4 Tips for Relocating to Support Your Senior Loved One

Are you growing more concerned about a senior loved one who has little support in their area? Maybe you live far away from a parent, grandparent, or retired friend who seems to be having trouble living on their own. If you’re ready to relocate in order to provide the help they need, working with a real estate agent like Meghan Nyback and Christine Regan is your ticket to finding the right home in their city. Meghan and Christine are top producing realtors in Los Angeles and recognized by the National Association of Realtors (NAR®) as certified Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES®). They recommend the following tips to help you move closer to a senior loved one in need.

Assess Your Loved One’s Condition

How can you know for sure that your loved one needs you around for daily assistance? You might be wondering if you’re just being too cautious - but it’s important to keep an eye out for telltale signs that indicate your loved one is not safe living independently. ParentGiving states that seniors who have trouble driving, taking their medications correctly, caring for their hygiene, or keeping their homes clean and organized generally need a caregiver on a part-time basis at minimum.

Determine Your Support Responsibilities

Before you decide to relocate, it’s important to communicate with your loved one as well as their
other relatives and friends about what your responsibilities would be. For example, would you drive them for errands and doctors appointments? Would you administer their medication, assist with hygiene routines, keep their home clean, or simply provide companionship if they’re feeling lonely? It’s important to understand your duties before you move.

Assess Your Work Situation

If your move will instigate a change in your work, this is also something to consider. If you currently work from home, this transition shouldn’t be too difficult. However, if you're new to remote work, you’ll quickly learn the importance of setting boundaries for yourself, as well as designating a specific work area and setting appointments with yourself for specific break periods.

Review Your Loved One’s Living Options

Before you view any homes, figuring out where your loved one will be most comfortable living is also key so that you can buy a property close by. They may be able to age in place at their own home with some daily assistance from you, but if they need a higher level of care, Interim Healthcare states that they may need to move into an independent living community, assisted living facility, or skilled nursing facility.

Navigate the Moving Process

You may want to rent a home closer to your loved one, or you might prefer to buy a new home where you can settle down. If you are interested in buying, it’s a good idea to get preapproved for a mortgage before you put an offer on any homes. If you’re wondering exactly how much you can borrow, getting preapproved is the simplest way to find out. Plus, being preapproved will help to accelerate the closing process once your offer on a home is accepted.

As you search for homes, look for properties that will be accessible for your loved one if they will be living with you or visiting you often. Your real estate agent can help you schedule viewings for single-story homes with open floor plans and wide entrances, which are good choices.

To make moving more efficient, you can hire movers for help. Search for Angi movers to find reputable and affordable moving services that cater to your new location. Once you’ve unpacked, you’ll be able to start helping out your loved one. While moving is stressful, the effort is worth it, and soon, you’ll be able to enjoy everything your new city has to offer. After you move, you may be able to escort your loved one to fun local activities like bingo nights, senior fitness classes, art classes, sewing circles, book clubs, or bocce games.

Moving and taking on some caregiver responsibilities for a senior loved one can be a complicated process. But with these tips, you’ll be able to find a comfortable home in their area while providing your loved one with plenty of support. Your loved one will be grateful to have someone they can trust nearby.

Looking for a home closer to your senior loved one? Real estate agents Meghan Nyback and Christine Regan can help you find the perfect property! Call today at (818) 746-3661 to start house hunting.

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