Preparing for the move

The person you are caring for is moving

This is the culmination of a process and discussions that, depending on the situation and needs of the person you are caring for, have led you to explore various types of accommodation, such as long-term care facilities (CHSLDs), IR-FTRs or private seniors’ residences (RPA).

Moving means changing your environment: vacating your home, changing your daily routine and the distance between family and friends, changing your pharmacist, grocery store, hairdresser. In short, whether the future home is chosen or not, it’s a big change for the person you are caring for. And for you too.

The decision has been made and the moving date has been set. Preparing for the move in advance is crucial because it will determine how well the person you are caring for is able to settle into their new home.

Preparing for the move

How you organize the move will depend on the type of residence. Here is a general list of things to think about.

For the new residence:

• Sign the lease
• Set up a payment plan for the rent
• Get home insurance
• Review transportation arrangements and other services such as home care, if necessary
• Submit changes of address

For moving day:

• Choose a mover by inquiring in detail about payment options, liability insurance, the contract, and cancellation policies
• Ask friends if they can lend a hand
• Visit the premises, take measurements, take photos, ask if it is possible to paint the walls or hang pictures
• Prepare boxes

For your current home:

• If applicable, terminate your current lease. The terms of termination depend on whether or not the move is related to the person’s health
• Cancel any home insurance related to this residence
• Make an inventory of items and furniture, and sort, sort, sort!

5 tips for moving

1. Sort. Changing your living environment often means reducing the number of items you own. Easier said than done: what to keep, what to throw away, what to recycle, what to donate? Find an eco-centre or places to donate used items
2. Consider the tax implications of moving, depending on your situation and type of accommodation. The CFFP has developed scenarios related to life transitions, such as moving to a health care facility. In some cases, a special moving service may be available
3. Before moving, recognize and verbalize your personal limits, priorities, and needs. Is your caregiving included in the moving boxes? Would you like to review certain aspects?
4. Assess the impact of the move. A documentary such as La dernière maison (The Last House) can help with this
5. Organize yourself in your own way. For example, you can work through a list of things to do six to eight weeks, four weeks, two weeks, and one week before the move, as well as the day before and the day of the move

Questions and possible solutions

My father, who has neurocognitive disorders, has been admitted to a long-term care facility. We waited a long time for a place. I am wondering about my role in this new situation.

It’s a big change, especially since the transfer to the CHSLD may have happened quickly! You could contact the centre’s social worker and/or the care team to discuss your role. Also, the training program You and me as life goes on can help you adapt to the changes brought about by this new living environment.

My father has joined us in our multigenerational home. Now I feel like a caregiver. I’m wondering about the tax implications.

This is a life transition for you! Yes, moving into a multigenerational home can have tax implications. The scenario developed by the CFFP will shed light on the possible implications; it is very detailed.

I am alone in preparing my sister’s move to a private seniors’ residence. Can I get help?

Yes, you could find community assistance to help you pack. The move can also be an opportunity to enlist the help of family and friends and review the family support system for your sister.

The person I am caring for is moving to a temporary IR, where they will stay for a few weeks before moving to the planned intermediate resource. I am discouraged.

In order to meet their immediate needs, people are sometimes placed in a “transitional” setting while waiting to move into the resource initially assigned to them. Preparing for another move (yet another!) can be a source of stress and/or guilt. If you need to talk, contact Caregiver Support.