There is really no bigger turning point in the parent-child relationship than when the child realizes that they must act like the parent. If you are noticing that your elderly parent or parents are having a hard time in their house, then it might be time for you to speak up – both for your own peace of mind and for their safety. When it is time to move your elderly parents, you might want to have some help not only to actually move them, but also to convince them that it is the right time to move.
How to broach the conversation
Often, as people age, they become more set in their ways; the very thing they fear the most is losing their personal freedom. For many, even the suggestion of moving sends off all sorts of alarm bells and can have them shutting down and not wanting to have the conversation. The way that you broach the subject can be a huge contributing factor of how open they will be to engaging in dialogue, or if they will shoot you down right away.
The best way to approach the subject of moving with your aging parent is by presenting the reasons why you think that them living in their current residence might pose a health hazard or be unsafe. The key might be to make it less about their age or incompetence, and more about the real-life problems that you see that should be overwhelming to anyone.
Pointing out issues – like a leaky roof that they shouldn’t have to deal with, a bathroom that needs upgrades to be more comfortable, or even old faulty wiring that can pose a risk of fire – are all things that you can bring up. That can let them know that it’s not that you think they are incompetent and can’t live on their own, but rather that their house is not conducive or safe for people of any age, or it needs more work than they should have to deal with.
Where to move
If your loved one is at the point where they might not be completely able to live on their own but they don’t need full-time care, then there are many options available. If they have a medical condition or are having a hard time with daily care, though, then the only option to keep them safe might be a nursing home environment. If it is just a matter of downsizing and having a little support, often a lot of seniors moving in Winnipeg, investigate retirement communities or assisted-living homes that might give you peace of mind and provide them with a little help from day to day.
Actually moving your elderly parent
Older people can be a bit more particular about the way that things are done and tend to be more attached to their “things,” which can make it harder for them to move. When it comes time to pack, although you might think that things aren’t really worth moving, remember – all of those things that you find little value in might be highly valuable to them. A couch might just be a couch in your eyes, but to someone who has an attachment to it, a couch can mean memories of their children growing up or even that it just feels like home – even if it isn’t so attractive.
If you start trying to convince them to get rid of too many things, you are likely going to see a backlash that might put you at a standstill. It is okay to ask for them not to bring everything. But if you notice them getting visibly uncomfortable about you suggesting that they not move some of their items, just appease them and pack it up. The small cost that it might take to move their La-Z-Boy to their new home is well worth it to help them feel more at home in their new surroundings.
Moving is difficult enough; for the elderly, it is a huge transition that is often plagued with fear and uncertainty. If you are concerned about the safety of where your loved ones are currently living, then be careful in how you broach the idea of moving with them to get them somewhere safe. If you are, you may be able to have the conversation without getting shot down quickly.
