When Holiday Visits Reveal It’s Time to Consider a Move

The holidays are a special time to slow down, reconnect, and spend meaningful moments with the people we love. But for many families, these gatherings also shine a light on changes that may have gone unnoticed throughout the year.  Holiday visits can reveal it’s time to consider a move.

The Williams Family

For the Williams family, this past Thanksgiving brought a sobering realization. During their visit with their 82-year-old father, they discovered unopened mail piled on the table, expired groceries in the kitchen, and increasing confusion in their conversations. It became clear that Dad was struggling more than he had let on and that he might need support beyond what long-distance check-ins could offer.

As the new year begins, many families face a common challenge: deciding whether to move an aging parent and how to handle such a major change with care and confidence.

Key Considerations When Relocating an Aging Loved One

1. Proximity to Family Support

Being closer makes it far easier for adult children to visit regularly, attend medical appointments, and oversee care needs. It also reduces isolation and strengthens emotional well-being.

2. Access to Quality Healthcare

Georgia offers excellent medical services, including geriatric specialists, top-tier hospitals, and memory care programs. Families should research which providers and facilities best suit their loved one’s health needs.

3. Choosing the Right Living Arrangement

Options may include:

• Independent senior living
• Personal care homes
• Assisted Living
• Memory Care
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Multi-generational living arrangements

Each one comes with unique benefits depending on a parent’s mobility, cognition and daily-care needs.

4. Legal and Financial Planning

Relocating a parent often requires reviewing or updating essential documents and benefits. A Certified Elder Law Attorney can help families navigate:

• Estate planning
• Powers of Attorney
• Advance directives
• Medicaid and other Public Benefits
• State-to-state differences in long-term care planning

Expert guidance can prevent costly mistakes and protect assets.

5. Managing the Emotional Transition

A move, especially later in life, can be overwhelming. Involving the aging parent in decision-making, scheduling tours together, and offering steady reassurance can make the experience much smoother. Many families also work with an Aging Life Care Manager or Senior Placement Advisor to help support the transition.

Do You Need a Plan?

At Hurley Elder Care Law, we talk with families at the beginning of each year who have returned from holiday visits and are concerned about the changing needs of aging parents. If this season has raised similar questions for your family, you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone.

Call us at 404-843-0121 to schedule a consultation with our experienced elder law team at any of our four convenient Georgia offices—Atlanta, Duluth, Peachtree City, and Woodstock. Virtual appointments are also available. Together, we can develop a thoughtful, comprehensive plan tosupport your loved one in the year ahead.