Main Content

Moving Home: How To Care for Your Senior Loved One

DAVIDSONVILLE, ANNAPOLIS, EDGEWATER, ARNOLD AND SEVERNA PARK REAL ESTATE

About 16.5% of the U.S. population is over 65. As the population continues to age, younger adults often move closer to care for their parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles. Understanding when to move and how to care for a senior can aid in this transition.

Knowing When To Move Closer
There are a few signs that indicate a need to move closer. If your loved one has medical conditions, safety concerns, social needs, or mobility issues, he or she may need extra help. If you worry about a senior being alone, you can find a resolution.

To move closer to a loved one, look at homes in the area. Various programs make it easier for people to purchase a new house. Look at the cost of real estate in the area. Compare different houses for a fair idea of what you may have to pay for a home with the features you need. Remember that the interior and exterior count towards the overall value. Look for outdoor features like a fenced-in yard or pool. Likewise, check out the neighborhood. If you have kids, consider walkability and education. When you’re ready to take a closer look at homes in the area you’ve selected, work with professionals like Deborah Laggini and Associates.

To obtain a home loan, most lenders calculate the debt-to-income ratio. According to experts, this ratio determines how much you can pay each month. You can calculate your debt-to-income ratio by adding your monthly debt and dividing it by the gross monthly income.

Creating an Accessible and Comfortable Environment
Most seniors want to remain as independent and active as possible. Be helpful while respecting your loved one’s autonomy. Promote independence by ensuring he or she can easily access clothing and personal items. Avoid clothing with complex buttons or zippers if your loved one cannot put on clothes quickly.

Smart technology also makes independent living easier. For instance, voice-activated devices can control the television, thermostat, security system, phone, and music, allowing older adults to easily live independently for a long time.

Consider hiring outside help to maintain the home. Older adults may have difficulty keeping the home safe and clean. Hiring someone to keep the house orderly or to perform outdoor care on the property takes the burden off your loved one. For example, look for people to trim the lawn, repair the roof, or clean the gutters.

Gutter professionals have the tools necessary to complete gutter cleanings safely. They can alert you and your loved one to any necessary repairs or replacements during an assessment. Aim to have someone clean your gutters twice a year, dependent on your local weather. Generally, a gutter cleaning costs around $106 to $167. A larger project may be as much as $350. Just make sure to check online reviews to ensure the person you’re considering has a good track record with previous customers.

Finding a Safe Place for Your Loved One To Live
If your loved one’s home cannot keep him or her safe, think about renovating. For example, adding textured strips in the bathroom and shower, removing throw rugs, replacing doorknobs with levers, or replacing the toilet with an accessible one may be simple renovations. Other adjustments include altering the shower, moving light switches, and widening doors for wheelchairs or walkers.

Sometimes the best move is to an assisted living or a senior living facility. If your loved one cannot manage his or her medications, the senior may need a caregiver or someone close by 24-7 to help. Likewise, any chronic or worsening health problems may require treatment around the clock.

Moving closer to senior loved ones can benefit their lives physically, mentally, and socially. Living close allows you to monitor their condition for any changes.

DEBORAH LAGGINI, Long and Foster Real Estate, Annapolis, MD 21403

CELL 410.991.6560

EMAIL [email protected]

Skip to content