Finding the Right Time for Moving Closer to a Senior Loved One
As a long-distance caregiver, you may have created the perfect system to accommodate the
needs of your senior loved one. This can include making frequent visits, handling their bank
accounts, scheduling maintenance requests, and more. However, there will come a time when
the distance will be too much to handle due to an increase in caregiving expectations. Today,
Real Estate Pup shares this guide to help prepare you for what to expect and how to make
informed choices.
Overcoming Common Barriers
Before making a decision, it is important to take stock of your personal and professional
responsibilities and the impact relocation will have on them. Here are three common scenarios
to consider:
How will it affect your work?
If your company has an office in the location you are moving to, you can ask for a transfer.
Similarly, you could negotiate with your employer to allow you to telecommute. With the rise in remote working, the chances of such a proposal being accepted are higher than ever. If you already work remotely, relocation should not pose any challenge for your career.
If you’re a business owner, you may have to relocate your business. Before moving your
business, determine exactly what needs to be done and assign tasks to employees. You’ll also
need to hire reputable movers, notify customers and vendors, and update documents and
business cards.
How will you manage your time?
Post-move expects your caring duties to increase tremendously. This will include helping your
loved ones in ADLs, running errands, making regular doctor visits, and more. To maintain a
balance between work and caregiving, a schedule will become essential.
How and when will you move?
If you currently own a home, you’ll need to decide whether to sell or keep it. Selling will provide
you with a tremendous amount of cash to cover all the expenses you’ll incur in the near future.
Conversely, you could convert it into a rental property and earn monthly income.
Planning for the Transition
Relocation is a gradual process that can take a couple of months at a minimum to complete.
The first step will be to live in the new location temporarily. This allows you to familiarize
yourself with the area, its housing market, amenities, and cost of living. When looking for temp housing, explore these options:
Find a Rental: If you aren’t sure how long you’ll be relocating, or the expense of buying a house
is out of the question, you can always find a nice apartment to rent. There are currently 99
available in Riverside, you can narrow down your search by cost and amenities, as well as take
a 3D tour of your prospective new home!
Live with your Parents: If there is ample room in their home, opt to live with your loved ones.
Not only will you get a feel for the caregiver requirements, but spend some quality time together
as well.
Take Help from Experts
Handling the challenge of relocation independently can overwhelm you. Instead of undertaking
all major responsibilities yourself, choose to hire the following professionals:
● Real Estate Agent: The new home will need to have essential features to help your
parents age in place. Additionally, when it comes to location it needs to have a balance
between proximity to your workplace, emergency services, and recreation activities.
Send the list of requirements to a top-rated agent who will find properties for you.
● Movers: Where you choose to keep or sell your home, there will be belongings you’ll
need to move. If you have numerous big-ticket items and are moving a long distance,
hiring movers is the way to go.
Affording the Home
Buying a new home is no small investment by any means. Here are a few funding options you
can consider:
● Mortgage: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will provide you with a clear idea of how
much home you’ll be able to afford. Additionally, when the time comes, your mortgage
could be cleared quicker than normal.
● Pooling Savings: The expenses of hiring a real estate agent, closing costs, etc. can be
covered by using a combination of savings from you and your parents.
● Selling Property: If your parents and you choose to sell your respective homes, it may
generate enough funds to afford the new house with a limited mortgage.
As you can tell, the process of relocation has lots of moving pieces. But through proper planning
and help from professionals, you’ll be able to overcome barriers and provide your loved ones
the care they deserve.
Real Estate Pup is the newest and coolest property search engine listing site for those
looking to buy a home, rent, lease or sell. Call (951) 289-1710.