Have you and your retired parents finally decided it’s high time you lived close by? That was a wise decision, as life is short and we should appreciate all the time we have with the ones we love. Now, all that’s left to do is relocate your parents from a distant or near-by city and have them settled in your vicinity. Possibly even your home. While that sounds simple enough, it really isn’t. Older adults have difficulty withstanding a long trip even without the heartache and stress of moving. But worry not – there are plenty of ways to help elderly people relocate. From providing them with the best movers Wellington FL money can buy to giving them all the support and guidance they need, here are some ways to ease this transition for your parents.
Ensure your parents are in good health
We don’t know how old your parents are nor will we assume. But people in retirement are extremely susceptible to many factors as they are already in a frail state. Let’s be honest – we don’t get any healthier over time and we are bound to have some ailments by the time we hit that retirement mark.
So, before you can deal with other factors of a move, such as requesting moving quotes Florida and looking for moving boxes, you first have to ensure the move will be safe for your parents. Make sure to make a doctor’s appointment where your parent’s overall health will be checked. If they are receiving any therapy, this is a good time to refill their prescriptions.
And also make sure they have a new doctor
We hate to be so grim but you never know when your parents might need to seek treatment. It could be years after the move or it could be the day after. The point is that you never know. Luckily, if you are living in Florida, it should be quite easy to find a new doctor. Florida has great health care, which makes matters much easier.
Help elderly people relocate by choosing the right transportation
Imagine going through a 20-hour car ride a few months after having hip surgery. Of course, this is just an example, but you get the point. Not every means of transportation is equally suitable for the elderly. It depends on a couple of factors:
- The age and the medical condition of your parents.
- The distance from point A to point B.
- Your financial means.
Even though you really shouldn’t save money on the people who gave birth to you, we understand that sometimes people can’t afford everything for their loved ones. And that’s no one’s fault – it’s just the way the world works. But what you can do is find the right reputable movers in Florida. They don’t necessarily have to break the bank. That’s just another moving myth people tell you.
So, ensure the wellbeing of your parents by assessing their needs and choosing the best means of transportation. Be that a plane, car, bus or something else, it’s the best way to help elderly people relocate.
Don’t let an elderly person travel by themselves
Whether you are moving your parent, aunt or uncle it really doesn’t matter. As we get older, we get more anxious. And we all know how detrimental the anxiety can be for our health. That’s why you should always help elderly people move by having someone travel with them.
You are not very likely to find a companion among the moving services Florida movers offer. And if you can’t travel with your loved one (as many life events can prevent you from doing it) you can always have a caregiver keep them company. Besides, you would be killing two birds with one stone – you would be helping them feel more comfortable while also helping yourself feel less worried about how they will handle the trip.
Help elderly people relocate by making sure everyone is on the same page
Sure, you may be all excited about finally having both of your parents living close to you. Now you don’t have to spend hours on the phone and wonder when is the next time you’ll be able to take some time off from work to go and see them. While this may be the best thing that could have happened, it might not be for the two of them. Or one of them. Spouses are not exactly known for always being on the same page.
It’s your job to make sure both mom and dad think this is the best thing for everyone. If one of them disagrees, then you’ll have to seriously sit down as a family and assess the situation. Think and talk until you arrive at a conclusion that will be satisfactory for everyone involved. Only then can this be a joyous occasion.
Promise to bring some memorabilia
At the end of the day, we are all creatures of habit. We hold on to those things that we associate with wonderful memories, like the outfit we wore when we met our significant other. The older we get, the more we feel the need to hold on to those things. The best way to help elderly people relocate is by promising they won’t have to let go of any of their pleasant memories. Find appropriate space in their new home as well as appropriate help for getting those items safe and sound from point A to point B. You might not know it, but this will make all the difference for them. And that will make both you and them feel better about this huge change that’s about to happen.