When you live in a senior living community, that doesn't mean you want to be separated from your family. In many ways, you may still be able to do the things you always could — you might just need a little extra assistance.
Once you're in a position where you're getting the help you need, it's reasonable to wonder how you can continue helping your own grown children and grandchildren. Fortunately, there are ways you can continue to connect and support your grown children and grandchildren even if you're no longer in your original home.
There are many ways you can continue helping your children and grandchildren even after you move into an assisted living or independent living community. While you may have decided not to drive anymore or you might not cook without assistance, there are still things you can do based on your current abilities.
Here are five ideas you could consider doing for your children and grandchildren to show your support.
One of the things you can do to continue to support your children and grandchildren is offer to pass on your knowledge. Whether you understand the importance of investing in education or the stock market or you have the background needed to help your grandchild with homework assignments, passing on what you know can be an excellent way to connect and continue supporting the people you love.
Sometimes, finding a great job or being able to move up in the world is all about networking and who you know. You've worked for many years and likely still know people in your industry (as well as others).
Passing on the name of your adult child to another resident's child when the topic of a job comes up might help your child obtain a position they never thought about. Finding out about a job opening and knowing someone to help your child or grandchild get their foot in the door could make the difference as they work on their careers.
Everyone doesn't have the financial ability to provide large gifts, but that doesn't mean you can't take some of the stress off your children or grandchildren at one time or another. Something as simple as offering to make dinner at your home when you know they're short on groceries could take stress off their shoulders.
When your adult children have children of their own, there are bound to be times when they need a helping hand. From having to go into the office on a day off to needing extra help for a few hours after school, parents face a number of scenarios where outside help is welcome. Being willing to watch your grandchildren for even an hour or two can be a great help.
Just sitting with your grandchildren for a few hours after school until their parents are home or offering to watch them on a Saturday afternoon could give your adult child the break they need to get more done and support their household.
Finally, no matter what kind of living situation you're in, the one thing you can always do is provide the emotional support that your children and grandchildren need.
There may be days when they just need to hear some positive words and you could be the one to provide them. Keeping in touch with your children and grandchildren helps you build a relationship they know they can trust.
Consider having regular chats over the phone, or set up family dinner times during the week. Remember important upcoming events, and ask how your children and grandchildren are doing.
Being emotionally invested in your family (and providing positive support) will help build a strong bond that makes everyone feel more confident.
The great thing about assisted living is that it's still independent living in many ways. You may want to spend time with your children and grandchildren, and you can do that in your private apartment. The communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella focus on providing a maintenance-free lifestyle. You have your own private apartment as well as access to lifestyle amenities and services.
That means you can continue to watch your grandchildren during the day as you support your adult child returning to work or school. You can still have great communication and come and go freely. In many of the communities, you can even cook a weekly meal for your family in a community kitchen if you feel inspired. Your independence gives you the ability to continue supporting your children and nurturing your relationship, and that's something you can keep when you live here.
