Alt: Older woman in a doctor’s chair.

How to Ensure Continuity of Care When Moving to a New City

Moving to a new city is already a big deal. It involves a new job, a neighborhood, and everything. Now, throw in making sure your aging parent or relative gets the care they need, and it’s a whole new level of stress. Trust us, we’ve been there. It’s hard enough managing our care, but making sure the people we love, especially those who depend on regular healthcare, don’t miss a beat? That’s a big task. However, what if we told you it’s doable if you plan and stay on top of things? In this article, we’ll cover our best tips to help you ensure continuity of care when moving to a new city.

Start Planning Yesterday

Okay, not literally, but as early as humanly possible. It’s tempting to put off the whole healthcare thing until you’re settled into the new place, but this is one of those things where earlier really is better. You don’t want to scramble to find a doctor for your mom or dad after you’ve unpacked all the boxes and realized their next appointment is next week.

First, make a list of all their current doctors and specialists. And we mean everyone: primary care physician, cardiologist, physical therapist, and dentist. Get in touch with each of them and let them know you’re moving. Most doctors can help you with advice or referrals in your new city if they have contacts.

Stay Organized

Managing elder care means balancing many tasks, from keeping track of doctor appointments and managing medications to handling referrals and healthcare updates. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but staying organized is key. Use a system that works best for you, whether a simple calendar, a detailed planner, or even a healthcare app that helps you track everything in one place. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Friends, family, or even trusted neighbors might be able to lend a hand with errands or sitting with your loved ones when you need a break.

However, regarding moving, especially if it requires relocating across Canada’s vast distances, relying on personal networks alone may not be enough. In truth, for a smooth and stress-free relocation, it’s essential to turn to long-distance movers. These professionals specialize in handling the unique challenges of moving across long distances in Canada. They can help with every aspect of your move, from carefully packing your belongings to coordinating the logistics of transporting them across provinces. Long-distance movers also offer services like unpacking and setting up in the new home, making the transition easier for your elderly loved ones. With their expertise, you can focus on caring for your family without the stress of managing a complicated move.

Caption: Hire a reputable moving company for a seamless long-distance move with elders.

Alt: A man in front of a moving van.

How to Ensure Continuity of Care When Moving to a New City: Scout Out Healthcare Providers in Your New City

Once you know where you’re headed, it’s time to do some detective work. Get online and start looking up healthcare providers – it’s the best way to ensure continuity of care when moving to a new city. Your parent’s specific needs will dictate who you’re searching for. For example, maybe they need a geriatric specialist, or perhaps they see someone for specific chronic conditions like diabetes or heart issues.

Various websites can give you an idea of who’s well-regarded in your new area, but don’t stop there. Ask around in local community groups or forums (especially those focused on elder care) for personal recommendations. People are usually happy to help; you might get insights beyond what the reviews tell you.

Caption: With a little research, you can find new reputable doctors in your new city.

Alt: Medical papers with a stethoscope.

Grab Those Medical Records

We won’t sugarcoat this; it can be a hassle. However, getting medical records transferred to their new providers is probably the most important thing you’ll do to keep their care on track. And it’s not like it happens overnight.

So, as soon as you’ve got new providers lined up, reach out to their current doctors and ask for those records to be sent over. Some offices might require you to fill out forms or even pay a small fee for physical copies. It’s annoying, but it’s worth having all their medical history in hand before they see their new doctor. It avoids awkward “well, I think they’re on this medication…” moments during that first visit.

Make Sure Their Meds Are Set

If your elder relies on regular medications, it is crucial to ensure they don’t run out during the move. What we mean is: can you imagine getting to your new city only to realize they’re out of something vital and there’s no prescription refill lined up? Nightmare.

Before the move, stock up on their meds. Get at least a month’s supply. That’ll give you enough time to settle, find a new pharmacy, and set up refills. Speaking of pharmacies, it’s worth researching which ones in your new city are nearby and maybe even offer delivery. Hey, anything to make life easier, right?

Caption: Make sure your elderly parents or relatives have enough meds to last until you’ve settled in your new city.

Alt: Older adult taking their medications from a box to ensure continuity of care when moving to a new city.

Ask Their Current Docs for Referrals

I’ll be honest: this step can be a lifesaver. If your elder has been with their current doctors for a while, those professionals know their needs better than anyone. So, before you leave, ask if they can recommend any colleagues or specialists in your new city. Even if they don’t have anyone specific in mind, they can tell you what to look for in a new, affordable provider. Maybe they’ll give you a heads-up on certain questions to ask or things to avoid. Either way, it gives you a starting point that can save you a lot of stress later.

Expect a Bit of a Transition Period

Moving is stressful for everyone, and no different for our elders. In the beginning, you’ll have to prepare them for this move. After that, there will be an adjustment period, and that’s normal. Maybe their new doctor has a different approach, or perhaps it’ll take a little while to get back into their routine.

Give it some time. Having medication and medical records squared away will give you a cushion to ease into this new healthcare environment without panic. In the meantime, be patient while everyone settles in.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new city with an elder can feel like a lot to manage, but with some planning and key steps, you can ensure their care continues without a hitch. It’s not hard to ensure continuity of care when moving to a new city, but you’ll have to be organized. The key is to start early, keep things organized, and give yourself (and your loved one) some grace along the way. You’ve got this!

Meta: How can you ensure continuity of care when moving to a new city? Consider our best tips for helping your elderly loved ones while relocating.

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Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/elderly-woman-lying-in-a-dentist-room-5621999

https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-a-stethoscope-40568

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-white-rectangular-box-8376161

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-white-polo-shirt-using-a-tablet-computer-5025643