If there comes a time when you feel you need to relocate to be closer to an elderly loved one, starting out in a rental like an apartment or a condo is often the wisest choice. Once you're in, established, and settled, it'll be easier to evaluate your loved one’s needs to make housing choices for each of you a bit more simple. Texas Roadrunner Realty can help you make the best-informed choices for temporary, short-term, or home buying solutions.
Assessing the Situation
Chances are, your loved one values their independence and wants to stay in their own home as long as possible. While this is an ideal situation, or one that can be supplemented with hired nursing assistance, it may not always be the best long-term solution. Some loved ones need to downsize or have more around-the-clock care. According to Care.com, if you get the sense that they need more help with things like caring for themselves and their home, managing medication and chronic health conditions, it might be time to make a visit and see if you need to be actively involved in a hands-on way.
Finding a Home
Connect with your Texas Roadrunner Realty agent. They will have deep knowledge of the San Antonio area, and can help you find the ideal neighborhood and property. This will ensure you're in close proximity and can be available as needed while also allowing you to maintain some degree of privacy as you embark on this next phase of life. In the San Antonio area, popular communities include Terrell Hills, Oakland Estates, Fort Sam Houston and Alamo Heights.
Making the Move
If you're unsure what your long-term situation will be, you might want to hire a moving company to put your current things in storage, rather than move them to an apartment. In fact, storing at least some of your belongings might be a necessity if you're not sure where you're going to live, as an apartment is typically smaller than a house and can only take so much furniture. When hiring a moving company, you'll always want to insist on a written estimate rather than over-the-phone cost projections. Legitimate movers need to see what you have before delivering a price.
Helping Your Loved One
Once you're situated near your loved one, you'll get a better sense for what their personal and health needs look like. You may realize that simple modifications and fall prevention efforts can boost their safety and independence. However, there may come a time when you need to start looking at assisted-living communities, particularly if your loved one is suffering from dementia or has other cognitive or mobility issues. Have open and honest conversations and listen to their concerns and fears, as moving into this type of facility can mark an end to independent living. Tour facilities, evaluate costs, and calculate what your loved one is able to afford. You might need to sell their home to finance a move if long-term care or Medicaid or Medicare benefits don’t cover fees.
Making a move to help a loved one can be a gratifying experience, even if there are some stressors along the way. Be sure to take good care of yourself, listen to your loved one with an open mind and open heart, and make the most prudent decisions based on ensuring their long-term safety, care, and well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services division on Aging, everyone needs a little support, and government resources may be available.
Texas Roadrunner Realty offers a flat-fee, full-service real estate experience, and we’re dedicated to helping our clients save money and find the perfect property. Check out our current listings, subscribe to our blog, or reach out for a consultation. 210-598-7600
Guest Author: Suzie Wilson, suzie.wilson@happierhome.net
Photo By Pixabay
