By clicking
Talk to a Specialist, you agree to our
Privacy Policy. You also consent to receive calls and texts, which may be autodialed, from us and our customer communities. Your consent is not a condition to using our service. Please visit our
Terms of Use. for information about our privacy practices.
There is NO easy, quick, one size fits all solution. The investment of time is the minimum requirement. All my 'siblings' live "in another state" (TX, OH & MI) leaving my the closest to NY (268 miles, doorstep to doorstep). At this time of year, especially, Mother has asked to move closer. This is a change from just a few months (May 2013) ago; which she had indicated no desire to do. Having been born, raised and no living relatives still in NY, she now wants to be closer. That raises a whole new set of, dare I say, concerns. BUT it will be dealt with as best it can be. More research, questions and answers are required and I will get them.....as should YOU.
None of these things may convince your parents to move (which is a big deal for most seniors) closer to their children or provide a way for one of their children to move closer to them. It does, however, start the conversation and shows your care for them. Instead of it sounding like you want them to do these things so that they will end up doing what you want, you approach them with a desire to help them and learn what they want and hope for in the future.
what you do is gather facts. Visit. Look for papers you are going to need when failing turns to failed. Tour independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, depending on what the needs are, both in their area and nearer to you. Get cozy with local Area Agency on Aging or the equivalent. Think about an estate planner consultation to help all of you. You may be looking at selling a house, you may be looking at a Medicaid spend-down, and community living waiver versus facility care...it is hard to know until you know a lot more. This is probably totally unfamiliar turf for you, as it was for most of us. There is a lot out there and one very steep learning curve. possibly, you are a few steps ahead of the need, so that's to the good!