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- By Andrea Needham
eldersday.org
Although it might be painful to think about, there eventually comes a time when a loved one simply can’t care for themselves adequately enough. When that happens, you’ll need to consider whether moving closer to them is the proper course of action. When it comes time to think about relocating to help an aging loved one, there are many factors to take into account. Use this guide from Concord Friends of the Aging to help you prepare.
How to Know When It’s Time to Move
- You’ve been hearing from them less often. Have those daily phone calls become weekly? While there are many reasons why communication could drop off, frequent and prolonged periods with little communication should raise a red flag.
- Bills aren’t being paid. Forgetting about a bill can happen to anyone. However, there comes a point where things such as unpaid bills can no longer be attributed to run-of-the-mill forgetfulness. If your loved one isn’t paying their bills and subsequently losing utilities, you should consider moving closer.
- Their neighbors are concerned. If your loved one’s neighbors are concerned, you should be, too.
Securing the Mortgage
Pulling up stakes and starting somewhere else may involve getting a mortgage. Obtaining a mortgage is as big a factor in home buying as is finding a home to buy. You may qualify for one of several types of mortgages depending on your personal circumstances. The terms of your mortgage can also be widely disparate depending on those circumstances as well. It’s important to work with a lender early in the process to determine what you qualify for. When you apply, lenders will calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to see how much you can realistically afford to pay each month. Working out your DTI is easy – all you have to do is add up your existing monthly obligations and divide the total by your gross monthly income.
Preparing the Home
An important thing to take into consideration when you own your property is maintenance. Specific jobs are best left to professionals, such as roofing, electrical work, and plumbing. If you need to find local pros, a quick search online can connect you to several providers. You can read reviews of their services before making a decision on who to hire.
Costs of Living
There are a number of factors to consider when trying to figure out the cost of living in a new area. The first step is to research the cost of basic necessities such as housing, food, and transportation. Once you have a good idea of the average cost of these items, you can start to compare them to your current expenses. It’s also important to factor in the cost of recreation and entertainment, as well as any required fees or taxes. Additionally, you’ll need to consider your income and whether or not you’ll be able to find a job that pays comparable wages in the new area.
Moving a Business
Relocating your business as you move closer to an aging loved one can be a significant, yet rewarding undertaking. The decision not only shows a deep commitment to family values but also presents new opportunities for your business in a different market. This transition may involve logistical challenges, such as finding a suitable new location, transferring operations, and adapting to a new customer base. However, with careful planning and strategy, it can lead to a successful balance between fulfilling personal responsibilities towards your loved ones and maintaining the growth and stability of your business. Furthermore, this move can bring about a newfound sense of community and purpose, as you contribute to your new locale while taking care of your family. To help streamline the process, it’s a good idea to digitize your important work documents. There are tools you can use to convert a PDF document in seconds, making it far easier to stay organized – not to mention avoiding the aggravation and stress that come with misplacing important documents and trying to dig through countless boxes and folders to find them!
Find the Right Way to Support Your Loved One
Knowing that your loved one needs additional support can mean several things. It could mean that you simply need to be physically closer to check in on them, and come by – or have them over – for regular family dinners together. This kind of support lets you keep closer tabs on your loved ones while spending quality time together as a family in a safe, controlled environment. Other scenarios might require that you have a bigger role to play. You may need to move into your loved one’s home to help with care, or buy a home that you can renovate to accommodate their mobility needs. Or you may need to move your loved one into a care facility where you can visit and supervise their needs. Each decision comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so consider what is best for both you and your loved one before moving forward. Smart home gadgets can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors aging in place. Devices such as small sensors, discreet cameras, smoke alarms, and voice-activated speakers can increase safety and convenience in everyday life. Innovations like smart door locks, cameras, and lighting, controlled via a centralized smart hub, add an extra layer of security and ease. Some devices can help seniors track and maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health. Smart home technology can ease the lives of seniors by enabling them to handle household tasks remotely and maintain their independence while ensuring their safety and well-being.
When Moving Is the Best Option
As loved ones grow older, there could come a time where they need your help. While the world may have become accustomed to interacting online and seeing people through screens, sometimes the only option is to move. Prepare for moving your home and business, digitize your documents, pay attention to your finances, and help your loved one age in place with smart home devices. Being closer to a senior loved one will not only make them feel safer, it will give family members peace of mind knowing that their older members are receiving the appropriate care. Concord Friends of the Aging is here to support the seniors in our community. Let us know if you have any questions!