Many of us will be faced with the question of what to do when a senior loved one becomes too old to live alone. Some people help their parents downsize to a smaller house, some start looking at assisted living facilities, and some decide to bring them into their homes. The latter is both the cheapest and the simplest of these solutions. However, before your senior loved one moves in, you should make some preparations. Scates Real Estate presents some things you need to keep in mind during this time.

Making The Choice to Share Your Home

Choosing to move an aging loved one into your home is an incredibly noble thing to do. And while it can be a challenge for the entire family, it can pave the way for some wonderful opportunities. You get a chance to spend time with your loved one. Grandchildren receive the gift of more quality time. And you're helping your aging loved one avoid the detrimental effects of senior isolation. According to Senior Lifestyle, seniors who have social connections have a 50% greater likelihood of survival. Isolation can be detrimental to your loved one’s physical and mental health.

Getting The House Ready

The first thing you need to do is make sure that your house is safe enough for your senior loved one. Remember: Falls present serious health risks for senior adults. Medicare.org notes that more than 800,000 a year are hospitalized for a fall injury, so it’s crucial to make updates so your home is safer.

Common home modifications include adding grab bars and slip mats in the bathroom, replacing knob handles with levered ones, adding extra lighting, and installing an elevated toilet seat. Depending on your loved one’s needs, you may need to make more extensive modifications like installing a stairlift and widening doorways.

A plus is that these home modifications can pay off in other ways. Senior-friendly bathroom upgrades can look luxurious. For example, step-free showers, tiled shower seats, and stylish grab bars might even be able to add value to your home. If you end up selling your home later, the right upgrades could put more money in your pocket. Keep the receipts in case you need to show them to a home appraiser in the future.

One of the biggest trip hazards for seniors in a home is clutter, so look for ways to remove clutter and maintain clear pathways. When working to declutter, identify your home’s clutter zones and have a plan for how you are going to get rid of stuff. If you need guidance, this ridiculously thorough guide is helpful.

Getting The Family Ready

Having an aging parent move in can put a lot of stress on a marriage, so keep communication with your spouse open and honest. Talk about what worries you, give each other space, and remember that you are acting as a team. Look for ways to manage your emotions and navigate this new living arrangement so it’s comfortable (as much as possible) for everyone.

Preparing Their Home for Sale

If your aging loved one has a family home to sell, this adds another layer of preliminary work, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Connect with a dedicated agent through Scates Real Estate, and work with them to formulate a plan to update the house quickly in order to work toward a quick sale. Beware that this will be a major upheaval for your loved one, so try to remain patient, and help them focus on downsizing their belongings and looking toward the future.

Caring For A Senior Loved One

If your senior loved one requires care, you will need to know how this will affect your day-to-day life. For this, talk to their doctor. Doing so gives you the chance to confirm their medical needs, but also to ask questions regarding their treatment to make sure they are not being over-prescribed unnecessary drugs. 

You will have to stay organized, especially if you still have kids at home. And while it can be a challenge at first, if you look for strategies, it can make life easier. Wondershare notes that a family organizer app is a great way to stay on top of everything.

A Word on Dementia

If your parent is suffering from dementia, this can involve some adjusting in how the family interacts with them. Children, in particular, might have a hard time understanding what has changed. You can teach your kids to talk to someone with dementia by letting them know what to expect and how to react by preparing them with ready-made topics that they can lead the conversation with.

Managing Conflict

There will be some conflict, at least at first. You can help keep this to a minimum by setting clear boundaries and expectations from the start.

This goes for both sides. For example, you might make it clear you expect them to participate in home upkeep, and they might make it clear that they don’t want to be an unpaid nanny. Have an honest conversation about what both of you want from the arrangement, and check in regularly.

Finally, remember that this is a transition for everyone, so be patient with your aging loved one. It’s going to take a while for everyone to feel comfortable with the arrangement, and that’s okay. As long as you are empathetic and communicative, it can work out well and be a great decision for the family overall.