Becoming the caregiver for a senior loved one can be an extremely rewarding but difficult job. In fact, JAMA studies show that caregivers deal with many risk factors for stress. When your loved one lives far away, it becomes more challenging. Before you make any definite decisions, consider this simple guide from Brad and Karen Mattonen with Coldwell Banker Realty San Diego and start going through all your options.

Assess Your Loved One’s Condition

Determining whether loved ones need a caregiver requires an assessment of their condition. Do they have medical conditions, safety concerns, or mobility issues that require having someone nearby consistently? Do they struggle with day-to-day activities, such as basic hygiene and meal preparation? Once you understand what they can do alone and what requires help, you get a better idea of their current situation and how you can assist in deciding whether it’s time for them to move. 

Find the Right Home

You have a few housing options for both of you. The first step is to determine whether your loved one should remain in his or her current home. Living together could make your caregiving position easier, but it may require you to do some home updates or modifications. Common problems like broken or damaged windows are often overlooked by aging homeowners, but can cause safety and temperature concerns. Or, if modifying your loved one’s property and living together doesn’t work for you, you may consider transitioning your loved one into a long-term care facility or assisted living. 

If you decide to live together, you may find it more convenient to start looking for a new home for you to share. You have plenty of financing options, and taking out a mortgage is a fairly easy process. Lenders start by calculating your debt-to-income ratio, which is a simple calculation done by adding up your existing monthly debt obligations and dividing the total by your gross monthly income. They then decide what loan they think you can afford, and you can start searching.

When you’re ready to start looking, contact Realtors Brad and Karen Mattonen to get started. They are experienced in the San Diego area and can help you to find the right home for your and your loved one’s needs.

Also, if you’re moving houses, property taxes will be an issue that could get a little complicated so make sure you familiarize yourself with your tax obligations in order to avoid lots of extra paperwork and headaches down the road. If you aren’t interested in buying a house, you can always rent an apartment near your aging loved one. This lower-commitment housing option might be the right fit for some situations, but it really depends on how long you anticipate being in the area.

Choosing a Facility Instead

If moving to an assisted living or long-term care facility is your next step, take the time to do your research. You can search through an online database for San Diego facilities with the services and amenities your loved one needs. Make time to visit each, and come prepared with questions about their licensing, care services, and insurance coverage. Be sure to also read online reviews.

Prepare To Move Your Home and Business

Once you know where you plan to live, you can start the moving process. The goal is always to streamline every aspect wherever possible. Better Homes & Gardens suggests starting by going through your things and downsizing where you can. Sometimes this is necessary, particularly if your new home doesn’t have room to accommodate everything.

Begin searching for a moving company. Narrow it down to a few options and contact them to get quotes. Make sure you discuss your specific needs and ask for the estimate in writing. Most companies can do an in-home evaluation; if one offers to give you a quote over the phone, it’s probably not the one. If you have room in your budget, consider a full-service moving company that will provide all the supplies you need, box everything up safely for you, and unload it at your destination.

This is also the time to prepare your business for the move if you operate one. While using a moving company is recommended for a residential move, it’s practically required for a commercial relocation. Not only should you coordinate with the movers, you’ll also need to plan with your IT team to ensure that any potential disruptions are accounted for. If possible, a move is a good time to shift jobs to remote work, which can make life easier.

Get Help Where You Need It

Many caregivers aren’t able to provide around-the-clock care. If your loved one needs help around the house, sit down and form a budget to help you decide what you can spend on professional help. Hire a lawn aeration service near you to help with landscaping needs. When looking for a contractor for yardwork, discuss your needs and get a quote. Read online reviews for anyone you plan to hire, and do research to find companies that offer deals, such as a senior discount.

Tend to Your Needs While Caring for Your Loved One

Remember that you have to take care of yourself as well during this process. Be realistic about what you can handle and form a plan for backup. Be honest about your living situation, too. It may not be realistic to fix up a home and live with your aging loved one. Apartment living might be best for your mental well-being. When both you and your loved one are happy, you get the most out of this time together. 

Motherhood and Camouflage is about all things motherhood and military spouse life related. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!