Finding the Right Home when Moving with an Aging Family Member

Posted: January 11th, 2021

According to a 2018 AARP article, “14 percent of adults living in someone else’s household are a parent of the household head, up from 7 percent in 1995.” Elderly Americans are increasingly turning to their adult children for shared living situations. For many, this is an ideal setup, giving both parties more opportunities for companionship and giving elderly adults access to in-home care as necessary. 

Inviting an elderly family member to move in with you is a great opportunity to get a fresh start for yourself when you find a new home to accommodate your new core household group. To make your family members more comfortable and to facilitate your new caretaker duties, you’ll need to take special considerations when choosing your new residence. These adaptations should be at the top of your must-have list when you’re house-hunting. 

Consider Your Family Member’s Mobility

Mobility- and accessibility-related challenges are among the most common challenges your elderly family members face. If they use a wheelchair or scooter to get around, you’ll need a home with wider pathways and doorways. You’ll also need to replace or augment your stairways with ramps and possibly even electric lifts. Before you select a home, discuss mobility issues with your family member and consider that these challenges may become even more difficult in the future.

One area in particular that needs additional planning to assist mobility is the bathroom. It’s important to take every precaution against common slip-and-fall accidents so your elderly family members stay safe. Opt for walk-in showers that are flush with the ground, rather than tub/shower combos that require you to step over to enter. You’ll also want to make sure you install the necessary handrails and guides.

Consider Your Family Member’s Privacy

You may find that your mom or dad has a hard time adjusting to life with their children, especially if they’ve been independent for most of their lives. To give them a sense of autonomy and privacy, you may want to look for a home with a separate mother-in-law suite, or at least one with a private entry to a separate wing. Allowing for a little space between both parties can help make acclimation easier. 

Privacy considerations are especially important when you have multiple generations under one roof. For example, your parent might not be too happy about being kept up by your teenager’s video games all night. An experienced real estate agent can help you find a home with a layout that suits everyone’s needs. 

Consider Your Shared Spaces

The home you select should have a good balance of amenities for everyone. In common areas and shared spaces, like the kitchen, you may need to compromise to get the right blend of features for everyone. Before you move in together, if it’s possible, spend some time with your family member in their home to see how they operate. Talk to them about what home amenities make them the most comfortable.

You Can Thrive in a Shared Household

More than 30% of all Americans live in shared households, according to Pew Research. Whatever reason you have for combining households, finding the right home to suit everyone’s needs is the best way to help everyone acclimate. The Brevard County real estate professionals at Ellingson Properties can help you find a beautiful, functional home that will accommodate everyone under one roof. Give us a call at 321-750-7050 to learn more today.