Taking care of a senior loved one can be a challenging but fulfilling journey. It can often be difficult to assess their needs and determine how you can best help them, whether they plan to stay in their home or find another living option. Knowing what questions to consider can help you better understand their needs and ensure a successful and vibrant future.
Today, we at Bad Credit Mortgage Financing shares some important things you need to know before you move.
Consider What Type of Senior Home Care Your Senior Loved One Needs
First, consider what type of care your senior loved one needs. There are various areas of their health and well-being to consider:
- Home safety. Consider risks, such as falls and house fires, as well as the ability of the senior to respond to any hazards.
- Medical needs. From physical to mental health, take into account the type of care necessary for your loved one.
- Meal preparation. Ensuring your loved one can cook for themselves is a crucial factor in considering whether to move closer to them.
If your senior loved one needs assistance in handling these needs, think about relocating nearby to ensure they can receive the care they need.
The moving process can be difficult for the caregiver, but there are ways to ensure this life transition proceeds as smoothly as possible. As a caregiver, you have many new responsibilities to keep track of when caring for your loved one, and tools, such as a caregiver notebook, can help you keep track of your loved one’s needs. If you’re caring for a senior, joining caregiver support groups can also be a valuable resource for making the moving process easier.
Maintaining Your Loved One’s Home
Many seniors prefer to stay in their current homes rather than move to a senior care type of living. If this is the case for your senior loved one, you need to ensure several areas of their home, such as plumbing, roofing, and electrical systems, are maintained for years to come to prevent hazards and damage to the home.
One such area is the gutters, which can become clogged and cause wall and ceiling damage if not properly cleaned twice a year. A professional is equipped to properly perform the task and can assess if a repair or replacement is necessary. An average gutter cleaning can cost as little as $106, with some larger projects costing up to $350, depending on the costs in the area and the scope of the job.
Purchasing a New Home
Sometimes, downsizing is the better option for seniors. A new home may be in order if your loved one’s current home no longer suits them due to physical difficulties such as stairs or the size of the home. If you’re taking out a mortgage, calculate your debt-to-income ratio to get an idea of how much you can pay each month. To find this ratio, divide the total of your existing monthly debt obligations by your monthly income.
Making the Right Decision for Your Loved One
Consider all the factors before deciding if you need to move closer to your senior loved one. If you’re thinking of purchasing a new house for them, a real estate agent can help you to find the perfect option for your budget.