COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With over 73 million baby boomers in the U.S. and the youngest turning 65 in 2030, today’s millennials (their children) are left making difficult decisions regarding care, safety and quality of life for their aging parents.
“Boomers are an independent generation, having been raised during a time of unprecedented technological advances, innovations and with different expectations regarding retirement and lifestyle,” says Lisa Cini, author of BOOM: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that you can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive. “Accepting help and loss of independence like taking away mom’s car, can be devastating for the boomer who has enjoyed a lifetime of self-reliance.”
Consider the following tips to help manage the care of aging family members:
- Equip the house to age in place: According to AARP, just 43% of Americans anticipate being able to stay in their home as they age, although 76% would prefer to stay in their current residence. Make it possible for parents and grands to stay in their own homes with simple upgrades for maximum safety and comfort. Simple fixes can include converting bathtubs to walk in showers, installing bidets for bathroom independence, and using devices like the Roomba, for cleanliness. More can be found at: bestlivingtech.com
- Get technical with gifting: There are more options than ever before to monitor various aspects of health, including heart rate, breathing, and sleeping. Consider gifting useful devices that measure health predictors like CarePredict, a wearable device that provides vital insight during normal activities like walking, eating, and sleeping.
- The majority of Americans do not an have an Estate Plan. Clint Coons, ESQ and founder of Anderson Business Advisors, says, "A survey by AARP found over 60% of American adults do not have an estate plan.” As many adult’s transition into assisted living environments it becomes critical for these individuals to have a proper estate plan. Key documents include a living trust to bypass probate, a living will to prevent unnecessary care that can bankrupt an estate, a medical power of attorney that grants a trusted family member the ability to work with health care providers, and a pour over will.
- When is the time to address the car talk: Incidents like multiple violations, accidents, or falling asleep at the wheel may signal time to consider revoking or limit driving. When approached with compassion, restricting driving can open the possibility for more quality time doing tasks together, like grocery shopping or going to the doctor’s office. Plus, being car free clears up many financial obligations and gives newfound space in the garage for special projects.
- Consider multigenerational living: “Living with my parents, kids, and my grandmother with Alzheimer’s has allowed us to connect in so many beneficial ways,” says Cini. “It allowed me to keep up with my parents’ and grandmother’s health and help them when they need it. My kids have created lifelong memories with their grandparents that would not have been possible in any other environment. Strengthening their relationship to our family and the values we hold dear.”
“I truly believe that the quality of one’s life is more important than longevity,” adds Cini. “Remember that rearranging different aspects of your loved ones lives in order to best serve them in the long run can be difficult to do initially but will be beneficial for years to come.”
Lisa Cini is an award-winning senior living designer, President / CEO of Mosaic Design Studio and author of BOOM: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that you can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive, The Future is Here: Senior Living Re-imagined, and Hive, which describes her family’s four generations living under the same roof in her own home. Go to Lisamcini.com to sign up for her blog. If you want to find the best tech products that help seniors Embrace Aging and Live Independently, visit BestLivingTech.com.
