When to Move an Aging Parent into Your Home

Wanting your parents to be safe and comfortable as they grow old is a concern for many adult children. Older people tend to want to stay in their own home as they age, but it’s not always the best option. Having them move in with you is one scenario that many adult children consider. There are, however, many things you need to think about before inviting them to come and live with you.

Is it the Right Thing for Everyone?

Worries about your parents’ safety, wellbeing and health can play heavily on your mind. You might be worried they’re not eating correctly. There could be concerns about financial matters or their state of mind. Whatever the reasons, it doesn’t necessarily mean moving in with you is the best option.

You need to sit down and have what is possibly one of the most difficult conversations you’ll ever have with them and raise your concerns. You also need to give them the opportunity to share any concerns they may have of their own.

The best decision you can make is one that everyone’s happy with, and there are several types of senior living options to choose from, other than living with you. You can visit www.inhomecare.com to get a better idea of what’s available.

What Care is Required?

The answer to this question depends on the mental and physical condition of your parents. Minimal care will be required if they’re in relatively good health. The benefit of having your parents come to live with you, in this case, is that there will be more opportunities to bond. However, parents generally go to live with their adult children when there has been some health crisis or condition, which usually means a significant amount of care is required.

What Care Can You Realistically Provide?

You might feel yourself under a certain amount of pressure to invite your parents to come and live in your home, but you need to ask yourself whether you can provide the level of care they require. It is an excellent way of giving back some of the care they gave you, but it’s important you realize it can be a very challenging situation to find yourself in.

There are certain factors you need to consider before deciding where your parents will live. Get a good idea from their doctor about the level of care required. Are you going to be able to provide what is needed, both immediately and in the future, as and when their need for assistance increases. Are you going to be able to fit the care of your parent or parents into your schedule? Will you be comfortable bathing and dressing them or helping them with their toilet needs?

One last thing to consider is the relationship you have with your parents. Do you get along or have there been periods of conflict? If you’re able to move past such obstacles, having a parent or parents live you in your home can be very rewarding. It can also strengthen the bonds you have. You have to be realistic, however, as it’s not a situation that suits everyone.

Thanks Ellie