How to Help Your Elderly Parents Move: A Guide for Family Members

Relocating is such an integral part of life in USA, that even elderly people do it. But considering their age, senior people should always move with the help of their family members. But helping your elderly parents relocate involves more than just physical moving; it's about ensuring their comfort, safety, and happiness throughout the transition. As they age, the way we care for the elderly needs special consideration, especially during significant life changes. In this guide, we'll explore practical steps to help your elderly parents move, making the process as smooth as possible for them and for you.

First You Need To Understand Their Needs and Concerns

When planning to move elderly parents, it’s crucial to start with a conversation. Listen to their preferences, fears, and the emotional connections they have with their current home. Seniors often experience stress during transitions, mainly due to the fear of losing familiar surroundings and routines. Therefore, addressing these emotional aspects is as important as the physical aspects of moving.

On the other hand, you need to evaluate their health and mobility. If your parent uses a walker or has limited mobility, the new home must accommodate these needs. Simple modifications, such as no-step entries, wider doorways, and safety bars in bathrooms, can make a significant difference in their comfort and mobility.

Planning the Move

Next, create a clear plan. Develop a timeline that feels unhurried, allowing your parents to adjust to the idea of moving. Because of this, it needs to be done at least a few months in advance. This is also the time when you should decide whether you are going the DIY route of hiring help. If the latter is their choice, then it is also advised to research the options for them and do your best to protect seniors from online scammers. Also, put together a comprehensive checklist that includes every step of the move, from sorting belongings to setting up new services in their new home.

Choosing the right location is also critical. Consider aspects like proximity to healthcare services, accessibility, and community activities that can enhance their quality of life. A place that reduces the hassle of transportation for regular doctor’s visits can lead to a more relaxed relocation, by not having them worried whether their needs will be met post-moving. 

Hiring the Right Help

Finding the right moving company is probably one of the best ways to help your elderly parents move. Not all movers understand the unique requirements of senior moving. But Lippincott Van Lines does. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, they are well-versed in the nuances of senior relocations, offering tailored services that go beyond merely transporting items.

Lippincott Van Lines specializes in both local and long-distance moves, ensuring that no matter the distance, your parents' move is handled with care. Their senior moving services focus on the specific needs of older adults, such as packing, unpacking, and setting up the new home in a way that maintains accessibility and comfort.

Additionally, if there's a gap between moving out and moving in, Lippincott offers storage solutions to keep your parents' belongings safe and secure. Choosing them means transforming a potentially stressful situation into a seamless and positive experience. With their expertise, you can ensure that your parents' new home will be a place where they feel completely settled and secure.

Help Your Elderly Parents Move By Downsizing With Them 

It’s often overwhelming for seniors to sift through a lifetime of belongings. Help them decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Be patient and allow them to reminisce about their possessions, which can be a comforting part of the transition.

Organizing a yard sale or coordinating donations to local charities can also be empowering for them, giving them a sense of control over the process. For items that are cherished but cannot be accommodated in the new home, consider secure storage solutions.

Prepare Properly for The Big Day

When assisting your elderly parents with their move, safety should always come first. Clear all pathways of obstacles to reduce the risk of falls—a prevalent issue among seniors. Installing non-slip mats and ensuring adequate lighting are critical, particularly if navigating stairs during the move.

Create a comfortable resting spot for your parents amidst the moving chaos. Set up an area with their favorite chair, alongside some snacks and water, so they have a familiar place to relax. For moves that include elderly people, consider the benefits of flying to the new home, which is often quicker and less taxing for them. Working with movers specializing in this can help coordinate all the details, seeing as senior movers know that clients of this age group need compassionate, patient and skilled professionals by their side.

Keep the lines of communication open throughout the move, allowing your parents to share their feelings and concerns, with both you and the movers. Offering reminders of the positive changes that await them in their new home can help maintain a comforting and supportive atmosphere.

Be Involved in The Settling Process

Once the move is complete, it’s crucial to make the new environment feel like home. Arrange furniture and decor in a way that mimics the setup of their previous home to provide familiarity, if possible. For instance, if your dad always had his recliner facing the TV in the living room, arrange the new living space similarly.

Immediately check that all safety measures are in place. These might include:

• Grab bars in the bathroom
• A medical alert system
• Proper lighting in all rooms

Offer Your Ongoing Support After the Move

Just because the move is over doesn’t mean your job is done. Regular visits or calls can help ease the transition. Discuss any issues they might be facing and help them resolve these promptly.

If you notice areas in the home that could be improved for easier accessibility, make those changes ASAP. Sometimes, living in a space for a while highlights additional needs.

Your Parents Will Be Thankful

Helping your elderly parents move is a profound way to show your love and support during their later years. By focusing on safety, comfort, and emotional support, you can gift them a stress-free relocation. Stay involved, be patient, and keep the lines of communication open. With thoughtful planning and continued support, you can help your elderly parents move successfully and with dignity.