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Janis Peterson, GRI, Realtor®

Philadelphia Main Line Homes and Real Estate

Tel: (610) 642-3744

Fax: (610) 658-0267

Subject: Should You Relocate Elderly Parents With You?
America's graying. By 2010, one of every five Americans will be over 65. And with the transient nature of life these days, many of us are facing or will face a potentially painful decision: whether to relocate elderly parents with us or provide for them long distance.

According to the May 1997 issue of Mobility Magazine, more than half of homeowners age 65 and over have lived for 20-plus years in their home; three out of 10 for 30-plus years. These deep-rooted seniors generally prefer to stay put, having developed networks of friends and professionals within the community. Uprooting seniors from a known, stable environment to an unfamiliar locale may not always be the best plan. Many people appear to agree: The Akron Beacon Journal reported that seven million Americans are caring for elderly relatives long distance.

What should you do? Consider enlisting help from family and close friends since you'll be coordinating your move as well. These suggestions should help guide you through the process.

Start with an honest discussion with your relatives and family. List the possible scenarios. They may include staying in the current home with support; staying in the same community but downsizing from a home to an apartment; moving to a retirement community or nursing home; moving to the new locale and living with you; or moving to the new locale and living in suitable housing nearby.

Explore your financial situation. Can your parents afford the move? If your company is transferring you, talk with the relocation manager. You may be eligible for elder care assistance.

Research the new locale. A real estate professional is an excellent resource. Request area maps and information on cultural and recreational resources as well as materials written for senior citizens/retirees. Ask about transportation resources. Does the new locale offer senior transport? Would shops and social activities be within walking distance? Is there an extensive network of public transportation should your parents eventually give up driving?

Consider your parents' health. Would the locale be appropriate? What sort of medical resources are available there?

Talk with your spouse and children about the ramifications of your parents moving in with you. Would everyone get along? Is there enough space to ensure privacy? How will the household be effected? How will your parents' social needs be met? How will the family budget be impacted? If the health of one of your parents begins to fail, how will it be handled?

Explore the possibility of your parents staying in their current home. This option may be less expensive than relocating. Do you have extended family and close friends who would be willing to provide support? If not, support services may be available in the community. Contact local agencies and senior centers.

Keep in mind that should your parents move, especially out of state, it may be very difficult to move them back if they do not adjust well. If possible, visit the new location with them prior to making a decision. A real estate professional can plan a "sightseeing tour" that will give them a better sense of what living there might be like.

Because this can be a very emotional time, you'll want to discuss the issues with sensitivity. Seek input from your parents. Listen to their concerns. And encourage them to make as many of the decisions as possible.

"Real Service in Real Estate." For a personal consultation on buying or selling real estate, Janis Peterson, GRI, Realtor® can be reached at (610) 642-3744, e-mail: jp4re@pahomes.com. Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors® is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

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Janis Peterson, GRI, Realtor®

Philadelphia Main Line Homes and Real Estate

Tel: (610) 642-3744

Fax: (610) 658-0267

E-mail: jp4re@pahomes.com

www.pahomes.com