Moving to a new home or getting in-home care
As people age, they'll sometimes choose to move into a smaller, perhaps single-story home, sometimes in a different state in order to be closer to their children. If this is something your family member would like to pursue, consider enlisting the aid of a senior move manager, a professional who specializes in the relocation needs of aging adults.
- Is this the right option for my family member? If you or another person in your family wants to offer support but lives too far away, relocation may be a good solution. If she's already living nearby and is committed to living independently, it may be wise to downsize as she gets older and a larger home becomes harder to navigate and maintain.
If your family member wants to stay in her home but is beginning to need more help, she has a number of options -- from a personal care attendant, who can assist with tasks such as cooking and cleaning, to a certified nursing assistant, who can monitor her medical condition and help with activities like bathing and dressing.
- Is this the right option for my family member? If she places a high value on privacy or the familiarity of her home and neighborhood, this may be the best choice. Finding the right match may take some time and effort, however. If she's cognitively impaired, you'll want to be especially cautious before going this route. Although most caregivers are trustworthy, you'll need to make sure she doesn't get taken advantage of.
Moving an older adult in with you
If you have the space and can handle the day-to-day care of your family member, you may want to think about inviting her to come live with you.
- Is this the right option for my family member? Whether to move her into your home is an intensely personal decision. You need to think about the nature of your relationship, as well as her relationship with your partner and children.
The layout of your home is an important consideration: Do you have an in-law unit or even just an extra bathroom that she can use exclusively? Privacy can be very important to older adults, as well as to you and your immediate family.
You'll also need to consider your schedule and her care needs and level of mobility. If you work full-time and she can't get around on her own, she may feel more isolated living with you than she would in a eldercare community where she could socialize with other residents and participate in on-site activities. But if you and she communicate well and enjoy each other's company, and you and your family have the time and ability to care for her, sharing your home with your family member can be a wonderful way to stay close as she ages.
