For this most recent, I have a guest post from Hazel Bridges at agingwellness.org. This is about knowing when it might be time to move nearer to a loved one who has increased care or contact needs. Thank you, Hazel!
-Dr. Michael
As your parents or grandparents get older, they may require more support with day-to-day activities. If you currently live far away, you may choose this moment to move closer to your loved ones to give them the assistance they need. However, knowing when this step is necessary can be tricky—not to mention the fact that moving presents logistical hurdles.
On top of it all, you want to make sure you are offering practical help your loved one truly needs while also taking care of your own needs to avoid caregiver burnout. The below guide provides the resources you need to figure it all out.
Identifying the signs that your senior loved one could use added support
Various signs can indicate it’s time for a senior loved one to get some extra help. For example, if they have been diagnosed with a medical condition that requires management or can’t drive due to issues like worsening vision, they may appreciate having a loved one nearby. People who require extra medication management may also be grateful for help.
You can also check for signs that a senior could use assistance when you visit them. A messy home, poor hygiene, or unpaid bills can be signs of a problem. Another option is to simply broach the topic with them directly. Don’t force help upon them but ask whether there are specific tasks they’d appreciate assistance with.
Preparing for a stress-free move
If you’ve decided to move to be near your loved one, scope out the housing market online. You can get an idea of real estate prices and get pre-approved for a home loan. RedFin explains that lenders use debt-to-income ratio when issuing a mortgage. You can calculate this yourself by adding up your debts and dividing the total by your gross monthly income.
Once you’ve got a house, you can start planning your move. The right moving company can help ensure a streamlined, expedited process. Moving.com provides a list of points to look for when hiring movers, including licenses and insurance, reviews from former customers, and rate transparency.
Finding ways to support your senior loved one after the move
Once you’ve made the move to be near your loved one, you will be able to better assess their needs. For example, you might notice that their home could use some maintenance. Small issues like drafty windows can create an uncomfortable environment. The national average cost of window repair is $290 but shop around for different rates before committing.
When considering maintenance needs, don’t forget the outside of your loved one’s home—especially if they enjoy outdoor activities like gardening. If the yard could use a new fence, turn to platforms like Angi to find a fencing company in your area. Get quotes from a few providers and check reviews online before hiring one.
Getting the support you need as a caregiver
As you settle into your new surroundings and start to spend more time with your elderly parents or grandparents, don’t forget to leave time for yourself. As Healthline explains, caregiver burnout is a real problem that can cause symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and irritability. Outsourcing tasks as described above can help avoid this scenario.
Caregivers can also benefit from joining support groups to connect with others who share their situation. If you still find yourself struggling, consult a mental health professional like Christopher Michael, Ph.D., The Claremont Psych Doctor. Both in-person and online therapy options are available. A mental health expert can help with feelings like guilt and frustration.
Making the move to be near a senior loved one has its hurdles. However, it will be rewarding to know that you are giving them the care they need to make the most of their golden years.
For more information on mental health topics, check out the Claremont Psych Doctor blog.