Guest Article By Jim Vogel
Moving a senior loved one into your home isn’t a decision anyone makes lightly—it’s a situation that is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly challenging. Many choose this path because they can’t afford a senior living facility or they don’t have a lot of time to make other arrangements. Even though the costs of sharing your home with your loved one can be more manageable, it can still cause a lot of financial strain. Here are four budget-friendly ways to prepare your home for a senior loved one.
Buy new household items with Macy’s deals and discounts
Your household is increasing by one, and while that may not seem like a lot, chances are there will still be some big changes. Their personal household items, like the bed, linens, and towels, may need to be replaced if they’re worn.
You can ease the burden on your budget by looking online for promo codes and discounts for major home goods retailers like Macy’s. From kitchenware to bathroom accessories, a major retailer can be a one-stop-shop for prepping your home for your loved one.
Think long-term when it comes to storage
Since your loved one may be downsizing from an entire house to a bedroom, there will likely be plenty of boxes and furniture to store. Downsizing can be an emotional process for most seniors, because they need to decide what to take with them to their new home. However, it can also be stressful for you since you’ll need to find a place to store their belongings.
Instead of driving across town every day to grab something in storage, the most convenient option of storing you or your loved one’s belongings also happens to be the most economical— store the items in your home. If you lack the space in your garage or attic, you can install a steel shed in your backyard. Steel buildings last a long time, and because they’re easy to assemble, you don’t need to hire a professional to build it for you.
See Related Article: 7 Thoughts On Buying A Multi-Generational Home
Start saving now for future home modifications
Your senior loved one may be dealing with mobility challenges now, or they may face them in the future. Either way, you are likely going to have to make some modifications to your home so they can live comfortably and safely. It’s a good idea to start planning and saving now for the purchase and installation of life-saving modifications like ramps, handrails, non-slip flooring, louder alarm systems with lights, and brighter indoor lighting. You can make some of these changes more affordably by applying for long-term care insurance or looking into tax incentives.
Give some thought to privacy
Both you and your loved one deserve a sense of privacy. A senior may feel some level of indignity moving in with younger family members, and a little privacy can help them feel independent and in control. Likewise, even though you are all building a new normal, you don’t want to sacrifice everything about your current lifestyle and routine. A focus on privacy can help your life feel less interrupted.
Give your loved one a bedroom away from the main living areas like the den and kitchen. Also, if possible, try to give them their own bathroom—one they especially won’t have to share with kids. You can take it a step forward by finishing a basement or an attic so they have a larger living area. If that’s not within your budget, try giving them a private entrance with their own private patio so they can really feel a sense of autonomy.
One out of every five caregivers lives with the person they are caring for. It’s important to plan for the changes that will occur in your home and your life, so you aren’t feeling overwhelmed by the new responsibility and potential financial burden.
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