Page 12 - Ashbridge Senior Living

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Considering your parents’ senior living options
Despite the potentially uncomfortable nature of such conversations with your loved one, it is a discussion that needs to take place so that you have a mutual understanding of preferences and concerns; and there’s no time like the present.
The best time for seniors to consider
a move to a CCRC, or other retirement community, is well-before a health crisis forces the issue. This is a good way to frame the conversation: It
is about being prepared for the unknowns of the future... for their sake and yours.
A few ideas on how to start a discussion with your aging parents about their senior living options...
❶ Cash out and move to a more senior friendly home
After living in a house for so long, your parents have likely built up a good amount of equity. Ask if they have ever considered selling the house and using the equity to buy a home that would be a better fit for them as they age (on one level, accessible shower, etc)
One of the many benefits of a CCRC
or other senior living community is that nearly every detail of the campus is designed with seniors in mind. The property and its buildings are custom- made to accommodate those with physical challenges (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc), if and when the need for assistance arises. The same cannot be said for the two-story home your parents currently live in.
Of course, home equity can also be tapped without selling the home, perhaps through a reverse mortgage or line of credit. This approach should
be considered but ultimately may not be practical or desirable, depending on a variety of factors.
❷ Downsizing while you are still independent and able-bodied
Your parents may have more house than they really need. Ask if your parents might be more comfortable if they had a smaller home to clean and maintain in the long term. But keep in mind: The prospect of downsizing can feel overwhelming to seniors who have lived in the same house for so long. If you are willing, offer to help them with the process of cleaning out the attic/ basement/closets.
For those living independently in a CCRC or other senior living community, exterior maintenance typically is included in the monthly fee... no more spending hours cutting the grass, cleaning the gutters, and raking the leaves.
❸ Moving closer to family
Those grandkids may just be your ace in the hole if you are hoping your parents will consider a move to a housing option that will better-accommodate their needs as they age. Many seniors would love to live near the grandchildren, and spending more time with family can
be a huge selling point in encouraging your parents to consider a more “aging- friendly” home in a community that is closer to you. Such a move would likely give you peace-of-mind as well, knowing you are nearby in case a health issue arises as your parents age.
While CCRCs and other retirement communities are designed for seniors, make no mistakes about it: There are lots of things that their children and grandchildren will love about visiting their new home. Amenities such as nature trails and game rooms make for a family friendly environment!