The Pros and Cons of Relocating an Elderly Parent to Another City or State

With every passing day we hear it more and more. The nation as a whole is getting older, and increasingly the responsibility of caring for Elderly parents falls on their children. This can be difficult if not impossible when elderly parents live far from their children. I’ve managed moves for hundreds of elderly people and I’ve seen first hand how challenging the process can be for all parties involved. Below is a list of pros and cons before making a decision to relocate your elderly parent to the city that you live in. 

Pros

1. Emergency Situations: Being located closer to family allows children and other family to respond more quickly in case of medical emergencies.

2. Emotional Support and Companionship: Closer proximity to family provides greater emotional support, increased involvement in family activities,  and reduced feelings of isolation.

3. Daily Assistance: If daily help is needed, assistance with activities like cooking, cleaning, and personal care are possible.

4. Monitoring Health Condition: Closer proximity to family allows more careful monitoring of health conditions, particularly for parents with multiple health issues.

5. Reduced Health Care Costs: The relocation of an elderly family member can potentially lower the cost of care by giving family members the option of providing some of it personally, rather than relying solely on professional services.

6. Social Activities: Family members facilitating involvement in social activities and community engagement can greatly improve an elderly parent’s quality of life. 

Cons

1. Climate and Weather: Adjusting to a different climate or weather conditions that could affect health and comfort. As an Arizona resident with two parents in their 80s, I have been unsuccessful in relocating either of my parents here from SouthernCalifornia…the mild climate there has clearly spoiled them. 

2. Cultural Norms: Adapting to new cultural norms or regional differences that may be unfamiliar. Anyone who has live in the same town or neighborhood for 40 or fifty years is likely to suffer some culture shock even moving a state away.
   

  3. Balancing Care Responsibilities: Ensuring that various family members are prepared to share caregiving responsibilities can be challenging and often is a source of tension.

4. Healthcare Regulations: Understanding and complying with different healthcare regulations and insurance requirements in the new state, as well as changing healthcare providers can be a source of anxiety especially for older parents.

5. Home Modifications: Making necessary modifications to the new home to accommodate the parent’s mobility and accessibility needs is typically necessary, and can be costly. 

Anticipating and addressing these challenges with careful planning, open communication, and support can help ease the transition and ensure the well-being of the elderly parent. It is important to make sure that all parties are in agreement on these issues to avoid additional costs and conflicts, before, during, and especially after the move is done.