Moving In With Your Senior Parent As An Adult in 2022 A Good Idea?
The decision of whether to have your aging parent should be moving in your home is a complex one that should be made after a thorough discussion with your parent and other family members about everyone’s needs and expectations. If the change happens nevertheless, it must be for the good of all involved – not simply because you expect it to make things easier for you.
There are many factors to consider when making this decision, such as your parent’s health and mobility; your living space and whether it can accommodate them comfortably; how well you get along with your parent and whether you have the time and energy to care for them; their financial situation and whether they will be able to afford to live with you; and how the change will affect other family members.
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How Can Moving In With Your Parents Help Them?
It is possible that moving in with you will help reduce your parent’s risk of falls if their physical condition has deteriorated to the point where they are on unsteady footing at home. It may also permit them to remain independent for longer since it eliminates transportation problems or having to rely on others for some type of help.
What Kind of Assistance Can They Expect From You?
If your parent moves in with you, he or she can depend on you for transportation needs – including doctor’s appointments and shopping trips. You might have to provide some level of personal care – such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating meals, and getting dressed – at least until they are able to recover from surgery or get back up to speed after a period of illness.
Your seniors can also expect help with household tasks, such as laundry, grocery shopping, and preparing meals. In some cases, adult children provide financial assistance to their parents in order for the latter to live with them.
How Will Moving In Affect the Other Members of the Family?
The decision to have an aging parent move in with you will invariably affect other members of your family – especially if there is not enough room in your home for everyone. If siblings do not live nearby, they may feel slighted if they are not consulted about the decision or offered the opportunity to take on a caregiving role. And while it’s natural for adult children to want to help their parents in any way possible, they must be realistic about the amount of time and energy they have to give.
After The Decision Is Made…
If everyone agrees that moving your parent in is the best solution, then you’ll need to create a care plan that outlines everyone’s responsibilities. This plan should include specific tasks that need to be done on a regular basis, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, and taking medication. It’s also important to establish rules and expectations for your parent’s behavior and how everyone will treat each other.
As you prepare to move your family into your home, also take steps to help them adjust psychologically. For example:
- Speak directly and honestly about what they can expect from you and others in the family. Be as clear as possible about changes that need to be made in their daily routines, such as bathing or medication schedules; where food will be kept; or whether visitors may come and go freely or only with an invitation.
- Provide written materials (in simple language) explaining all aspects of caregiving, including household rules and expectations for behavior. Have a copy readily available for reference when needed.
- Make sure that senior-friendly furniture and equipment are available in your home if needed.
- Be prepared for the possibility that they may not want to move in with you. If this occurs, be respectful of their decision, but continue to offer support as needed.
Conclusion
No matter what the decision, always remember that your aging family is still a person with feelings and a sense of self-identity. Try to maintain an open dialogue with them and be supportive through whatever changes come their way.
