There can be a time in your life when you realise your parent just can’t cope at home on their own like they used to. They might have once been able to get out and about without any help and assistance, but this is becoming trickier and trickier. When this happens, you are faced with options such as moving them to a home, but this isn’t always something they or you want. The other option is having them move in with you where either you or a home care company can help look after them and allow them to keep a bit more independence. In this article, we take a look at some top tips for moving an elderly parent in with you so you can all make the most of the situation.
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Ensure they have a nice room and living environment
Moving from their own house can be a traumatic experience and something that can fill them with sadness. To help make the transition a bit easier, ensure they have a lovely room which they can call their own. Fill it with their belongings and put pictures up on the walls. Have things to make it functional such as a dressing table, bed and mirror and you could include things like a kettle so they can make a cup of tea without having to leave.
Look for a carer to come in and help out with them
It might be that your relative is mentally able to live alone but they can’t physically get around as they once did. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to look for a home care service who can come and help out with them. They can assist with getting them around, keeping them company during the day when you are at work and with things such as getting washed and dressed if you need to be out of the house in a rush in the mornings.
Set boundaries before they move in
Moving in with someone might be with the best intentions in mind, but can still be difficult no matter how well you get along. To stop there being any tension when they move in, it can be a good idea to set boundaries ahead of time. Decide how you will navigate things such as meal times, using the bathroom and if there are any rules you currently have for the rest of the family living in your house. Be prepared to compromise and answer any questions as well as you can.
These are just a few top tips for moving an elderly parent in with you that should help it work smoothly for all involved. Having them move in can be a lovely way to spend time together and ensure they keep their independence a bit more than if they were to move into a home. What are some top tips you have for moving an elderly parent in with you? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
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