Transitioning your parents from living in their own home to another living situation is fraught with emotion. It does not matter whether they are moving in with you, relocating to an assisted living situation, buying an apartment in a retirement community or moving into a nursing home. Your elderly parents may experience anxiety and depression over the upcoming change. Help make the transition easier on the entire family by discussing finances and options before the actual moving day.
Step 1
Open a dialog with your parents concerning their current living situation. It can be difficult for your parents to admit that living alone is no longer possible. Approach your parents with your concerns about safety, nutritional status and health. Do not force your parents to make a quick decision; rather, continue talking about the situation until you both agree that moving into another living situation is in their best interest.
Step 2
Make a list of the furnishings and items that will move with your parents. Decide what you will do with the remaining household items. Options include holding a yard sale, hiring an estate sales agent, donating items to charity and giving items to other family members. Take into consideration the space available at your parent's new home when selecting items to keep. Involve your parents and siblings in this process.
Step 3
Arrange for a packing and moving day after you have pared down your parents' belongings. If you are not doing the packing and moving yourself, interview three moving companies and choose the one with whom you feel most comfortable. Supervise the packing and moving. Nancy Daniel Wesson, author of the book "Moving Your Aging Parents" recommends being sensitive and aware of your parents feelings during the move. It may be best for your parents not to be present during the packing process.
Step 4
Encourage your parents to say goodbye to their current home after the packing is complete. Jeanette Franks, a Ph.D. writing for the website A Place for Mom, explains that regardless of how long your parents have lived in their home, they have likely developed an emotional attachment to the house. After your parents say goodbye, physically help your parents settle into their new living situation. Unpack boxes, organize shelves and hang up clothes. Your parents will appreciate your help, as they may feel overwhelmed.
Step 5
Meet with a real estate professional and ask her to assess the value of the home. Follow her suggestion on home improvements to make before listing the house for sale. If another family member will purchase the home, come to an agreement and put the agreed terms in a legally binding document. Make decisions in the best interest of your elderly parent. Your parent can hold the mortgage, add the purchaser's name to the title or sell part ownership of the home, according to Bankrate.com.
References
- U.S. Department of State: Caring for Elderly Parents
- A Place for Mom: Moving Elderly Parents: Convincing Mom and Dad When They Don't Want To
- "Moving Your Aging Parents"; Nancy Daniel Wesson; 2009
- AgingCare.com: Helping Your Elderly Parent Move Out of Their Home
- Bankrate.com: 7 Tips for Selling Your Home to Family
