Youre ready to retire and relocate but your aging parents need your assistance so what should you do?
Perhaps your parents are still living in their own home, the one in which you grew up, but you know its no longer safe or their best option. Do you help them move into a Senior Living Community or a Continuing Care Retirement Community near where they live, or do you move them with you?
Baby Boomers - the Sandwich Generation
Many of our clients coming to Delaware from out-of-state are dealing with one or more parent who they are caring for to some extent. For many this caregiver role is causing them to delay their own retirement plans while their parent is still alive. Moving any senior from their own home is not easy; they can be very resistant to change and determined to live at home. But, if you are ready to retire and relocate to a location which is better for everyone, what are your choices?
Home Choices for Boomers with an Aging Parent
Choice 1: Buy a home with an in-law suite.
It may seem that some Boomers are buying large homes. For some, this is to accommodate one or more parent who has moved in with them and for whom they provide care. For others with a large family, they may also have grown children needing a place to live while they are establishing a career. Or, it could be both of these situations!
TIP: A suite built primarily for an elderly parent can later turn into a wonderful Guest Suite for visiting family and friends. When you live at the beach in Delaware, you know youll have lots of visitors.
Choice 2: Buy in an Active Adult Community
If you buy a home in one of the Active Adult Communities with a clubhouse, pool, and other amenities, you will not be solely responsible for your parents entertainment. Choose a community with a lifestyle which can be enjoyed by you and by your aging parent.
Delaware offers many Active Adult Communities in Northern, Central and Southern Delaware. Learn more at Active Adult Communities in Delaware.
As your parent needs additional care, there are still options which will allow them to age in place by bringing services and caregivers into your home. The Village Concept is a relatively new concept that provides members with non-medical services for an annual fee. In Lewes, for example, we have the Greater Lewes Community Village, a member of the Village to Village Network of over 200 Villages nationwide. The Village is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to helping older adults live independently as long as possible.
Choice 3: Find an Independent Living Community near your new home.
There are many different types of Independent Living Communities, depending on the level of care needed.
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are transitional housing options where residents can start in an independent living section and then move to different parts of the community if they need increasing levels of care. There is an entrance fee as well as monthly fees which increase as higher levels of care are needed. A good example of a CCRC is The Moorings in Lewes, Delaware.
- Independent Living communities offer maintenance-free independent living with an array of services and amenities with some wellness services. This does not include the option for increased medical care that is part of a CCRC. The amenities can be elegant and upscale and every bit as active as any Active Adult Community. A good example of this is The Lodge at Truitt Homestead in Rehoboth.
- Assisted Living or Retirement Living typically does not require a buy in. There may be a one- time community fee or Capital Contribution, but the monthly room and board depends on the size of the unit and the amount of care needed. This environment provides personalized care in a safe and secure environment. Examples of Senior Living options in Delaware include Dover Place and Milford Place.
- Senior Apartments could simply be apartments reserved for seniors or they could be more like an Active Adult Community but in a rental apartment complex rather than single family homes. A new 55+ rental community that has opened in the Long Neck area of Millsboro, DE, is Carillon Woods.
This is just a small sampling of the options available to you when you relocate to Coastal Delaware and bring your aging parent(s) along with you. We will be happy to put you in touch with organizations and local groups that can help you decide whats best for you and your family.
Approaching retirement and looking torelocate to Delaware withyour aging family member? The real estate agents at Active Adults Realty have been there too, and are equipped to handle these specialized real estate concerns many Baby Boomers are facing. Contact us todayto schedule your free consultation and let our experienced agents help you through this important time.