The number of multi-generational households in this country continues to climb. According to researchers, 18% of the U.S. population lives in a home with loved ones who span several generations. From young adults returning home to live with parents to older adults moving in with adult children, a record setting 57 million Americans are part of a multi-generational household.
It isn’t uncommon for sandwich generation adults in the Dallas – Fort Worth areas to consider moving an older parent into their own family home. It helps on a variety of fronts. Grandparents can provide afterschool supervision and emotional support while parents are at work. Older adults who feel isolated living alone or are experiencing health problems benefit from being around their loved ones.
It is, however, a big decision with long-lasting consequences. Having an older loved one move in with you is not right for every family. In many cases, a senior living community or residential care center may be a better option.
Questions to Ask Before Moving an Aging Parent in to Your Home
Housing decisions are tough at any age. But moving later in life can be especially difficult. When the time comes for a senior you love to make a change, it is important to consider their current needs and health conditions, as well as your family’s situation. Despite the obvious benefits of having your loved one close, you might pay a price in added stress, an unhappy spouse, and a loss of privacy.
If you’re thinking about moving a north Texas senior loved one in with you, here are a few questions to ask yourself first:
1. How does the rest of the family feel about this potential move?
Do your spouse and parent get along well enough to live together? Do you have a baby or teenagers that might make it difficult for your aging parent to get the rest they need? Be honest with yourself about your own relationship with your parent. Will living together be too stressful for both of you?
2. How much care does your aging parent need?
What is the status of your parent’s current physical and mental health? Do they have any health conditions such as Alzheimer ’s disease that require special care? How willing are you to provide your aging parent with assistance that might include bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom? Many adult children just aren’t comfortable delivering that type of care. You may need to hire in-home caregivers to help. In north Texas, expect to pay between $16 and $30 an hour for in-home care.
3. Will your aging loved one need to find new doctors?
Relocating your elder loved one might have an impact on their health care team. Will they still be close enough to keep their current physician and other health care providers? If not, call around to see what local physicians are accepting new Medicare patients. The same goes for their insurance. If they don’t have traditional Medicare, will they need to make a change in insurance providers?
4. Do you have enough room for your senior to have their own space?
Privacy is important for both your family and your senior loved one. Consider whether your home has enough bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate everyone’s needs. If all of the bedrooms are upstairs and your senior loved one has mobility issues, you will likely need to create an accessible space for them on the ground floor of the home if you are hoping to make this move a long-term solution.
5. How senior-friendly is your home?
Creating an environment that is safe for an older adult often requires home modifications. Unless you are fortunate enough to have a second master suite on the ground floor or an in-law suite, you may need to adapt your home to accommodate an aging adult’s senior care needs. Home modifications often include making one bathroom handicap-accessible, adding grab bars near the bed and even installing an electric chair lift. These types of costs can add up quickly.
The bottom line is that moving to a multi-generational household is a life-changing step for everyone involved. Proceed thoughtfully and cautiously. It will help you make the right senior housing decision for your loved one and help keep family ties strong.
Senior Living Specialists is a free service for seniors and their families. We are compensated by a referral fee when a senior moves into a community or care home. Please call us today at 214-929-5055 to learn more.
