Transitioning to a Multigenerational Household

home care services in Tampa 

Is it time to think about transitioning to a multigenerational household? With the increasing cost of living and housing, young adults are more likely to live under their parents’ roofs for longer, and seniors are more likely to move in with their kids, creating a home with many generations of the same family.

The cost to rent or purchase a home is often extremely high, even unobtainable in some of the nation’s largest cities. In an effort to live well, multigenerational housing is on the rise, and as a result, housing design is beginning to cater to this trend. Accommodations like half-plexes, dual master suites, and renovated homes with lofts are a few examples of the housing development changes taking place as the multigenerational housing trend is on the rise.

Transitioning to a Multigenerational Household

Preparing for adult parents and children to live together is a tricky process that can take some time to adjust to. Here are some things to consider before making the transition:

  1. Ensure that the home is practical for elder care with all the necessary renovations made before the adult parent moves in. Renovations could include wheelchair or walker access, rooms being accessible on the first floor, trip hazards removed, etc.
  2. Renovations for privacy are also very important, as modesty and privacy are key elements of dignity for seniors. For seniors who need help with showering or other personal-care issues, hiring a caregiver can allow them to maintain their dignity and independence by separating the caregiver/child relationship in their most intimate needs.
  3. Perhaps the biggest factor in multigenerational living is the need for adequate space.  On occasion, kids will have to give up or share a room to accommodate a grandparent. This might be a fine fix temporarily, but adults and children alike need separate living space, so if you plan to make multigenerational living a longterm solution, make sure each person has their own bedroom and adequate living space.

If you are interested in looking into a caregiver, we offer home care services in Florida.

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics inevitably change, especially when a parent takes on a new role as a living-mate in their adult child’s home. It could be the first time that grandchildren have long-term guests in their home, and it is important to make them feel like they are part of the transition process.  Similarly, seniors will have to adjust to sharing the head-of-household role, or relinquishing that title when entering their adult child’s home. Communication is the key to establishing a new, larger family dynamic at home.

Avoid Too Much Moving

Another factor in children caring for an elder parent is how to split up responsibilities when the parent has increasing needs, including disabilities or health conditions. Some families prefer to split their parent’s time, moving them between their homes. While this might seem like a fair solution, it can be taxing or even unfair to the aging mother or father. Frequent moves can take a toll and lead to health setbacks, confusion or mental distress.

Communicating with all parties involved, and making a decision of which home will be shared before making new living arrangements is highly recommended and can provide a more seamless transition into a new multigenerational housing situation.

Multigenerational living offers a multitude of benefits to family members including affordability, additional care, and a strengthened bond between family members. Alternative ways for the non-hosting parties to assist would include financial assistance or taking turns with offering assistance throughout the week.

American In-Home Care and our sister companies Advocate, Douglas, and Whitsyms always refer qualified, screened care providers for home care services in Florida that are compassionate and ready to help with services like transportation, assistance with activities of daily living, and companionship. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

 

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