When It’s Time to Move Elderly Parents into Your Home

Published: September 15, 2022

We know you’ve already decided to have an elderly parent move in with you. Now you need support, advice, and reassurance. So what comes next? At UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Grand Rapids, we understand how difficult it is when you have to make the decision to move a parent in with you. Keep reading for tips on preparing your home and reducing stress during this trying time.

Revisit your decision when stressed

Remind yourself why you decided to have your parents live with you when things get difficult and stressful (and they will). For families wanting to make sure their mother or father has their essential requirements met, moving elderly parents into your house may be a viable alternative.

Be honest about how much care your parents need

Even if a nursing home is out of the question, getting an accurate evaluation of your parent’s care needs is crucial. If you can’t accurately determine what your parents will require, seek assistance from a physician, social worker, or another healthcare professional. You must then be honest with yourself about whether you can meet all of these demands without sacrificing your well-being. People tend, on occasion, to respond too rapidly and superficially without taking into account all variables.

Elder-proof the home for safety

An “elder-proofing” process is necessary when moving an elderly parent into your home, much like you would “baby proof” a house in anticipation of having a child. By making these adjustments before they move in, you can help ensure their safety and make the transition to their new home as smooth as possible.

Prioritize everyone’s privacy

If you’re moving a parent into your house, you’ll be sharing living spaces unless you have an in-law apartment. It’s critical to ensure that your parents and yourself have a territory of their own, regardless of the property’s size.

When it comes to moving elderly relatives into your house, honesty and preparation are essential. Allow yourself and your family plenty of time to prepare your place, move excess items into a UNITS portable storage container, and make financial plans. We hope you can devise a plan that will benefit both you and your parents.