For families and other helpers
Support the move while keeping their preferences central.
You may be helping a parent, relative or friend. Begin by asking what matters to them and what kind of help they actually want.
Helpful support starts with listening.
- Ask what they want to keep the same, not only what needs to change.
- Offer a few manageable choices, with time to consider them.
- Agree how, when and with whom updates will be shared.
- Share practical tasks such as measuring furniture, gathering public information or arranging packing help.
- Do not pressure someone to sell or discard meaningful belongings.
- Check who has authority before making property decisions or giving instructions.
Support is not the same as authority.
Do not assume an older adult lacks capacity. Family involvement does not automatically confer authority to make decisions or receive private information.
Work with the homeowner and any authorized decision-makers. Questions about legal authority belong with a lawyer. This website does not explain how to bypass someone’s wishes.
Couples may have different housing preferences or support needs. Ask what matters to each person instead of treating the household as one set of needs.
A conversation, not a test.
Use whichever questions feel useful. You do not need to answer them all at once.
Open the printable conversation worksheet- What would you like to keep the same?
- What is becoming difficult at home?
- What would make a move feel more manageable?
- Who would you like involved?
- Which questions would you like answered first?
Share the tasks, not the pressure.
Agree a small task list and one point of contact chosen by the homeowner. Keep care enquiries separate from real estate questions, and only share personal information with permission.
Organizing communication and practical help · Planning your move
Ask about the real estate side together.
The homeowner can choose who joins the conversation and how information is shared.