For some, life changes can be both exciting and challenging, and for others, it can be difficult, especially for an elderly person who is moving to a new living situation.
In times like these, Kansas State University Research and Extension adult development and aging specialist Erin Martinez said it is important to involve the person who will be moving in the decision to relocate.
“Adult children need to remember that this is a person who has had their own life experiences, expertise and independence, and they have emotional ties to the place they are living, so the decision to relocate needs to be handled with sensitivity,” Martinez said.
Before deciding to relocate, Martinez encourages families to explore all other options to make the home environment easier to navigate for the resident, such as adding handrails and ramps as well as seeing if other in-home support services can be provided.
“In many communities, there are services that will allow a person to live independently a while longer, so the first step is to reach out to your insurance provider to see if there is an allowance for assisted care or respite care that is included,” Martinez said. “Some assistive technologies may also be included, making it easier for someone to remain in their home.”
If remaining in the home is no longer an option, Martinez encouraged families to schedule a time to meet and visit about the next steps. She said that there may be a person in the family who has expertise or a special connection with the elderly person and they might be the best person to start the conversation.
“Think about having a family dinner and talk about how to make things better for that parent rather than giving them a directive,” Martinez said.
Once the elderly person and their family have decided that there needs to be a relocation, Martinez encourages families to start by writing down what services will be needed.
“Make a list of the typical services the person needs in a month and have that list with you when meeting with potential facilities,” Martinez said.
As an example, she said some of those routine services might include medical care, salon access, religious worship spaces, and more.
When setting up a facility tour, Martinez said pay attention to the surrounding space to see if it projects a comfortable, home environment, and observe how the caregivers are interacting with the residents.
For facility reviews, Martinez said check out the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website.
“A great option is a continuing care retirement community because those facilities offer multiple levels of care,” Martinez said. “People can begin in independent living and gain access to amenities and services as needed, and then eventually if they need to move to assisted living or a nursing home environment those options are available as well.”
When moving to a new home environment, Martinez said it is important to try to make it feel as comfortable as possible for the resident.
“Bring as much from home as the facility will allow; if they have a chair that they always sit in at home, bring it as well as photos or other items that are meaningful to them,” Martinez said. “It is important to make sure it feels like a home environment and not an institution.”
Lastly, Martinez said, “Remember to treat older adults the way you’d want to be treated in a kind and gentle way, rather than telling them this is what they are going to do.”
