Moving Aging Parents Into Your Home

Posted by Richard on October 16, 2018

Aging parents are more likely to live with the kids today than they were 70 years ago, according to research.

Living arrangements that include elderly parents have been on the rise during the past 15 years after a precipitous fall starting in the 1940s, according to Pew Research Group.

Among those Americans aged 55 to 64, 24 percent live in multigenerational households. That number declines a bit among those aged 65 and older when about 21 percent live in such households. The trend is most pronounced among Asian and Hispanic families.

Decisions on merging households

Merging households can be a big step that can impact relationships, finances, and living arrangements, according to AARP.

The first step to take before moving parents into your home is to make an honest evaluation of their current relationship with you, your children, and spouse. Unresolved personal issues, bad habits like smoking, or unwanted pets will likely create problems down the road.

Medical issues such as chronic illness or physical limitations, meanwhile, can stress every family member and you must discuss ahead of time who will be responsible for pitching in to help. Even under ideal conditions, families have to prepare for health changes that affect mobility and behavior.

Making room for someone new in the house might also mean children will end up sharing a room or even necessitating costly changes such as grab bars in the bathroom, wheelchair ramps, and railings. Take time up front to discuss the costs as well as who will be responsible for paying for them. Depending on the situation, there may be local services available that can help cover costs.