Moves for Seniors Blog

Caring for elderly parents can cause new and unresolved conflict to arise; especially when you add moving into an already messy situation. As your parents start to rely on you for all aspects of their move, make sure to do everything you can to avoid sibling rivalry.

Photo Credit | Deposit Photos | @Jim_Filim

Below you will find ways to avoid sibling rivalry and increase the family bond while moving aging parents into their new home.

Keep the responsibilities proportionate. Start by writing down everyone’s strengths. For example, if there is an affluent sibling who lives far away, they might be better suited to financially support the move such as hiring a professional moving company or purchasing packing supplies. The physically fit sibling whom lives close can help with the heavy lifting and organizing of possessions. The goal is to figure out which areas of the move each sibling will most successful at helping with and then divvy up the responsibilities based on their strengths.

Creating a responsibility chart give the opportunity for each sibling to communicate their ideas and opinions without causing friction between family members. The key is to avoid bombarding one sibling with all the responsibilities, but to make sure everyone helps in some aspect of the move.

Hold family meetings to discuss any and all issues. Communication is the key to any healthy relationship. The more communication between family members there is, the stronger the family bond will be, henceforth the easier the move.

Photo Credit | Deposit Photos | @ michaeljung

*TIP – Choose a common location such as a diner, coffee shop, etc. to hold family meetings. This will allow for a more relaxed atmosphere as well as take the pressure off of family members having to host.

Bring in a third party – advisor, counselor, or mediator. When families struggle to communicate on their own, a third party can help promote active listening. A third party may also help family members express feelings so that they are able to empathize with one another. Utilizing a third party is not a ‘must do’ but more of a ‘hail Mary’ if there is strife between family members. Keep this is your back pocket for those times things get unruly.

With all of these things in mind, below are a few more tips to help strengthen a family bond rather than break it.

• Be empathic
• Avoid unnecessary comments
• Relieve stress appropriately
• Issue a time out
• Set reasonable expectations

Now that you have the tools to maintain a healthy family bond and to communicate effectively regarding a senior move, let Moves for Seniors help with the rest! We will set you up with a specialty move coordinator and provide you with a senior moving checklist to help mom and dad (and you) prepare for the move. For all other questions, give us a call (800) 227-0515.