Under the same roof again-when elderly parents move in

So you probably haven’t lived under the same roof as your parents in quite some time, but you’re now faced with taking care of your elederly mom, dad or both your parents because they cannot or should not be living alone.

This is a common living situation in America today and the trend will most likely continue as nursing home costs continue to rise. And while this living situation tends to be more affordable and convenient than the nursing home option, there are a lot of issues that need to be worked out in order to make this a smooth transition for you and the rest of your family. Some things to consider:

Communication
As with any change in living arrangements, there needs to be open communication between the current home dwellers and the parent(s) getting ready to move in. Make sure you talk with your spouse, children, or anyone else residing in your home about how they feel about this big change. Try to open the communication lines between the elders and young ones as well.

Making a plan
Having your parents move-in means that you and your other household members will be their primary care providers. Think about your parents’ needs and try to plan out how this will work with every one’s daily schedules.  Is there someone around to make sure they take their medicine at noon? Will someone be able to leave work and take them to the doctor? Sharing the responsibilities will make sure no single person is overwhelmed with the responsibility.  If necessary, you might want to consider hiring help.

The financials
Oftentimes, adult children feel  obligated to take in their elderly parents without accepting compensation. The truth is, extra mouths to feed can get expensive, as can renovations in order to make room for your new roommates. Also, do you need additional homeowners insurance coverage? It might be a good idea to talk to your insurance agent about this. Don’t be afraid to have a conversation about the financial impact of this change with your parents and siblings, if you have any.  It’s better to be prepared for the financial part of this change rather than be caught off- guard.

A senior safe home 
Making your home safe for your elderly housemates is very important as well. If your parent(s) use wheel chairs or walkers you will want to consider the type of flooring you have and the width of your home’s doorways. Other updates that can make life easier for older folks are doorknobs with levers, grab bars (especially in the bathroom) and checking railings/banisters for grip and sturdiness.