Moving my parents (Austin, Georgetown, Lakeway: apartments, movers, homes)

[LynneD]

My elderly parents are looking to move into a smaller home or an elderly community home in Austin, and I am helping them, but I don't know the first thing about where to look and what the best places would be. I thought about talking to a moving company and I found one that seems to cater to the elderly. It's called Heavenly Caregivers and their website is www.heavenlycaregivers.com. Has anyone heard of them or used them before? I would like to get some advice on if it would be worth it to use a service like this or just do it on my own. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by LynneD

My elderly parents are looking to move into a smaller home or an elderly community home in Austin, and I am helping them, but I don't know the first thing about where to look and what the best places would be. I thought about talking to a moving company and I found one that seems to cater to the elderly. It's called Heavenly Caregivers and their website is Senior Care Austin | In Home Care Austin | Home Health Care Austin. Has anyone heard of them or used them before? I would like to get some advice on if it would be worth it to use a service like this or just do it on my own. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Lynne, I would first suggest amassing a support group...family first, then friends and possibly current neighbors. We moved here to help take care of moving our 89 year old aunt(she was on her own for about four years). She had lived in her home for 35 years and began hoarding during the last few years. Clearing out the clutter was a daunting task. That's one place the support group can help. Culling will sap your energy and place a great mental strain on anyone who can't 'step away' from time to time. It's great to have some fresh eyes to look at the situation when it seems so overwhelming; never mind the physical toll it can take on just one or two people.

Do you want 'outsiders' to handle the task at hand? Will your parents be comfortable with that? Are there items of value that should be distributed among family members or sold or donated? I don't think our aunt kept 10% of her belongings, probably closer to 5% if you consider furniture. Your parents situation may be different; but, you should be prepared for quite a journey...in many ways, it can be satisfying...especially if your parents move to a safer, more comfortable place.

I'm not familiar with the business you mentioned. They might be experts; but, remember...they are 'outsiders'. DW is actually a home 're-designer' and considered specializing in just the situation you face--whether 'downsizing' in the current home or 'reducing' in order to move to a much smaller residence. We honestly didn't feel the income would be worth the emotional investment, once we saw how tough it was with a family member.

Good luck with your journey. If I can help with any of our personal experiences, please let me know. My best to you and your parents.

[RowdysMom]

You might get some help from the Caregiver Resource Center at Austin Groups for the Elderly 512-451-4611 or the Area Agency on Aging TEL: (512) 916-6062
TOLL FREE: 888-622-9111.

You might want to consider some independent living communities, e.g., the Clairmont on McNeil or Buckner Villas on Braker (and there are many others, these are just what come to mind) - or you might want to look at some assisted living facilities which have separate apartments and the residents can live independently or get assistance if and when needed.

I know the Area Agency on Aging has a list of assisted living facilities - but I don't know if they have independent living senior communities.

You could also investigate Sun City in Georgetown or Longhorn Village near Steiner Ranch on 620.

I found some information on independent living communities in Austin on google Austin Senior Living - Senior Housing in Austin, TX is Here

[G Grasshopper]

Hi Lynne,
My mom was in the Wesleyan at Estrella in Georgetown for several years. It is an independent living place and they are building an assisted living home on the same grounds. It is a good place, with good facilities (the building is about 3 years old) and much less expensive than most independent living homes, as it is supported by the Methodist Church. (A couple of years ago I looked around in the Austin area for independent living places that were closer to Lakeway, but all the ones I found in Austin were very costly, so she stayed at the Wesleyan.) But eventually, my mom became substantially blind and was progressing with dementia, and really needed assisted living, so in August we moved her to an assisted living place close to my sister and I in Lakeway called Vista Oaks. I am there most days, and I am very impressed with it. When we moved her, we were going to use the folks you spoke of (Heavenly Movers), but we decided instead to just have family do it. We rented a pickup truck from Home Depot. She didn't have much stuff, so it took us 2 trips from Georgetown to Lakeway. It worked out great, and I think saved us a lot. Your parents, however, may have more to move. Depending on what your parents need, some of those resources others have given might be helpful. Good luck. I know these kinds of transitions are stressful.