When the Holidays Reveal It’s Time for a Change: Caring for Aging Parents in 2025

The holidays are a cherished time for family gatherings but can also bring unexpected realizations. For the Johnson family, Thanksgiving was a turning point. When they visited their 80-year-old mother, they noticed her once-tidy home was in disarray, her fridge held expired food, and she seemed more forgetful than ever before. These signs made it clear that Mom needed more support than they could provide from a distance.  When the holidays reveal it’s time for a change,  what should families consider when relocating aging loved ones?

As 2025 begins, the Johnsons face significant decisions about their mother’s care. Like many families, they’re considering relocating her to Georgia, where they live, to ensure she has the care and attention she needs. But such a move requires thoughtful consideration.

What should families consider when relocating aging loved ones?

1. Proximity to Family Support: Being closer allows family members to visit more frequently, attend doctor’s appointments, and ensure their loved one receives quality care. It also strengthens emotional bonds and reduces loneliness.
2. Healthcare Options: Georgia boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including specialized geriatric care and memory care centers. Families should research these options to find one that aligns with their loved one’s needs.
3. Living Arrangements: Independent senior communities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes, and multigenerational homes should be evaluated. Each option offers unique benefits, so the choice depends on the parents’ health, mobility, and independence. Download Hurley Elder Care Law’s Metro Atlanta Nursing Home and Assisted Living Guide for a list by county and helpful tips.
4. Legal and Financial Planning: Families should consult a Certified Elder Care Attorney to navigate estate planning, Medicaid eligibility, and power of attorney. Georgia’s elder law landscape may differ from other states, making expert advice invaluable.
5. Emotional Transition: A move can be stressful. It is essential to involve the aging parent in decisions, visit potential communities together, and offer consistent reassurance. Families can consider hiring an Aging Life Care Manager and/or a Senior Placement Advisor to help their loved ones transition.

The Johnsons understand the importance of balancing practical and emotional needs. By planning, they can help their mother thrive in this next chapter of life.

Do you need a plan?

Every day, Hurley Elder Care Law speaks with families like the Johnsons as they determine the best care options for their loved ones. In January, our phones ring off the hook from loving adult children concerned about their parents after spending extended time together over the holidays. Call our office at 404-843-0121 to schedule your meeting with our experienced elder law team at any of our four convenient Georgia offices (Atlanta, Duluth, Peachtree City, and Woodstock.