In a recent study 45% of people found moving to be as stressful as a breakup or divorce. I am thinking to myself, how is that even possible, but then again, I have lived in the same home since 1993. I remember moving often as a child, and sure it was not what I would describe as fun or exciting!
I was continually having to start over, make new friends, find my way around a new school where I fell in line academically, and hoped I fit in with the other kids.
I believe there are certain times in our lives when we are better equipped to emotionally manage a major life event such as moving across the country. As tweens and teenagers trying desperately to figure out who we are, moving is exceedingly difficult, but it is also extremely challenging for older adults such as our parents and grandparents.
This generation has often lived in the same home, or town for 50+ years, raised their families there, and were often raised there themselves, leaving so many lifetime memories beyond. If moving is admittedly emotionally difficult then why is it necessary?
Most of you already know the answer, to ensure that our family members are safe and healthy, near people who love them to advocate on their behalf! If moving is necessary, then how can you orchestrate such a task especially when your loved one highly likely cannot travel alone?
The easiest way to move across the country of course would be to fly non-stop from one location to another, preferably with a familiar and trusted family member or close friend. If flying causes too much anxiety, or the person has memory issues that would cause difficulty, consider speaking to their doctor and asking for them to prescribe something to help during the flight.
If a family member or friend is not able to travel, consider hiring a Geriatric Care Manager to accompany your loved one. This individual typically holds a nursing degree and or may be a licensed social worker.
If flying is not an option due to medical reasons, there are medical transportation companies that are able to drive cross country. This option is typically not covered by insurance and can easily cost on average $10,000.
Often medical transport companies that travel interstate can accommodate up to three people with beds and can also transport a beloved pet on the journey. Some elderly is not able to sit-up for a cross country trip therefore a bed is a perfect solution. You can also choose to have a family member(s) ride along or hire a professional.
The final option is for a family member(s) to drive your loved one across the country in a private or rented vehicle. The key issue is the ultimate health and care of the loved one moving.
