Thanks to warmer temperatures, sunny days, and scenic beaches, Florida is home to over 3.5 million residents over the age of 65. In the 2010 U.S. Census, Florida’s overall population was 18.8 million, including 3.3 million over the age of 65. In 2020, Florida’s senior population is expected to grow to 4.4 million, and by 2030, the senior population is expected to hit six million.
With Florida’s senior population expanding at a rapid rate, moving your elderly parents to Florida is a great way to help them enjoy their retirement and live life to the fullest. Before making the move, here are three things to keep in mind before relocating your parents.
Choose Appropriate Transportation
If your elderly parents are physically able to fly, book a nonstop flight to Florida. If no nonstop flight is available, opt for a direct flight, which has a stop but doesn’t require a plane change. Aim to minimize walking and wheelchair navigation at the airport to reduce stress.
If your parents aren’t physically able to fly, research specialty medical transport services. While specialty transport services tend to be more expensive, they can provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that specialized medical staff is available to take care of your parents.
If you’re not able to travel to Florida with your parents, consider hiring a care manager, a professional with years of experience coordinating care and services for elderly adults, for both ends of the move. Working with a care manager provides access to local resources, and a care manager can find and arrange advanced medical support during the move if necessary. Additionally, a care manager can communicate with family members and healthcare professionals, find new healthcare providers for your parents, and arrange movers to unpack their belongings.
Hire an Experienced Real Estate Agent
Most people are already familiar with Florida’s biggest destinations: Orlando, home to Disney World and Universal Studios, Miami, perfect for lounging on the beach, and the Florida Keys, which offers a laid-back lifestyle in the southern region of the state. But an experienced real estate agent can guide you and your parents through Florida’s lesser-known spots and help you find the perfect retirement home for your elderly parents.
After moving your parents into their dream home, take the time to make sure your parents’ new home is up-to-date. If you find any issues with their home’s HVAC system, ask your real estate agent for recommendations or Google “Orlando air conditioning repair“ or “Miami AC repair“ to find local experts in AC repair services. If you’re not sure where to start, the expert HVAC technicians at Air Pros, a family-owned and operated air conditioning repair service in Central Florida have years of experience repairing all types of AC units, including those from leading brands of residential AC.
Research New Healthcare Providers
After relocating to Florida, your parents will need to find new doctors and healthcare providers. Researching healthcare providers before the move can give you a general idea of what’s available in your area.
For example, if your parents require hearing care, search for a reliable local team with experience working with all hearing aid styles and hearing aid manufacturers. Although modern-day hearing aids are built to be durable and withstand years of use, certain elements can still cause damage to hearing aid components and require them to be repaired. Researching hearing aid repair professionals in advance can provide you and your parents with peace of mind during the move.
If you’re planning to hire a care manager for the move, let them know you’re interested in finding new healthcare providers for your parents and provide detailed information about your parents’ medical history. Additionally, be sure to transfer prescriptions in advance to avoid running out of prescription medications.
Whether your parents are planning to move to Orlando or Fort Meyers, assisting your elderly parents in their move to Florida can help them live their dream retirement life.
