According to Pew Research Center, the number of people living in multigenerational homes has doubled since 1980. The cost of having an aging parent live in an assisted living facility can be overwhelming, so it often makes more sense to have them move in with you. However, there are plenty of challenges to consider before making this decision, as it is impactful to both you and your parent. Providing the right senior care is a big concern, and here are some other considerations to make.
Can You Provide Enough Senior Care For Their Needs?
Understanding the amount of senior care an aging parent needs is critical before moving them in with you. If you aren’t able to provide the appropriate amount of care, then you may need to consider hiring a professional caregiver. Things like doing laundry and cooking for them are simple tasks you can incorporate into your normal routine. But it’s the other things like helping them change clothes, bathing them, helping them in the bathroom, and other tasks that can quickly take up a lot of your time.
Talk To Others In The Household About The Move First
If you have children or other family members living in the household, it’s important to understand their thoughts on moving in an aging parent. Talk about where they would stay, whether any parts of the home would have to be shared, and any other potential concerns. Being on the same page with other household members can make for a much more pleasant transition.
Think About Your Budget
The cost of assisted living facilities can deter people from living there, but it’s not cheap to have an aging parent move in with you either. Consider your grocery bill, transportation requirements, additional utility and water usage, and more. You may even need to invest in mobility products like a wheelchair ramp or a stair lift to help them navigate your home, which could impact your budget as well.
Evaluate How Accommodating Your Home Is For A Senior
Some homes simply aren’t suitable for a senior with mobility limitations without making some upgrades or enhancements. It’s easy to move around furniture to create more open space for walking, but there are other details to consider. You may need to install grab bars in bathrooms to help prevent falls. And if you have stairs, a stair lift can be vital for helping them navigate them safely without having the fear of them losing their balance and falling.
Be Honest About The Relationship With Your Aging Parent
Providing occasional senior care for an aging parent and living with them every day brings major differences. Be honest with yourself about the relationship you have with your aging parent. There will be some ups-and-downs with having them in the house, but the last thing you want to do is put a significant strain on an otherwise good relationship. Set some ground rules to ensure you still have enough personal space to be happy in your home and be as transparent as possible with them for a better overall experience.
Next Day Access understands the challenges of having an aging parent move in with you. We can help outfit your home with the proper mobility devices to keep everyone safe, so contact us today for a free home assessment.