There’s a lot to get excited about when it comes to planning for your future, including where you want to spend it. If your plans include moving into a senior living community, then you’ll also want to consider including your adult children in the conversation. You dedicated your life to raising them, so they’ll naturally want what’s best for you. In this article, we’ll identify some ways to successfully navigate senior living conversations with your adult children.
Discuss Mutual Needs & Expectations
From a parent’s perspective, moving into a senior living community can seem like a situation that benefits everyone. Many parents don’t want to place the responsibility of future care on their adult children and would rather they live their lives pursuing their passions.
However, your adult child may feel an obligation to be the person responsible for your overall care as you age. They may also have strong emotions about changes to family dynamics when you leave the familiar family home. Deciding to move into a senior living community without seeking their input might create unnecessary stress for you and them.
The parent/child relationship varies across families and cultures, but it’s best to set aside time to meet with your adult children and inform them about your desire to move into a senior living community, while also allowing plenty of time for active listening and open dialogue.
Next steps: After you have an initial conversation with your adult child or children about senior living, you can gauge their reaction and determine next steps. If your children are critical of your decision, then you may want to have a follow-up conversation after they’ve had some time to think. If they are receptive, you could invite them to accompany you on a senior living tour.
Experience the Community Together
One of the best ways to involve your adult children in your search for a senior living community is by inviting them along on a tour of a community or communities that rank highly on your list.
On a senior living tour, your child or children can see what community life is like while exploring the community grounds, enjoying a meal, learning about services, and more. A senior living tour is a great way to help you and your child learn how this new way of living can benefit you.
Next steps: Think of going on senior living tours together to show your adult children you respect their opinions. Plus, they may have noticed or picked up on something that you might have overlooked while on the tour. You can even schedule time to discuss each community after exploring them to share thoughts.
You Should Also Talk About Finances
Moving into a senior living community can be a smart financial decision, depending on the community and your preferred lifestyle. For instance, a Life Care community offers on-site care at predictable rates, if they are ever needed.
Choosing where you will receive care, and how it will be accounted for, offers stability and predictability in the event you ever need additional support. Your adult children likely already know that the cost of health services can quickly add up if you’re paying market rates.
A helpful step to take with your adult child or children is to walk them through available care services available at the senior living communities you are interested in and showcase the levels provided.
Next steps: Make note of any lingering questions your adult children might have about finances and determine whether the senior living community you are considering can address them. It’s natural for your children to want to make sure you are making a sound financial decision.
You Have the Final Say in Your Future
While it is a nice gesture to involve your adult children in your decision to move into a senior living community, ultimately it’s your future and you need to do what makes you happy. If you need socialization, then let your children know that. If you need motivation to stay active, that’s another item you should feel comfortable sharing. Think about and recognize your needs.
It’s possible that your adult children didn’t even consider that you might want more opportunities to meet people or freedom from keeping up with never-ending home maintenance and housework. Every child has a narrative they’ve built up in their head about their parents. But needs change over time.
Next Steps: You should feel comfortable being open and transparent about what’s best for you. Continue to communicate your needs with your adult children, even if you don’t fully agree on everything. Shutting down communication can lead to more problems down the road.
How Harbour’s Edge Can Help
Harbour’s Edge is a high-end senior living community that pairs luxurious living spaces with resort-style services and amenities and an exceptional level of on-site care. We take great pride in our community and we sincerely believe that when you experience it with your adult children, they will better understand and even be excited about your transition to community living.
Contact us or complete the form below to learn more about life at Harbour’s Edge.
