The Many Benefits of Living in a Multigenerational Home

Cultures around the world embrace family differently than we do in Canada.  In China, for instance, it’s very common to find grandparents living with their children and grandchildren.  Nursing homes in that country are the exception, not the norm.  In Mexico and other Latin American countries extended and multigenerational families take part in nearly all activities and outings together.  Good luck finding a table for two there!

The benefits of having different generations living together in one household are immense.  Whether its grandparents freeing up more time for already busy parents or the extra financial help that having other people provides, multigenerational families should be considered when your aging parent or relative is ready for a move.  You should also consider the effect on your current household, though.  Careful planning early will avoid missteps in the future.

Financial Benefits

There are many reasons why having additional family in your home is a good move for your pocketbook.

• Extra Income: If your aging parent or relative had sound financial judgment throughout their life, then you’re in for a hefty addition to your savings.  Any aid from the government for seniors will also help out.  And even if a senior comes into your home with little or nothing, the professional nursing-home care that’s often the only other alternative can just be too pricy for many families in today’s economy.
• More Room: Having extra family in your home may not be possible if your home is not built to accommodate them.  If you’ve been thinking of making a move to a larger residence, now might be the time, what with the added income and savings your senior is likely to bring.  You’ll probably thank yourself later when you find the extra space isn’t just nice, but essential.
• The Unknown:  We can never know when a serious accident or illness will strike.  Having additional family living with us will lessen that blow financially and psychologically.  Just imagine if your spouse was in a serious car accident tomorrow.  Could you handle everything on your own?  Multigenerational homes have an extra cushion against such sudden shocks.

Family Benefits

Extra money isn’t the only thing that seniors can add to your home.  You’d be surprised in how many different ways they can help out.

• Free Time:  Having your parents or other relatives living with you will free up a lot of time for you quickly.  Unless they’re in a seriously incapacitated state, seniors can do such things as watch the kids, tidy the house, and even run errands.  You might be able to come home and put your feet up for a change!
• Role Models: Aging relatives are a great source of encouragement and knowledge for the younger generation.  Whether it’s through the stories they weave or the traditions they adhere to, having them in our homes will enrich our lives and those of our children.  And if you have teenagers in the house, maybe an aging relative or grandparent can get them away from their electronic devices for once!

Setting Boundaries

It’s important when you do decide to invite your aging relatives or parents into your home to set down some ground rules.  Whether they’re moving in permanently, or for just a short time, setting up a detailed agreement on what’s what will eliminate any future problems or mix-ups.

• How Long: This is the first thing that you and your aging parent or relative should get straight. Is this move into your home permanent, or is it just a temporary stop on the eventual road to a nursing-home?  Even if you think that the move is permanent, you should discuss with your family members what to do if a serious turn for the worse does occur.  Are you prepared to have 24-hour in-home care if a debilitating medical condition sets in?  Or will that be the point when professional care is sought outside the home?  These questions need to be discussed early.
• Privacy: Having one-or-more extra family members suddenly in your home can be a bit nerve-wracking. Let your family know what areas are designated for what people and at what times.  If you enjoy reading in a quiet place in the evenings, make sure everyone knows this.  And make clear early-on what spaces for your aging seniors are private as well.  If you don’t want them in your bedroom, then tell them you won’t go in theirs.
• Authority: It might take some time for your aging parent to realize that you’re now the boss. They can still remember you in diapers, after all, so having you tell them what to do could be a bit much for them at first.  But when real issues, whether they be over bills or serious arguments, do come to the fore, make it clear that you’re the one with the final say.
• Schedules: Now that your house is not feeling as big as it once was, you might want to consider scheduling how certain spaces are used.  If there’s only one bathroom, making it clear that you need it in the morning before work might be a wise choice.  If you take the kitchen over every Monday and Wednesday night so as to prepare your favorite family dish, make sure everyone knows this.  Communication is really the best thing that you can do when you have more people in your house, especially when they’re seniors.