This particular generation holds a close place in our hearts! Marc was a child of the Silent Generation, and through him I got to experience what it was like taking care of a 91 year old mother-in-law and 88 year old father-in-law. Are you a child of the Silent Generation?


Have you ever heard of the "Silent Generation"? 

By Definition:
This group lived through the Great Depression and fought in WWII, Born 1925-1945
Here are some quick facts (featured in FORBES), full article HERE.
  • Many of them locked in fixed 3% mortgages on their first homes in the 1960s
  • They signed up for the defined-benefits pension plans their G.I. managers started in the large corporation where many of them worked
  • Midlife high-savings decades roughly coincided (1980's & 1990's) with perhaps the greatest bull market ever in both stocks and bonds
  • After riding this bull, the "Silent" retired and sold out just before the crash hit
  • Given their material good fortune, along with their instinct to help others in need, the "Silent" as elders have become economic anchors for America's new renaissance in multi-generational family living
  • Many routinely pay for extended-family vacations or subsidize their grown Boomer or Xer kids


Our story begins in 2010 when the decline of our Mother began with falling and breaking her hip one night in the garage. They lived comfortably in 55+ neighborhood and it was difficult for them to come to terms that it was time to sell and downsize. The cost of long-term care combined with daily living at times seemed overwhelming.

We as their children chose to help them do everything, pack, move and adjust to their new lifestyle. Many of you may not know we took care of Marc's parents every single need for over 4 years (24/7), not a single moment off, at least not for Marc...until assisted living paradise!! And even then I could see the mental strain and worry that overcame him from time to time not knowing if the ambulance sirens were meant for his Father.

Do you have a similar situation? Are you wondering how the heck you are going to transition your parents when you have a family of your own?

Convincing Your Parents

A great article on moving elderly parents: HERE
"Moving elderly parents and talking about "nursing homes" or "assisted living" is probably one of the hardest decisions a child will ever have to make!" -Stella Henry, R.N. and Author
What if you have them visit a modern assisted living center? Perhaps deep inside their gut, they fear the stereotypical "old folk's home". They consider a move from the family home one more step away from their independence and one step closer to death.

First
Stress Safety First In Everything! Plant the seed next time your parent(s) shows any kind of stress about the house as far as upkeep or inability to maneuver easily in their own home! Now is the time to suggest they move and assure them there are plenty of resources to aide that process.

Second
Be proactive, don't wait for something bad to happen! Schedule some personal visits for yourself to see what various facilities offer. Once you have a grasp of it all approach your parents and tell them you did some research in their best interest and would like to show them some options for senior living. Don't push it and drop it if they get sassy. Pick & chose your battles..

Last
Be hyper aware of the "teachable" moments as they come about, "Mom please turn on the light before you walk into that dark garage to get something so you don't fall" Use this as a springboard to check out the local assisted facilities.

This may not be easy, however, it is better than getting that phone call that your parent has landed in the hospital and won't be out anytime soon, later to find out wouldn't walk again!

These are difficult shoes to wear especially if you have never tried them on before. A good assisted living center could be a place for your parents to thrive. They don't have the responsibility of keeping up a home. They are relieved of the need to hire help or let their home deteriorate. There are people around should they need medical help or other assistance. They have choices for food and snacks and don't have to prepare meals. But most importantly, they can make new friends and have an abundance of daily activities to help keep their brain active.

Advice From Experience:

Be Patient - Its not going to be easy, and yes, they'll revert to acting like a 4 year old! It's simply the cycle of life, they changed our diapers and hopefully you are prepared to have someone change theirs (or you will do it!)

Be Persistent - It will feel sometimes like fighting an uphill battle, but its better to get it handled before health conditions get out of control. Surprises will still come..being PREPARED to handle those surprises is most important.

Take Care Of YOU! - I don't think it is humanly possible to be prepared for everything your parents might put you through but keeping yourself positive and healthy is MOST important....this is probably one of the most important times that your parents will really NEED YOU so be ready physically & mentally.

Do you or somebody you know need help in selling their parents home? Contact us today so we can help you design a plan that will minimize your stress during this difficult transition.. We have been through it!

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work!



As your full service REALTOR® specializing in the beautiful city of San Diego, California, it is my personal goal to provide you with exceptional service. Here is where you will find articles on my personal experiences and Real Estate resources. My local expertise backed by one of the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the Real Estate market a definitive mark of stability, strength, quality and innovation.
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