4 Tips for Moving Across State as a Senior
Moving home carries a unique set of stresses and challenges, and this is never truer than when a senior relative is settling down in a completely new state. Whether they are leaving their home for a more suitable living arrangement in an assisted living facility or coming to live in your family residence, there are lots of things to think about. This guide has four tips that will help anyone in this situation manifest a low stress move experience.
Talk It Through
The first step should always be to keep an open narrative about what is happening and why. This will help everyone involved feel more comfortable and, in particular, the senior relative to stay in control of what’s to come. They need support at this time more than ever, and communication is a great tool when used effectively. This can be an ongoing thing in the form of family meetings or daily phone call catch ups to discuss arrangements and updates.
Figure Out Where They Will Live
There has to be a good reason for moving to another state. People in their retirement years often like to change scenes and try out something completely different, and this is more than enough justification for a big move. However, there are sometimes different driving factors to consider as well, such as superior medical care or specific facilities with great reputations to help navigate changing care needs. Figuring out where they will live is a big step, and once this has been decided, it makes it easier to plan for everything else yet to come.
Discuss Moving Arrangements
It is typical for a big move to need the help of a professional company. Assets and personal belongings all need to be taken care of, but the senior relative may also require support. It is not always practical for you to be present while they make the journey, and if they have specific care needs, this can be a risk factor. That is why companies who can provide airline assistance for elderly people exist, and are a highly beneficial option to invest in during this stage of the planning. These may be the most difficult conversations, but they are entirely necessary, and nothing can go ahead without them taking place.
Be Flexible
It tends to be advantageous to have a clear plan and be able to stick with it from start to finish. However, this is not always the most practical option. There has to be a flexible approach in order to ensure all of the care needs are taken care of. It is normal for a senior to change their mind along the way about certain aspects of the move or require additional support that wasn’t a part of the original conversation. Sometimes, things are underestimated and that is okay. Being flexible allows you to adapt as things move forward and have provisions in place for anything that might come along.
Moving across state as a senior carries additional risk factors to consider. It is useful to sit down together and discuss all of the options in detail, ensuring that every base is covered just in case.
