Most of us will do anything for our beloved family members, and as they get older, that responsibility becomes even more important since they can no longer take care of themselves as they once did. As their child or grandchild, you may feel the need to care for them, but how do you know when it is time to step in and take control or move in to assist? Here are some great tips to help you out. 

Warning Signs That It Is Time to Move

If you are especially close with your parents, then you will want to keep your eyes and ears out for signs that your family may need extra help. One surefire sign is obvious changes of behavior such as a noticeable lack of motivation, a loss of interest in hobbies that they once loved, and increased aggravation at expected times. If you notice any of this, you should start visiting them more frequently.

When you visit, keep an eye out for the signs of them neglecting their household responsibilities. If you see clutter start to build, or observe stained or dirty furniture, an unlandscaped yard, unpaid bills, or any other signs of disarray that continue to build, then it may be a sign that they need more help.

Although we all forget things from time to time, if your loved one continues to forget important duties or common tasks that you never thought they may forget, then you may want to step in. Taking a few of their responsibilities off of their plate can help them to remember things that are the most important and it could prevent further problems.

Improve the House

If you are not yet ready to move in to help your senior full time, you could at least make some improvements around the house to help them remain safe. For starters, consider adding safety bars in important rooms where they spend a lot of time like bathrooms and their bedroom. If they have trouble getting up and down the stairs, a ramp or a stairlift may also be required.

Many seniors live in older homes that may be in disrepair, and by making improvements, you can make their lives easier and more comfortable. One common issue is windows that have warped or faltered and are letting in unnecessary airflow and cold air in the winter. Your loved ones can easily catch a cold or worse due to excess airflow, so windows need to be sealed or fixed immediately.

It’s also a good idea to take care of routine maintenance tasks like clearing and yard work. For instance, you can hire backyard landscaping contractors to keep their yard tidy. Narrow contractors down by looking at customer reviews and prices. 

Moving Options

If you can tell that your loved one is in need of assistance, then you have a couple of options. In the case that the situation is out of hand, then it may be necessary to move them into an assisted living facility where they can have their needs met and still live a productive life.

Another option is to move in with them so you can assist. You may even have the chance to be paid as a caregiver. If you go with this option, then you can help them day and night and be there if there is ever an emergency. When you do move in, you’ll want to keep clutter at a minimum for the safety of your elder and for better organization. You can get a storage locker for what you don’t need.

As you can see, there is a lot of consideration that goes into caring for your senior loved one during their later years. With the tips above, you’ll be able to help them stay safe and comfortable. When it’s time to move your loved one, the pros at Dedicated Moving can expertly and safely move them into their new home. Get a free quote today!