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Encouraging grandparents to move closer to grandkids or simplify. Anyone ever done this?

Posted on 3/27/23 at 9:48 am
Posted by concrete_tiger
Member since May 2020
6066 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 9:48 am
Situation:
-My wife's parents have been retired for over a decade now.
-We have the only grandkids, but if they moved here, they'd also be within just a few hours of their other child.
-They were always borderline hoarders, and now really can't keep up with their house.
-Health is declining for both of them, and almost all of "granny's" appointments are here in ATL area anyway, and they stay with us. "Grandad" often overdoes it and has had heart issues, among other things.

-We have caught grief from time to time about not seeing the grandkids enough. (we can't stay at their house because of hoarding).
-We (mostly me) worry a LOT about having to deal with their house when the time comes. I'd rather get ahead of it.
-Their social circle has mostly died or moved away. They have a bigger group of friends in Florida than where they live now (near Military base where he retired).

We have talked to them about moving into a retirement community, either here or in Florida, but it actually makes them a little mad. They are more concerned about having to get rid of stuff than anything else, it seems like. They literally (literally) go to Florida from Georgia 1-2 times per month currently. They own a condo at the beach they could even just move into.

We'd be happy with either solution, if they chose to live near us or in Florida. I just don't see how they can stay in the house they are in, it is massive and pointless.

Anyone ever dealt with this with success?
Posted by Paul Allen
Montauk, NY
Member since Nov 2007
75266 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 9:51 am to
Deep down people are always going to want to live where they want to live. Regardless of family or other circumstances.
Posted by madamsquirrel
The Snarlington Estate
Member since Jul 2009
48917 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 9:51 am to
Every day. Parents and Inlaws. If someone has the answer to get them to let go of possessions please share.
Posted by TheWalrus
Member since Dec 2012
40734 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 9:53 am to
Sounds like the hoarding is the key issue here
Posted by Dragula
Laguna Seca
Member since Jun 2020
4946 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 9:54 am to
Yes, and they never move
Posted by TaderSalad
mudbug territory
Member since Jul 2014
24668 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 9:59 am to
Similar boat with MIL.

Roll off dumpster and skid steer rental will be the answer
Posted by Tiger Ryno
#WoF
Member since Feb 2007
103158 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:05 am to
Hoardiding is a mental disorder. At that age it's likely too late for them. You will have to hire a company to haul off everything in their house and dispose of it.
Posted by CunningLinguist
Dallas, TX
Member since Mar 2006
18789 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:05 am to
Yes. Going thru this with my in-laws. They moved to FL in 2019 (from TX where we are). Their health went to shite and now it is stressful. My wife has a few siblings but she is by far the most successful so we are expected to lead support which is hard.

My mom lives in Slidell by herself too so that is a thing. She is in good health for now. My sister lives In Alexandria with her family at least so she can help there if required.
Posted by La Place Mike
West Florida Republic
Member since Jan 2004
28840 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:07 am to
Sometimes you have to take charge and force the issue. They may not like it but in the long run they will appreciate it. It was hard prying my mom out of the house. Often times they are overwhelmed by moving. You have to make it as easy in them as possible. The problem is it will be hard on you but well worth it.

In short get them out before their health completely fails
Posted by CaptainsWafer
TD Platinum Member
Member since Feb 2006
58385 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:10 am to
quote:

We have caught grief from time to time about not seeing the grandkids enough. (we can't stay at their house because of hoarding).


They need to shut that shite down, that’s a situation that is solely on them.
Posted by el Gaucho
He/They
Member since Dec 2010
53119 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:12 am to
Sorry baw me and your mom decided we don’t want to watch your little hellion anymore so you can go to marvel movies and comic con
Posted by greenbean
USAF Retired
Member since Feb 2019
4656 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:13 am to
Do whatever is in the best interest of YOUR children. This is hard to hear, but put the vast majority of your time, effort and money to better the life of your kids who have their whole lives in front of them, not into grandparents.

