or someplace where the weather is warmer.
Listen to their concerns. Having an open conversation where your parent feels safe expressing their fears can often help dissolve their reluctance to consider other options.
Check Out Their Options
If your parent is mobile, you can take them to visit different living facilities. Visiting will allow them to see what it might be like to move out of the family home and into a place that can provide more care. Seeing the rooms, trying the food, and meeting staff may help change their minds if they are refusing to move.
Don’t Force It
As the adage says, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”
Your parent is used to being independent and in control of their life. It’s often very difficult for seniors (and almost anyone at any age) to face the harsh reality that they may be at a stage in their lives where they need help. Timing is everything. Don’t bring up moving when your parents are already stressed or when you are feeling helpless or frustrated.
Keep Talking and Proceed with Love
It’s always hard to talk about this subject, and maybe the initial conversation didn’t go so well. Keep the dialogue going, and you and your family will eventually find a solution that works for all of you.
Moving With Shleppers
Knowing when and how to move your elderly parents are difficult decisions families need to make, and therefore, you need to prepare for everything, even the most minor details.
When you and your parents are ready, call on the best local moving company in NYC to help relocate them with the thoughtfulness and care they deserve.
Contact Shleppers Moving & Storage to get a FREE QUOTE for your move NOW!