Tips To Make Multigenerational Living Run Smoothly

Multigenerational living, where seniors have their adult children and sometimes grandchildren living on the same property, is becoming more common. These days it’s difficult for people to busy homes or even pay for apartments because of rising interest rates and other factors. One way that families are fixing the problem is for adult children to build small homes on their senior parent’s property so that they can share land and expenses. Even under these living condition, seniors may need home care services to maintain their independence.

There are a lot of benefits to multigenerational living. But, having senior parents and their adult children living in close proximity can create some tension too.

Seniors and their adult children can use these tips to make multigenerational living run smoothly:

Seniors Need Home Care Services

It’s important for adult children of seniors to not feel like they expected to care for their senior parent all the time. They usually have jobs, or school, and they may have kids to take care of also. Seniors need home care services so that they are getting the support and care they need on their terms. When seniors are not dependent on their adult children it will benefit both seniors and their children.

Have A Family Meal Once A Week

It’s very easy for both seniors and their adult children to get so busy they don’t see each other much. Even if they are living on the same property when everyone retreats to their own spaces time together may not happen regularly. It’s a good idea to have one day each week where everyone gathers for a meal. Whether it’s Saturday night pizza or Sunday brunch choose one meal each week that everyone will have together.

Be Flexible

Seniors and their adult children need to be flexible when it comes to sharing property. A senior may want to put in a garden at the exact spot where their adult child wants to put up a swing for their child. Everyone involved needs to be willing to compromise when it comes to things like shared space. Having good communication will help prevent problems before they start.

Home Care Newberry FL – Tips To Make Multigenerational Living Run Smoothly

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are a healthy way for seniors and their adult children to maintain their own physical spaces on the properties. All of the people living on the property should sit down and talk about some house rules. Then, those rules need to be written down so everyone knows that they are. Some good house rules are things like “no visitors after 9″ or “only park in the left hand spot in the driveway”. When the boundaries are clear there will be fewer times when seniors and their adult kids get frustrated with one another.

Have Separate Entrances

There are many different ways that multiple generations of a family can live together. Most of the time adult children want to have their own separate dwelling. But if adult children are living in an in-law suite or separate apartment it should have a separate entrance. That way everyone will feel like they have enough privacy.

If you are considering Home Care Services in Newberry FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.