Balancing Responsibilities: Millennial Caregivers

If you have ever worked with us here at Homes of Silicon Valley, you know we don’t just help people buy & sell homes. We help them take an important step in achieving a lifestyle that works for them. In a recent study released by AARP, there is one generation with one particular set of needs that is being overlooked, so we thought we’d give some rise to this topic and let you know how we can help!

Millennial caregivers account for 1 in 4 of the estimated 40 million unpaid caregivers in the United States, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute. We often hear about millennials struggling with student loan debt, housing affordability and the timing of having children. With the release of this AARP study, it would appear that like the rest of us - they are juggling even more than meets the eye and with even less support. Researchers discovered that millennials were far less likely discuss the challenges of caring for a loved one with their supervisors compared to their older counterparts, and that millennials provide significantly more financial support yet make less money than caregivers of older generations. With 54% of them reporting that caregiving has significantly impacted their work AND with nearly 75% of them spending 21 hours a week or more providing assistance, it’s clear that the struggle is real and rarely noted. (You can read the findings in full at: ‘1 in 4 Family Caregivers Is a Millennial’)

While the data above has great implications for future public policy and employer & family leave programs, we are committed to helping caregivers of all ages in the following ways – today.

Do you know a parent needs to downsize/move/relocate… but have no idea where to start?

Let’s face it; if every seller were in an ideal living situation, they would not be selling. We are cognizant of the fact that moves are emotionally and physically challenging, and that family dynamics are anything but simple. We know that the last thing you need is to tell mom or dad how to clean out their house or the best method of preparing their home for sale. But just as we do for all of our sellers, we can take on the burden and coordination of any preparation needed to maximize your parents’ ROI and minimize their stress.

Do you want to purchase a home that can accommodate multiple generations under one roof – and maintain your sanity?

If you are a caregiver who feels that the best way to assist a loved one is to live together, we can support your decision and find a home that does the same. Whether it’s telling you about an amazing floor plan we have seen that accommodates multiple generations well, walking you through the process of a granny unit addition or connecting you with a single-family remodeling pro – we have got you covered.

Do you need to simplify?

Do you have an investment property that is no longer manageable because of your caregiving responsibilities? Do you need to move to a location that provides equally convenient access to work and loved ones? Do you want to downsize to a condo or townhome that is less to manage with more amenities so that your free time is actually free? We are happy to listen to what is not working about your current living situation and help you discover what could make it better. If your home is no longer a source of enjoyment – we can help you sell and find something that provides a better quality of life. Making things easier at home may drastically help how much time you have to give outside of it.

Last but not least, we would like to express our most sincere gratitude to the many loved ones who have taken on the immense and honorable role of providing care for a family member or friend. You are not forgotten, and you are not alone. Please let us know how we can help.

All our best,

Mark & Jason