Life expectancy has increased over the past few decades, and individuals over the age of 65 (senior citizens) are living healthier lives and working past retirement age. However, this doesn’t mean that they won’t slow down and possibly require extra care.
Because of this reality, many middle-aged adults are wondering about the future care of their elderly parents. Many senior citizens are physically and mentally able to remain in their own homes safely and comfortably (aging in place). Others move into assisted living facilities, such as nursing homes or retirement homes.
There is, however, another living arrangement option available when it comes to your aging parents: moving them into your home with you. Like any change in living arrangements, there are certain things to consider and prepare for.
Prepare Your Home
To ensure optimal comfort for your aging parent and everyone else in the home, make sure your aging parent has their own space— if possible. They should have their own room (preferably on the first floor of the home), and ideally, their own bathroom. Keep in mind that you may have to invest in some renovations for the bathroom to make it safer for them.
You’ll also want to make sure that any tripping, slipping, and falling hazards are removed from high-traffic areas— especially if you have children. