Seniors Relocating Near Family

What you should be considering when there is a change in your Senior’s life.

Should Seniors move Closer to Family?

It depends on so many factors.  Family dynamics, independence, comfortability, and situational status should all be considered when determining if moving closer to family members is right for you or your senior family member.  Everyone needs to be on board with the decision and have a healthy and not idealized view of the situation. 

Struggling with an Illness or Death of a Spouse

Any loss can be great for anyone at any time in their life.  However, it can be even more difficult as we age.  Social isolation, exhaustion, and neglect of physical and emotional needs are often symptoms Seniors experience when they are dealing with a loved one’s illness or death.  This can lead to emotional distress and strain on both the Senior and the Family.  Tossing in a move can only make an emotional cocktail even worse.  Sometimes it’s best to look towards support groups and grief counselors during this time to un-muddle those emotional stressors. 

Losing Established Social Networks

If a Senior has been well established in a community, moving could disrupt their well-established support system that is outside the Family.  These are relationships that they have forged for decades, and it can be a challenge to relinquish that comfort zone to go off to a new unknown.  Get to know your area’s Senior resources such as senior centers, clubs, and activities to help them re-establish those connections relatively quickly. 

Changing Family Relationships

It may be hard for a Senior to have roles reversed where their Adult Child is taking care of them.  It is an adjustment for all, and open and clear communication could help facilitate this transition period.  Being sensitive to the Senior’s point of view of the situation and using empathy to facilitate this transition can make all the difference.  Letting the Senior have independence and help them establish boundaries is a great way to facilitate open communications during this transition.  Seniors need to be allowed to handle what they can handle independently if they possibly can. 

In Conclusion

The key to major changes in one’s life is to take it one day at a time.  Clearly create goals with Seniors and Family in mind.  Be considerate of the situation you or your Senior faces.  I know it is hard sometimes because it’s Family and it’s hard to separate emotions from situations.  Taking a step back and getting perspective and assistance from outside resources is never a bad idea. 

Resources:  The SRES® Professional January/February 2024 Newsletter Volume 13 Number 1