Right At Home Inc

Intergenerational living is on the upswing these days. For almost a century the trend was for seniors and adult children to live apart. But in today's economy, 20 percent of seniors over 65 are living with their children and/ or grandchildren. Mirroring this trend, younger adults are living with their parents longer as they pay off student loans, establish their careers or save for their own home. According to the Pew Research Center, a record 49 million Americans now live in a household made up of two or more generations!
If you are considering sharing your home with a senior relative, here are some questions to ask as you make the decision:Family dynamics. How well does everyone get along? Do you enjoy spending time together? Do potential houshold members have any habits or lifestyle choices that are unacceptable to each other?Your home and neighborhood. Are they safe for a senior? Do you have enough room to accommodate the new household member? Will there be enough privacy? What will you do with your loved one's furniture and belongings?Finances and household chores. Will your loved one pay room and board and share in other expenses? Will other family members be able to help out financially? What will each person's household responsiblities be?Family lifestyle. Is your loved one accustomed to a schedule like yours and that of the household? What effect will your loved one's presence have on the social life of other family members? How will your loved one stay connected with friends and activities?Care needs of the seniors member. What kinds of personal care  ( for example, assistance with dressing, bathing or grooming) does your loved one require? How do you and other family members feel about performing those needed services-now , and if your loved one's care needs were to change? How does the person feel about receiving that kind of personal help from family? What support services are available?Extra support to help the arrangement work Intergenerational living can offer tremendous emotional and financial benefits for all family members. But sharing your home will have an impact on everyone in the household. If your loved one needs personal care, learn about local services that can lighten the load. Home care is a great resource to help the new arrangement work. When a professional caregiver helps your loved one with bathing, grooming and other personal care needs, this lessens the workload for family caregivers and allows family members to spend their time together doing things they enjoy.Read the Right at Home online newsletter ( www.caringnew.com)