Senior Housing Options: Creating a Family Support System Across Every Generation

Need a family support system that works for every generation?

Family members are spread farther and wider these days than ever before. There are grandparents on one coast. Adult children on another. And aging parents in the middle who need more care than a weekly phone call can provide.

That's why building a family support system that works for every generation -- and finding senior housing options that make it possible -- is more important than ever.

Luckily, you can absolutely create a family support structure that helps grandparents, parents, and kids thrive. Here's what you need to know:

What You'll Learn:

• Why Multigenerational Support is Important NOW

• How Senior Housing Fits Into The Family Plan

• 5 Tips For Creating A Family Support System For Every Generation

• Keeping it Going Long Term

Why Multigenerational Support is Important NOW

The numbers speak for themselves.

According to research compiled by Pew Research Center, an estimated 59.7 million Americans currently reside in what's being called a multigenerational household. Not only that… but that number is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Think about what that means.

More families are realizing that living in close proximity to one another (if not under the same roof) simply makes life better. Parents and grandparents can easily help one another with childcare, household chores, and daily tasks. Seniors have more support and companionship. And everyone benefits from the cost savings.

But… what happens if grandma and grandpa live across the country from their family?

Enter senior housing options.

When parents or grandparents move into the right community like Senior Living in Boca Raton, the entire family wins. Seniors receive quality care and friendship. Adult children and grandchildren gain another trusted resource they can turn to for support. And everyone has one less thing to worry about.

It's a win-win-win for every generation.

How Senior Housing Fits Into The Family Plan

Think about senior housing as an extension of the family.

When done right, finding a senior living community that's the perfect fit for your aging loved ones can actually improve everyone's quality of life. Grandparents get to enjoy social outings and daily care. Parents have another person they can rely on. And children grow up with extra love and support.

But senior living communities don't just impact today. They play a huge role in family planning for years to come.

Did you know that by 2030, there will be an estimated 27% increase of people in the United States aged 80 or over? That is MILLIONS of current adults who will one day need housing, care, and a family support system.

Making sure your parents or grandparents have the resources they need to thrive doesn't just benefit them… It benefits the ENTIRE family for generations to come.

5 Tips For Creating A Family Support System For Every Generation

Ready to get started? Use these tips to begin creating a family support system that benefits every generation under your roof.

Talk About It Early

There's never a "good time" to have the "what if" conversations about aging parents. But there are better times than others.

Ideally, you'll bring up the subject of senior housing options and care while your entire family is young and healthy. That way you can all sit down together to discuss what each generation will need moving forward.

You should also make a point to revisit the conversation every few years. Needs, circumstances, and senior communities change. By checking in regularly, you can help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Pick A Location Close To Family

As mentioned earlier, location is everything.

If possible, find a senior living community that's close to where most of the family resides. That way Grandpa can get visits from the grandkids after school. And adult children can stop by whenever they want -- even if it's just to bring flowers on a Sunday afternoon.

When everyone lives close to one another, it's easier to check in and offer assistance when needed.

Share The Responsibility

When dad needs someone to drive him to doctor's appointments or grandma needs someone to water her plants… it can be easy for one family member to take on ALL of the responsibility.

Avoid doing this at all costs.

Instead, divide and conquer. If someone in your family is better with medical logistics, have them take the lead on doctors and medications. If someone is a financial wiz, let them handle that side of things. And if someone loves to organize activities, let them come up with ways to keep your senior entertained.

When everyone pulls their weight, it's less stressful for everybody.

Make Use Of Technology

Sometimes family members can't be in the same physical space. And that's okay!

Today, there are so many technological advances like group texting and video calling that keeping up with grandma's daily activities can be as easy as checking your phone. And the same goes for senior living communities.

Many facilities have adopted technology that allows family members to track when their loved one wakes up, eats meals, and takes medication. Take advantage of these tools so you can rest easy knowing your parents or grandparents are safe and accounted for.

Create A Financial Plan Together

Talking about money is never fun.

But did you know that 36% of multigenerational homebuyers cite financial reasons as their biggest motivation for living with their parents?

When it comes to caring for your aging family members, finances are EVERYTHING. That's why it's so important to have the money talk early and often. Sit down together to create a financial plan that accounts for:

• Senior Housing Costs

• Medical Costs

• Emergency Situations

Thinking about finances as a family will help ensure every generation is taken care of… Now and in the future.

Keeping Your Family Supported Long Term

Here's the secret that no one tells you.

Building a family care system isn't a one-time thing. It's an ongoing conversation that will need to be revisited as time goes on.

How often should you check in? That depends on your family's unique situation. But scheduling a meeting with the entire family every 6 months to a year can help ensure:

• Senior housing is still meeting the parents needs

• The person responsible for checking in on Grandma hasn't burned out

• Financial situation has been reviewed and updated

As your family grows and ages, your support system will need to grow and adapt with them.

Remember… A family that plans together… THRIVES together.

Wrap Up

Being there for every generation of your family sounds nice in theory. But without a solid plan, it can be difficult to execute.

If you want every member of your family to feel valued and supported -- no matter their age -- start with these tips:

1. Don't wait for a health crisis to bring up the topic of senior living communities.

2. Choose a location that will allow your family to easily visit your parents or grandparents.

3. Make sure everyone chips in to spread out the responsibility.

4. Utilize technology to keep family connected even when you're apart.

5. Plan your finances together so every generation is considered.

The families that truly succeed are the ones that put their entire family first. And that starts with a solid support system.