5 MOST COMMON MISTAKES ADULT CHILDREN MAKE WITH AGING PARENTS
Our team understands that when older homeowners and their family members are facing a later in life move they're going to be dealing with a complex set of decisions and responsibilities. Each family circumstance is unique, of course, but most will find that they'll be facing some unexpected emotional as well as physical challenges. As a real estate professional focused on serving seniors in my communities, I want to share five mistakes that adult children tend to make and the ways to avoid these pitfalls.
Waiting Until a Crisis Occurs
Itās crucial for adult children to maintain open communication with their aging parents. Often, the desire to preserve dignity leads to unspoken assumptions about caregiving roles. To prevent the transition from occasional assistance to a full-time caregiver role, have an honest conversation with your parents about expectations and boundaries. By discussing your capabilities and setting clear limits, you can ensure a healthier dynamic for both you and your parents.
Failing to Adequately Equip the Home
The second most common mistake adult children make with their aging parents is avoiding difficult or sensitive topics. It's for adult children to engage in conversations about their parents' needs, preferences and wishes. The decision to age in place may require equiping the home for the long term.
Lack of Research into Senior Living Communities
There are a lot of alternatives to senior communities or care. Researching senior living communities, assisted living, and other choices can be a daunting task. Talk to a professional that has the knowledge needed to help with a relocation. As a Realtor who specializes in helping seniors and families, I would love to extent my knowledge and experiences with this part of the journey.
Trying to Handle Liquidation of Estate on Your Own
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate the challenges of liquidating a furnished home. Determine what they want or need to take with them can help to make the transition smooth. Having their belongings that they love and are familiar can make the move easier on them. Asking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a towards ensuring both you and your parents receive the support you need. Give yourself permission to reach out and assistance when it’s offered. Embr help can make a significant difference your caregiving journey
Inadequate or Improper Documentation
Make sure you know where all their documents reside, including mortgage papers, deeds, wills, bank accounts, savings plans, stocks, logins and passwords. Depending on the urgency of the move, having these documents readily available can facilitate a quicker process.
Content by Paula Amaker Senior Real Estate Specialist Columbia ā Baltimore MD