Aging Parents, Helpful Tips, Senior Living

Adult Children and Senior Living: Helping Parents Make The Transition

Adult Children and Senior Living: Helping Parents Make The Transition

Approaching the topic of senior living with your parents or loved ones can be a challenging and complex conversation. As roles between parents and adult children shift from caretakers to caregivers, it can be difficult to navigate what comes next. There are plenty of misconceptions about senior living communities and knowing what to look for is extremely important. By helping your loved one navigate senior living options, you can make the best decision for their next chapter in life.

Inquiring

One of the most important steps to finding out about senior living options is to inquire. It may seem simple but inquiring at different communities is how the process of deciding what is best for your loved one begins.

By opening the conversation with a community, you start the process of evaluating what your loved one needs in terms of independence, assistance, and wants. So, what are the best ways to start inquiring about communities?

Research Different Locations

A simple Google search of communities in an area you’re looking is a great starting point. Look at the different types of communities offered and read reviews from residents and families. Another great resource to start with is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a department who evaluates and rates senior living facilities based on factors such as health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.

Contact Facilities Directly

If there is a community you’re interested in learning more about, visit their website and read more about what they offer for their residents. You can also learn more by submitting your information through the community’s website or by calling directly. Be sure to outline any specific questions you may have and request more information about floorplans and living options.

Goalsetting

After you have researched different communities for your parent, have an open and honest conversation about the moving process and transition. Make plans to visit communities together to gain insight on what being a resident is like and how different levels of care are handled. Make detailed lists of any questions or concerns to bring with you during tours.

Visiting

Every senior living community is different, so it’s important to tour places to find out what they offer for levels of care, activities, and overall feel. Some places offer more amenities than others, while others offer more levels of care for aging in place. One of the biggest challenges with senior living is finding the right community to support your loved one’s needs and lifestyle.

Community Types

There are numerous types of senior living communities, with the most common being:

  • Independent living
  • Assisted living
  • Skilled nursing facility (SNF)
  • Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
  • Memory care
  • Combination of the following: independent living, assisted living, and memory care

Independent Living

Independent senior living communities are often referred to as “active adult communities”, “55+ communities”, or “senior apartments or villas”. These communities are perfect for older adults who enjoy being fully independent and active while enjoying the amenities of a maintenance-free and worry-free lifestyle. These communities do not offer medical care or support with daily activities. Living options for independent living communities vary greatly and include apartments and villas, which range from single family homes, condos, or duplexes.

Assisted Living

Residents in assisted living communities need a little more help managing day-to-day activities, while preserving independence and enjoying an engaging community life. Residents get assistance with activities of daily life, including dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, medication management, cleaning, and cooking. For example, at our campuses, our assisted living residents have completely private apartments, including kitchens, which offers autonomy and independence with support when it’s needed.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)

Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are the most common types of senior living communities. Sometimes referred to as “nursing homes” or “healthcare centers”, skilled nursing facilities offer 24/7, around-the-clock care. Staffed with nursing and nursing assistants, these facilities provide any type of care someone may need, including help with activities of daily life, mobility, eating, and more. Dining and housekeeping are included and offer residents an engaging social life.

There are two types of care typically offered in skilled nursing facilities —short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Short-term is typically for people after a hospital stay for an injury, illness, or surgery. On the other hand, long-term care is more permanent, with the resident living in the community. Living options typically range from private, semi-private, and shared rooms. The healthcare centers at The Ohio Masonic Communities offer fully private suites.

Combination

Many communities offer more than one level of care. For example, a community may offer 2-3 types of living options like: independent living and assisted or assisted living and memory care. Every location is going to be unique in what they offer for residents. These types of communities are sometimes more affordable in the short run because they offer fewer long-term guarantees. Researching and planning what makes sense for your loved one and their needs in the long run is important.

Memory Care

Memory care is specialized support for residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. As a type of assisted living, it gives your loved one a balance of as much independence as possible while giving assistance where it’s needed. Memory care can vary greatly depending on the community, so it’s important to see what options are best for your loved one. In our secure memory support neighborhoods at The Ohio Masonic Communities, each resident receives the individualized care and engagement they need to thrive.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

Senior living communities that offer a full spectrum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation are referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). While not as common as other senior living options, these communities offer the best opportunity for residents to age in place.

Residents who live in CCRCs can start in one level of care and transition into different levels as their needs change. For example, if an independent resident has a hip replacement, they can temporarily move to short-term rehabilitation at the same community. Residents who live within CCRCs are typically given priority for any open units if there are waitlists for specific levels like assisted living or memory care. By offering all levels of care at one location, residents and loved ones have peace of mind for any future needs.

Touring Communities

If possible, it’s important to tour any communities you and your loved one are considering in person. By seeing a location firsthand, you experience what daily life looks like for residents. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to both employees and residents to gain unique perspectives and find out what amenities are offered. Some questions to consider:

  • Are residents allowed to customize their living space with paint, furniture, etc.?
  • What amenities are offered in terms of living maintenance? What is included in housekeeping? What’s included in groundskeeping?
  • What specialized training does staff receive based on level of care, like memory care?
  • What activities and events are offered to residents? What are the most popular?
  • Are there offsite events or activities for residents?
  • What resident-led communities and groups are offered on campus?
  • Can I see a copy of the dining menu? What accommodations are made for special dietary needs?

Decision Making

Deciding what community is best for your loved one is a huge decision — and it’s important to support them during the process, however that may look for you. It’s important to choose a community and level of care that best aligns with your loved one’s needs and to keep future planning in mind.

Create a Timeline and Goals

Once a decision is made, setting goals will help with the transition into senior living. Let your loved one know that you’re there to support them and create a plan together. The best way to create moving goals is in increments, such as six months, three months, and one month, or whatever best fits your timeline. For example:

  • Six months before moving
    • Finalize any logistics and paperwork that may be needed to move in
    • Begin the downsizing process and assessing what will be making the move to the new community
    • Update and gather medical, legal, and financial records
  • Three months before moving
    • Hire and schedule movers early to ensure availability
    • Slowly begin the packing process, starting with nonessential items
    • Notify any healthcare providers about the transition
  • One month before moving
    • Submit an address change to the U.S. Postal Service
    • Pack the rest of their belongings and organize boxes with labels by room
    • Arrange donations or pickups for items that aren’t moving

The Adjustment Period

Adjusting to living in a new place takes time to transition into. Once your parent is fully moved in, make sure to regularly check-in or visit them and ask about their experience. Encourage them to be active in their new community and to engage socially.

Adult children can also have an adjustment period once your parent moves. Common challenges are feeling guilty or second-guessing, emotional fatigue, and overall stress from the transition. Keep a mental log of your own feelings and seek guidance from your support system or a professional if needed.

Everyone’s journey in senior living with their loved one is unique — and it’s important to honor that. Navigating the transition together can make the experience easier and less stressful, especially with thoughtful planning and research.

At The Ohio Masonic Communities, our mission is to help you thrive and confidently age in place. Our senior living communities offer maintenance-free living and engaging amenities. Check out our three campuses—Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio.

We are your number one stop for senior living options. Wherever you are in your journey, we’re here to help. For more information on senior living resources, contact us, or check out our Here to Help guides.