Fall is a time when we look to upcoming holidays and plan to be together with family. But it can be a time to reevaluate how we approach family situations. As kids are off to college, some families look to see how their older loved ones are doing. Is it time for them to downsize? Do they need to move in with you? Maybe in-home care is needed? This article will look at options for reevaluating living arrangements for older parents.
Reevaluating An Older Parent’s Living Arrangements
As a family, it can be important to consider your loved one’s living situation and the limitations they may face as they age. Over time, their mobility likely worsens. Stairs become more difficult to manage. They may struggle to maintain a clean house or their daily hygiene needs. Consider the living conditions of your older parent. Is their home accessible?
Signs You May Need to Change Their Living Arrangements
One of the most common signs of a change in living arrangements is a severe fall. Many older adults who suffer from a dangerous fall at home can be severely injured by it. The drop may lead to hospital time, worsened mobility, and the heightened risk of another fall. Other signs may include:
- Worsening feelings of isolation
- Mobility issues
- Trouble with hygiene
- Difficulty shopping for themselves or preparing meals
- Chronic health issues are worsening
- Memory loss, confusion, or other signs of cognitive decline
Downsizing Options
For many older adults, downsizing can be a scary proposition. Moving from the family home to an apartment or smaller living space may have advantages. But it can also feel cramped or like a downgrade. However, if your loved one needs to use stairs daily in their home or to go outside, it can become more difficult or dangerous over time. This is especially true if they live on their own. If looking to downsize, seek apartments or condos with ground-floor living or an elevator. Alternatively, if your loved one owns a 2-family home, consider transferring them to the smaller apartment. They can always rent out the larger space for more passive income.
Moving Older Parents in With You
When a family member moves in with you, there may be some growing pains. Adjusting to another person in the home can take time. New changes to everyone’s living arrangements can put a strain on relationships. Parent-child dynamics can become strained as your parent is the one who needs to be looked after.
Additional Family Dynamics – Siblings
When it comes to parental elder care, your siblings may want to be a part of the action plan. Navigating differing opinions can bring on additional challenges. But it can be important for everyone’s voices to be heard. This can be further complicated when family members live further away. Overall, the goal should be to make changes that benefit your elder family member the most.
In-Home Care Options
In-home care assistance can be beneficial to your older loved one, regardless of where they end up. A certified home health aide can assist those living alone or work with the family unit to support the elder family member in a multi-generational home. A home health aide can provide additional support for busy families. They can lessen the impact that a change in living arrangements can make.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
