Moving to a new home can be a wonderful adventure but it can become challenging when you have to move with your elderly parents. You need to make sure that your elderly family members are safe and comfortable during the moving process. It is not that easy to balance all the moving logistics while taking care of your loved ones.
With careful planning and empathy, you can certainly make it possible. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with various factors that need to be taken into consideration while moving with your elderly parents.
Plan Ahead
It is important to create a moving timeline to help keep everything organized. Inform your parents about all the scheduled moving tasks. This includes packing day, hiring packers and movers in Noida, notifying utilities, and the actual moving date. Talk with your parents about the upcoming move, and the reason behind the move. Listen to their concerns and include them in the decision-making process.
Select the Right Location
If you are moving with your elderly parents or other senior citizens of your family, it is imperative to consider their needs before selecting the location. Make sure that healthcare facilities, parks, religious places, public transportation, and friends and family are in close proximity to your new location.
Declutter and Organize
Help your parents to declutter or donate those things that are no longer needed. You need to be supportive and patient during the process. Encourage them to take time to decide what they want to keep, sell, and donate. Offer a helping hand or listening ear whenever they need it.
Pack Carefully
Pack their belongings using the best quality packing material to save them from any damage during transit. Label the boxes with the contents of the room they belong to. You can use color coding or large easy-to-read labels so that your parents can easily identify their belongings.
Pack their Essentials Separately
Make a box or bag of essential items that parents might need immediately after reaching to your new home. This may include medications, a few clothes, important documents, hearing aids, glasses, and any other health supplies. Make sure you have a sufficient supply of medicines and other essentials during the move.
Arrange for safe Transportation
If your parents are not able to travel by public transport or cars, make special arrangements for their easy and comfortable travel. You can send them by air which can be a convenient and efficient way to travel. You can also book a medical transport service which can provide specialized care during the journey.
Safety
Make sure to take care of the safety of your parents during the moving process. Stay them in a separate room so that they can feel comfortable and safe. This will also help them not get disrupted by loading, unloading, and all the chaos of moving.
Emotional Support
Moving can be a tough experience, especially for elderly parents. Listen to their concerns and encourage them to express their emotions. You can also try to maintain familiar routines so they feel stable in the new location. Help your parents stay connected with family and friends both in your old and new locations through frequent visits, phone calls, and video calls. This will reduce the feelings of isolation.
Hire Professional Packers and Movers
Research and hire a reputable moving company to ensure safe and hassle-free relocation. Professional movers and packers are experienced in assisting elderly individuals. They have expertise in packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. A reliable moving company will assist you in planning, packing, moving, and settling down in your new location with ease.
Supervise the Moving Crew
Try to be present during the move to supervise the crew and address any questions and concerns. Inform the movers about the fragile and delicate items that need extra care and attention during the move. This will ensure the smooth transportation of your belongings.
Unpacking and Settling in
When you arrive at your new home, prioritize to unpack their essentials. Set your parent’s bedroom first so that they can rest and feel comfortable. This will ease any anxiety and stress that they may have been experiencing while moving to a new place.
Orientation
Make your elderly parents familiar with the new surroundings, including medical stores, grocery shops, vegetable markets, and other healthcare facilities. Encourage them to take part in local community activities and organizations so that they can create a social network for themselves.
Seek Professional Help
If you notice that your parents are having a hard time dealing with the emotional weight of the move, consider seeking professional help. A therapist or a counselor will help your parents to navigate the challenges they are facing. Remember, taking care of your family’s health and emotional well-being should be your priority.
Find a New Doctor
Register your parents with local healthcare. Help them find a new doctor as soon as possible. The new doctor must be aware of their medical history so that they can provide the best treatment in case of an emergency. Your parents must be getting the best healthcare facilities near their home.
Prepare Your New Home
Conduct a thorough safety assessment of your new home. This will help you identify any potential hazards and make necessary modifications as per their needs. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, placing a ramp outside the front door, and replacing the shower caps with hand showers are some of the examples of changes you can make to create a safer living environment for your parents.
Conclusion
Moving with elderly parents can be challenging but with careful planning and compassion, you can make it a rewarding experience. Providing them with emotional support, taking care of their needs and addressing their concerns throughout the move will ensure a smooth transition to your new home. With patience and understanding, you can make your move comfortable and easy for your elderly parents.
Author Bio: Dev vaishnav