Are you moving your elderly parents into your home? Most people don’t plan on becoming their parents’ caregivers. It’s easy to believe that our parents are doing fine on their own, and easy to ignore the signs of ageing. Then something unexpected happens that forces us to wake up to the disheartening reality – our parents are ageing. Suddenly the roles are reversed, and they are now relying on us to look after them.
When it comes to the point of deciding whether they should move in with you and your family, or whether you should seek external help, it can often be a very difficult choice.
Deciding to move your elderly parents (or parent) into your home is a huge decision. Here are 4 things that you need to consider beforehand.
Do You Have The Space?
The main deciding factor behind whether it’s possible to move your elderly parent(s) into your home is whether you actually have the available space to do so. How big is your home? Do you have a spare room? Can they easily move in without your children having to lose a room or space?
It’s likely that they won’t be able to get easily up and down the stairs, so is your home equipped to house them on the bottom floor? If this isn’t possible, you may have to consider fitting in a stairlift. You may also have to make some changes elsewhere – such as handles by the toilet and in the bath.
Does Everyone Get Along?
Do you get along with your parents? Or do you feel relieved to leave the house after spending an hour or two with them? Moving them in might not be the best option if there are already problems.
Is your dad or mum moving in going to cause problems within your relationships? A lot of men and women find it hard to get on with their in-laws and would struggle having them living in their house full time.
Moving in a parent (or both of them) is going to change the family dynamic – is everyone okay with it happening? Will your children still feel comfortable having friends around?
Can You Afford an Extra Person?
Unfortunately, moving someone else into the home is going to cost money. Whether it’s just an extra mouth to feed, another person adding to the utility bills, or because you have to adapt the home to suit their needs – it’s not going to be easy.
You need to seriously consider if you can afford to have your mum or/and dad move into your home. To avoid any financial problems or arguments arising later on, it’s better to have the conversation straight away. You should involve all the family – this is going to affect everyone.
Can You Offer The Care They Need?
This is probably the most important thing that you need to consider before making a final decision. Can you offer the medical care that your parent needs? You need to be realistic about what you can and can’t do – it’s okay to admit that you will need some extra help.
Is someone at home during the day to help out? Does your work schedule allow the time that your parent will need from you? Will you be comfortable dressing them or helping them use the bathroom?
Even if you do decide to move them in – you can still ask for extra help.
If you’ve decided to move your elderly parents into your home, we can help make it easier for you.
As a leading provider of new and reconditioned stairlifts, we can help your parents gain some independence within your home. We will work directly with your family so that we can work out which will be the best stairlift to suit your individual needs and requirements.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can give us a call on 0800 046 3438 and a member of our team will be happy to help.