While most senior couples prefer to keep living together, this can be challenging if they have different care needs. When aging in place, one spouse often becomes a caregiver to the other, a role which becomes increasingly difficult in later years. How do you navigate this kind of situation when making care decisions for your senior parents? As you consider their care needs, here are a few tips from New Generation Home Buyers to help you determine the best option for your parents.

Determine Your Funding Needs

If one of your parents needs to move into a nursing home, figure out how your family is going to pay for this. SeniorAdvisor.com explains that many seniors use their home equity to fund long-term care. One way to do this is to sell the home. Of course, selling the home means your other parent will need to find somewhere else to live. If they wish to remain in the home, a reverse mortgage may be the best option.

Do some research to find out how much your parents can expect to pay for senior living to determine if they need to tap into their home equity. If you decide that selling the home would be your best bet, start thinking about making repairs or upgrades. Just keep in mind that remodeling a historic home can actually reduce its value. Redfin suggests making repairs cautiously to avoid detracting from the home’s original look and feel.

Find New Homes for Your Parents

If only one of your parents needs to move into a nursing home, finding a suitable facility for them should be your first priority. You don’t want to put off this move any longer than necessary. Bring your parents with you and take a tour of different nursing homes together. While researching online will uncover a lot of useful information, you can learn a lot more about a senior care facility by visiting in person and talking to the staff. Be sure to ask your parents what they think about each option instead of making a decision on your own.

Once you’ve found a long-term care facility for the parent who needs it, talk to your other parent about their desired living arrangement. Would they prefer to live in an apartment near the nursing home so they can visit their spouse often? Could they move in with you? What about a retirement community or independent living community? Help your parent explore their options and find a place that suits their own care needs and lifestyle.

Keep Your Parents Involved in the Process

Compassion is key when helping your parents with these tough decisions. Seniors often experience a feeling of helplessness when they’re navigating a move into assisted living, especially when their adult children don’t involve them in these discussions. You can support the mental health of your parents by talking to them openly about their upcoming move. Ensure they feel heard and their opinions valued. 

When talking to your parent about nursing home options, AgingCare recommends using a positive, non-threatening tone. Refer to it as a community rather than a facility. Highlight the amenities, activities, and socialization opportunities rather than focusing on personal care. Try to keep in mind how your parents feel about this move. They both know that if they move to senior living, it will likely be their final residence, a realization that can feel scary and disheartening. It’s also important that you carefully manage your own stress levels well before you address this topic with your senior.

One of the hardest things you’ll have to do as an adult is helping your parents navigate their senior care options. Fortunately, there are several resources out there that can offer guidance during this difficult time. Tap into your support networks, maintain an open line of communication with your parents, and get help from a senior care consultant if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

New Generation Home Buyers is a real estate solutions and investment firm that specializes in helping homeowners get rid of burdensome houses fast. Call 719-882-2841.