Living with your elderly parents is going to have different pros and cons than alternative options. Before deciding to move in with your aging parents, or vice-versa, there are a few things you might want to consider.
The benefits may seem to outweigh any negatives in the beginning. Living together means that financial burdens can be decreased, children will get to bond with their grandparents (who may be able to act as built-in babysitters), and you will have peace of mind knowing that your parents are being cared for and safe. There are plenty of positive elements to living with your elderly parents – for them and for you. But there can be some negatives too. The relationship between your parents and the rest of your family may not be strong. Your parents may feel resentful or like they are being a burden on your family. There are many aspects to consider before you jump into a cohabitating situation with your immediate family and your aging parents.
5 Things to Consider Before Moving Your Elderly Parents In
- Financial Considerations – Adding your aging parents social security or other income onto yours and limiting monthly bills like utilities and mortgages can really help families who struggle financially. But elderly parents have health related expenses, and you may need to install safety features in your home to help your parents move around. There are going to be more costs so definitely pinpoint what the financial situation will look like and make sure it is not going to be an additional strain on an already tight budget.
- Type of Care Your Parents Need – While you may be able to provide the support that your parents need, some elderly people require much more attention. For their children, providing 24-hour care on top of taking care of their families and full-time jobs is not doable. However, if your parents are able to maintain a good amount of independent care – your extra support could work just fine and provide mutual benefits.
- Special Needs – If your parents suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia, caring for them on a regular basis can be extremely challenging. Children who provide full-time care to parents with dementia often find that their emotional well-being is affected just as much, if not more than their physical well-being.
- Other Considerations – Time is essential when caring for loved ones. One thing to check in with yourself on is how much time you have to help. For example, elderly parents often need help driving to doctor appointments, showering and dressing, taking medication or providing self-care, and many other daily tasks.
You may not have all the time in the world to provide 100% support and care to your aging parents, but still want them to live with you. You may want to know what kind of care they are getting and how they are doing each day. In these circumstances, you can always rely on the assistance of in-home caregivers who can support your family by providing companionship, transportation, assistance with daily living tasks, and more. In-home support is a tremendous help to children of elderly parents who want to be there for their parents, but don’t’ have the ability to provide 24-hour care.
There are many options available to families with elderly parents who need support. Be sure to consider your needs and the needs of your parents before you decide to live together.
