Deciding If It’s Time to Move

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Deciding If It’s Time to Move to Be Closer to a Senior Loved One

Today, around 65.7 million Americans act as family caregivers for an ailing relative. If you have a senior loved one living in Portland, OR, figuring when you need to move and take on the mantel of caregiver isn’t always easy. After all, committing to provide direct care is no small feat on its own. Add to that the challenges that come with relocating, and it’s easy to understand why the decision isn’t an easy one to make.

If you are trying to decide if now is the right time to move to be closer to your aging loved one, Nursing Home Ministries shares some things you need to consider.

Understanding Your Loved One’s Situation

The first step you’ll need to take is to familiarize yourself with your loved one’s current situation. If you aren’t sure where to begin, start by reviewing each of these areas:

When you focus on those potential points of concern, you get a holistic picture of their current living state and how much support they need right now. Then, you can use that information to decide whether you need to move quickly to assist with challenges or if you have a bit more time.

Making Decisions About Housing

Before you decide if you need to move, it’s important to think about housing. For example, Portland, OR is a fairly expensive city, so you need to factor that into your decision.

You also need to figure out if a new home or apartment only needs to meet your needs or if it needs to address your senior loved one’s, as well. Many family caregivers choose to have their relatives move in, so you might need a larger place to ensure there’s enough space.

Research Family Caregiver Programs

As a family caregiver, having access to as much support as possible can make a big difference. As a result, you want to spend time researching programs in what will become your new home, ensuring you are fully aware of what’s available.

If you’re an unpaid caregiver assisting someone aged 60+, you may qualify for a range of benefits, including relief funds for a variety of purposes. Plus, other unpaid caregivers may be eligible, too.

It may also be wise to look for local support groups. That way, you can connect with other caregivers who are going through a similar experience. Along the way, you may also learn some tips and tricks that can help you with your loved one, which is a bonus.

Streamlining the Moving Process

If you’ve determined that now is the right time to move to help your aging relative, use the right approach. Begin by getting preapproved for a mortgage. That way, you’ll know how much you can borrow, making it easier to focus your home search and find a suitable property that meets your needs without busting your budget.

Additionally, decide whether you’ll do a DIY move or hire a moving company. If you’re pressed for time, turning to a full-service mover could be your best bet. They take care of packing, furniture disassembly, transporting, unloading, reassembly, and unpacking, significantly reducing your burden.