Do you have an older loved one who’s about to move into the home with you? Almost a quarter of Americans are now living in multi-generational households. This kind of arrangement isn’t just a great opportunity for people to spend more time together and deepen their bonds, it can also be an intensely practical decision. Caregivers are able to offer more support to live-in loved ones. Meanwhile, the whole family can combine finances and other resources.
However, moving is also a difficult transition. After the stress and planning of the move itself, many seniors find it hard to settle into their new home. They may have left behind a house with plenty of space, an active social life, and rewarding hobbies. Here are four ways you can make this life change easier for your loved one
- Prepare Your Home
Make sure there is elderly-friendly space in the home. Start with accessibility. Are there grab bars or other aids installed in the bathroom? Is your loved one’s bed at the right height? Are doorways wide enough for their wheelchair? AARP has published a HomeFit Guide with checklists for prepping a house for seniors.
If the space is senior-accessible, take it a step further and make sure the home is really optimized for your loved one. If they like bird watching, does their room have a window over the yard? If they wake up at the slightest sound, is their bedroom far from the kitchen where you get ready in the early morning?
Can you integrate some of their favorite pieces of furniture into the house so they’ll feel more at home? If your loved one was planning on aging in place, how would their home have been remodeled?
- Figure Out Transportation
How will your senior get around? If they still drive, is there space in the garage for their car? If not, what other options are there? The elder will need to go to medical and legal appointments, of course, and you should have these venues mapped out and on your radar, possibly locating an urgent care or other facilities that are closest to the home.
And that’s just the beginning of getting oriented. What if your senior wants to go shopping for birthday presents? What about visiting friends across town? Convenient transportation empowers seniors to build a rich life beyond the walls of the house. Consider safety and caregiver communication in this vein, and decide if wearable medical devices or GPS tracking might be useful for your senior.
If you live in a town or city, there may be a wealth of transportation choices including apps like Uber, Lyft, and GoGo Grandparent, and rideshare services like Via and Sidecar. Map out the bus routes (city buses will have wheelchair lifts or ramps), and any county public transportation that offers low-cost services door to door. Connect with volunteers from local organizations who can drive your senior around as needed.
If you live in a rural area, there is likely no public transportation, and long driving times make it tough on caregivers with schedules. Solve this by arranging carpools with other seniors. And local retiree groups may book a van or small bus and go shopping or on outings together – splitting the price of this rental can be surprisingly cost-effective. Check the local churches or other organizations for low-cost transportation for seniors in need.
- Help Them Make Connections
One of the greatest losses that seniors miss when they move out of their old home aren’t the things left behind so much as the people left behind. They may have spent years growing their old social network, and (like all of us) may struggle to make a new one.
It’s not necessarily harder for seniors to make friends than younger people. There are a lot of people of their age group in the same boat, looking for a little friendly contact during the day. Retirees also have some distinct advantages over young folks, with more free time and the confidence that comes with life experience.
To support your loved one as they rebuild their social circle, start by looking for ways that they can keep old connections alive. They may not live by their old neighbors, but video calls are an increasingly used option.
Check out local senior centers, community centers, and churches if your senior is religious. These places host a number of elder-focused activities ranging from classes to live music, to events like Seniors’ Speed Dating.
Finally, don’t discount your own neighborhood. Maybe you can help your loved one start a neighborhood seniors’ group? This is a great way to have fun with people in the area without the headache of figuring out transportation.
- Get Them Meaningful Work
Sometimes, the best way to get out of a funk is to get busy. The best way for your senior to settle in may be to get out of the house and put their skills and passions toward a good cause, such as volunteering with local organizations and businesses, or working in a community garden. Options range from crafting for a cause, such as knitting hats for military families, to leading a water aerobics class at the nearest pool.
What does your loved one need to settle in with the family? Start with a home space that is comfortable and accessible to seniors. Come up with a convenient transportation plan so they can get around. Support them as they fill their schedule with enriching classes, meet-and-greets, and volunteering opportunities. Finally, have patience. As you set up the supports, let your loved one take these opportunities at their own pace, and build a rewarding new routine.
