Moving elderly parents out of their home can be one of the most draining and challenging experiences you’ve encountered during your adult relationship with your parents. Depending on your parents situation, they may have lived in their home for many years and have a very strong emotional connection. There may also be the added trial of distance between you.
Whatever your circumstances may be, we’ve put together a few tips for moving elderly parents out of their home.
1. Clearly Communicate From the Beginning
No one likes to have a sudden change sprung on them. It is important to have clear and open communication with your parents long before the time arrives when they really do have to move. Talking about it well in advance can help everyone be on the same page and have realistic expectations when the day comes.
Continue clearly communicating with your parents throughout the entire process of moving. This allows your parents to feel involved in the process and listened to, not forced into something they don’t want to do.
2. Get the Entire Family Onboard
If you have siblings or other close relatives, get them onboard with the plan and enlist their help to move your parents, if possible. Having at the very least an emotional support system in place will make a huge difference in your parents emotional well being when they move. This is especially essential if you are trying to help your parents move and sell the house remotely.
3. Plan With Care and Avoid Rushing
It may be tempting to try to move your parents as quickly as possible, but you have to keep in mind that this is a huge life change for them. Be considerate of their feelings and try to plan the move well in advance and talk about it frequently before it happens.
Careful planning will also make a huge difference. Take the time to create a well-thought out and realistic plan. This will not only set your parents at ease, but also make the actual move more simple and organized.
4. Compromise If Necessary
You and your parents are not going to agree on everything. You may find that they don’t want to live at the community you think is best, or that they don’t want to downsize as much as you think is necessary. Whatever the case may be, it is important to be sympathetic to your parents situation and to compromise with them when possible.
If you find yourself clashing with your parents often on different decisions, evaluate how you are handling communications. Are you forcing them to do what you think is best, or are you providing them with choices? This can make a huge difference.
5. Make a Decision Together About the House
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your parents move, the decision about what happens to your parents home may not be an easy one. Even if your parents are open to selling their home, you or another sibling may not be so willing. Coming together as a family to talk about what needs to happen to the house is probably the best way to resolve this potential issue.
Moving elderly parents is never easy and is not always the most positive experience. But with the right planning and the perfect new home at the end of the move, it doesn’t have to be all bad. Follow these tips for making the transition smooth and comfortable.
Need to sell your elderly parents home fast for cash? Contact us today by calling 469-701-1666 or fill out our online form and you’ll receive a written cash offer in 24 hours.