Is It Cheaper to Move Aging Loved Ones Closer to Home?

What do you do when your parent needs your help? You rush out to help them, naturally. But imagine if that parent was not close by and you couldn’t just jump in your care and be there in a few minutes. Isn’t that a nightmare? I feel like we don’t talk enough about the emotional toll of caring for an elderly family member from a distance. On top of that, there’s also the financial side of things. 

If you have a family, you know the cost of living isn’t cheap. But if you also have a parent you’re caring for, it can be financially exhausting. Would it be easier (and cheaper) if they lived closer? This is a question I see more and more people ask themselves, and it makes sense. If your loved one is closer, it’s a win-win. Less travel, more time spent together, and fewer missed workdays. 

But is it cheaper in the long run? You have to think about what relocation costs, what the quality of local care is like, and, most importantly, your loved one’s well-being. 

Let’s find out. 

What Does It Cost to Move a Loved One Closer

I remember reading about a case from 2019, when the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office reached settlements with seven nursing homes because their systemic failures put residents in danger.

So, that got me thinking. What if my parent was one of those residents? It’d be about a 4-hour drive for me to get to Massachusetts, so how would I be able to keep them safe if I can’t even get there fast? Of course, what I would do is I’d call a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer in Boston to start the legal process, but even if I took a plane, it’s still about an hour and a half, and plane tickets are all but cheap. 

Is it not easier to have your parents live close by? Or just any elderly loved one? You can’t argue with the emotional benefits, like the fact that being close allows for hands-on care and support, which means less stress and anxiety. Plus, there’s no more long-distance travel, so that saves time and money. 

But there are upfront expenses most people aren’t prepared for. Hiring movers is pricey, especially if there’s medical equipment that needs to be moved. Then there’s the expense of setting up a new living arrangement. And if your relative or a parent already owns a property, there are costs related to selling it or renting it out. 

Comparing the Costs in Different Situations

Generally, if you’re moving a family member closer to you, you can expect upfront costs, but in the long run, it should be cheaper. But let’s compare a few different situations so it’s easier for you to decide what to do. 

1. Keeping Loved Ones in a Current Location

It might be both simpler and easier to keep your loved ones in their current location. After all, it’s a (potential) hassle and headache to find another suitable home and relocate them. But think about your finances in the long run. Long-distance travel is expensive. 

Fuel, flights, hotel stays… It adds up to a good amount of money. And with no one nearby to help, you might even need to hire a professional caregiver more often, which is an added expense. If your relative is in a nursing home, that’s also an added expense. 

2. Moving Your Relative Closer 

You’ll have some expenses upfront, but long term, this is the cheaper option. You’ll need to pay for a moving service, transporting medical equipment, and setting up a new space for your relative to live in. 

But once everything is set up, you can expect the costs to go down. There’s no need to pay for long-distance travel, you won’t need a paid caregiver all the time because you’re right there, and you get to spend more time with your loved one. 

3. Choosing a Local Nursing Home

Sometimes, you’re unable to provide the care your loved one needs. It can be because you don’t have enough time or because they need specialized care. Whatever the case, a nursing home might be your best option. 

It’s more expensive than caring for your loved one by yourself, but in this case, there’s less burden on your shoulders. 

Conclusion

If you’re willing and able to care for your aging loved one, moving them closer to you is a win all around, even in terms of finances. But if this isn’t an option for you, don’t feel bad. You can still move your loved one closer, but maybe in a nursing home or assisted living facility. You’ll still eliminate the expenses related to travel, and you’ll get to see them more. 

Not everyone is able to provide hands-on care to their aging family members, and that’s okay. Research, choose a reputable nursing home, and they’ll still get the care they need, as well as your company.