I know people who insist on living in, or moving back to rural MS (where schools are terrible and there are no, and will never be, many good jobs) to be close to family. They put themselves and their kids at a disadvantage.
Posted by RogerTheShrubber
Juneau, AK
Member since Jan 2009
261537 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:20 am to
quote:

Anyone ever done this?


Nope.

People live where they have priorities and want to live. It may not make sense to everyone else...
Posted by Floyd Dawg
Silver Creek, GA
Member since Jul 2018
3943 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:24 am to
Kind of in this circumstance right now.

My mom (no pics) is 81 and lives in the house in which I grew up in Savannah, 6 hours from us in Rome. She'll be 50 years in that house come Christmas. My brother lives in Montana.

She's done well decluttering and it's not a big house (1500 sqft on 1/3 acre) but at 81, she's been by herself for nearly 20 years and retired for 12. Most of her social circle has either passed or moved away. It's gotten to the point that her coming here is now a 2 day trip; she just isn't strong enough physically to handle the drive anymore. My son is her only grandchild.

She also suffered a broken wrist this year and I would have liked her closer to help with her recovery. We've discussed her moving here in the past, but I just don't think she wants to go through the effort.
Posted by Joehat
New Orleans West
Member since Jun 2011
968 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:27 am to
Maybe give them a reason to move to you, i.e. need help with the grandkids to give them a reason.
Posted by jcaz
Laffy
Member since Aug 2014
15718 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:33 am to
quote:

-We have caught grief from time to time about not seeing the grandkids enough

I’m currently so damn tired of this.
Retired Parents live 40 minutes away and are just so frustrated why I can’t take a whole Sunday afternoon to come fart around up at their place. How about you come to me and watch the kids so I can take a damn nap?
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
98324 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 10:46 am to
The specifics in this thread don't apply that much to me, but the general theme of aging parents sure hits home. Yesterday my mother had a brief episode where she didn't recognize me. Thankfully it passed, but I'm still shook up.
Posted by LittleJerrySeinfield
350,000 Post Karma
Member since Aug 2013
7721 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 11:07 am to
Here I am hoping my in-laws move further away.
Posted by LaLadyinTx
Cypress, TX
Member since Nov 2018
6073 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 11:09 am to
quote:

Situation:
-My wife's parents have been retired for over a decade now.
-We have the only grandkids, but if they moved here, they'd also be within just a few hours of their other child.
-They were always borderline hoarders, and now really can't keep up with their house.
-Health is declining for both of them, and almost all of "granny's" appointments are here in ATL area anyway, and they stay with us. "Grandad" often overdoes it and has had heart issues, among other things.


How old are they? Mine are 83 and 82. My mom and step dad were a little similar, but with less stuff. Their main issue was living in BFE rural N. La and having to travel 45 min or so to dr. appts, 30 min to get groceries, etc. They were very isolated. I had talked a little to them about assisted living, but my mom just didn't think they could do it. However, she was constantly calling me and whining about how she just couldn't handle living there and taking care of my step dad (mild dementia, falls a lots, etc.).

After so many complaints about things, I finally just laid it on the line and told her I'm tired of listening to your whining when she won't do anything about her problems/listen to what I say. I basically told her I can't fix it if she won't listen and take any action.

Maybe you can talk with them about moving somewhere they'd like while they can still enjoy things, like their beach condo? Phrase it so that it's about what they can do and enjoy rather than what you are worried about and how they can't do things anymore?

I know how hard it is as I just dealt with this last October. They still have a lot of junk in their house that I will have to handle at some point. I'm an only child, so there isn't anyone else. Their house isn't in great shape and it's in the middle of nowhere. I feel your pain!
Posted by Dawgfanman
Member since Jun 2015
22527 posts
Posted on 3/27/23 at 11:13 am to
quote:

Anyone ever dealt with this with success?


Dealt with what? As best I can tell you want to tell your in laws where to live.
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