Real Estate Real Easy specialises in senior’s real estate on the Gold Coast. Once people reach their twilight years, their accommodation needs change. We have tailored our real estate services to assist seniors and their families through the moving process. Our friendly team offers practical advice to clients whether downsizing, moving into care or moving in with their children. Today we look at ways you can prepare your home for elderly parents moving in with you.
If one or both of your elderly parents are moving into your home, there are a number of important decisions you and your family will have to make. With a little bit of forward planning and some re-organising, you can create a liveable situation for everyone.
Choosing a room for your elderly parent
First of all, you want to make sure you choose the right bedroom for your Mum or Dad. A couple of things to consider include:
- Being close to the bathroom
- Easy access to shared spaces like the living room & kitchen
- Proper furniture for physical abilities
- Sufficient & accessible storage space
Modifying your home for your parent
Bear in mind your elderly parent may be less mobile than they once were so you want to make getting around your home as easy as possible for them. Make a few simple adjustments and modifications like:
- Reduce clutter & make sure there is enough space to manoeuvre around the room
- Change door handles from knobs to levers as they are easier to use.
- Install sufficient lighting
- Fix handrails on walls or pull bar for assistance with getting out of bed
- Add safety rails to their bed (if necessary)
Sorting & storing belongings
Declutter your home. You may need to sort through and get rid of some of your own belongings as well as your parents so your home is not packed to the rafters with things you don’t need. Before you begin going through your parent’s things, you are going to need a plan of attack. Sort items into categories before
Remember, you are filling a space previously occupied by your family (and stuff), with someone else (and their stuff). Assign items to categories and decide before-hand which categories you need to keep and where you may keep them.
Some suggestions include:
- Day-to-day: Things that need to be readily available for day-to-day living or items that might be required regularly. These can be kept in closets, under-bed containers, new built-in cabinets.
- Delicate items: Things you need to keep from damage like photos or important papers. Keep these items in fire & waterproof boxes or sealed plastic containers.
- Long-term: Things you want to keep like antiques or other family heirlooms. You could consider climate self-storage. These costs could be shared with another family member to reduce costs.
- All the rest: Things you won’t keep. Don’t through everything away. You could sell furniture or household items on eBay or Gumtree or maybe donate it along with clothing and bedding in good condition to op shops or local shelters. Bin anything that is not in good condition.
Remember to be sensitive when you go through your parent’s belongings. Be mindful of the emotional and mental state of your loved one. Having their things rummaged through may be difficult for them.
Taking your parent into your home is going to have an impact on your family life. Discuss the move with your family and let everyone have a say in the decision. If your children live at home, speak to them about how they feel about their new house guest. You’re going to be pulled in lots of directions and you’ll need to make sure your spouse and children adjust well to the new situation.
If you or your parents are thinking of selling your property give Alex or Jason a call. We understand the concerns facing elderly property sellers and do our best to ease you through the process. We have also put together into an ebook especially for seniors to guide you through the selling and moving process.
