3 Things to Consider When Moving Your Aging Loved One into Your Home

When your aging loved one reaches the point of needing a little extra help and care, you may start to consider the possibility of moving him or her into your home. Before making such a big change in both your lifestyles, ask yourself these questions to determine if a move is the best option for everyone.

1. Is Moving Necessary?

To continue to live a healthy, safe and independent life, your loved one may just need some support instead of constant supervision.

In-home care services from home aides and health professionals provide assistance with shopping, transportation, meal preparation, and basic medical care. This may be a better option for family members who aren’t suffering from any significant health problems and prefer to stay in their own home.

2. How Will the Change Affect Your Family?

Your own stage of life impacts how much care you’re able to offer a loved one if he or she moves in. Fulfilling the role of a caregiver while working and raising a family can be a recipe for burnout. The good news is that there are respite services that can help provide you with a well-deserved break from your caregiving duties.

Talk with your family about the changes everyone would need to make, and gauge their willingness to help with caregiving duties. Determine what impact there would be on your budget should you or your spouse need to cut back on hours at work. If you have young children, it’s important to consider how they might react to having another person in the house, particularly if your loved one is dealing with frailty or illness.

3. What are the Financial Implications?

Moving relatives into your home may require some remodeling, such as installing safety equipment, expanding existing living space or building an in-law suite. These expenses add up quickly, as do costs associated with feeding an extra person and heating and cooling any new parts of the house.

Determine how much your loved one would be able to contribute if he or she transitioned to living with you full time, and calculate potential expenses in advance to avoid financial difficulties down the road.

If you decide to move your loved one into your home, look at it as a chance to reconnect and forge stronger family ties. Taking time to enjoy your loved one’s company makes your role as a caregiver easier and provides a supportive environment for your loved one in the later years of his or her life.