Prepping for Parents

Before Your Parents

Move In

If you are between the age of 18-34, you may very well be living with your parents due a variety of financial and situational dilemnas.  But did you know that by the time you are over the age of 45, you could be looking at having your parents move in with you!!!

If you are reading this post and you are 45 or older, you will want to read for beginning steps to prep your home for a parent to move it.  Odds are with improving senior health that many of us will share a home with one or both parents or perhaps an aunt or uncle.  You only need to read a newspaper, magazine on Senior issues or watch shows like Dr. Oz or Susie Orman to hear about this growing development.

Though having an older person move in will have some very good multi-generational aspects, there are practical matters to address.

The physical changes addressed below are important.   But you will also need to address privacy issues, health monitoring/medication issues(including keep medications safe from younger children) and dietary needs.

As  Seniors Real Estate Specialist, I know the sensitivity of moving a Senior(defined as 55 and older!!) from the independence of their own place to your house or another facility.   Thus, it is important for you to begin to learn the necessary changes that will occur.

Call me at 757 580-6546 with questions or if your parent or other family member needs help making the transition. 

Also if you need help finding a carpenter to help you with these projects (or you want to discuss properties where a parent could live near you instead of with you), give me a call.

Here is the article:

4 CRITICAL HOME FIXES TO DO BEFORE MOM AND DAD MOVE IN WITH YOU

4 Critical Home Fixes To Do Before Mom and Dad Move In With You When an older relative decides to join your household, these five projects belong on the top of your to-do list: 1. In the bathroom, have a carpenter install safety rails in the tub and put up a grab bar that also functions as a towel rack. Neglect to do this and your mom will use your current towel or toilet paper racks to steady herself as she moves around the bathroom. When this causes the racks to give way, you'll have to repair the drywall. Add a rubber bathmat or peel and stick non-slip strips to the bathtub or shower. 2. Get rid of throw rugs and rearrange furniture so your dad doesn't have to walk around any pieces as he goes through the rooms in your home. Coil or tape any cords or wires to the wall, or have new electric outlets installed so there aren't any wires to trip over. 3. Boost lighting in stairways, hallways and at your home's entrances, including the doorway from the garage into your house. Your goal: To be able to see the edge of each stair tread. Add a second railing to stairways, so you have railings on both sides. 4. Turn a critical eye on your sidewalks and other exterior hardscaping. Are there uneven places, loose pavers or anything else that could trip up someone who doesn't lift his feet high when walking? Smooth your pathways and patios. If you need help finding a carpenter to help you with these projects (or you want to discuss properties where a parent could live near you instead of with you), give me a call or click Article Feedback below to contact me. -Photo source: Moen

Article Courtesy of Albert Clark's HomeAgain newsletter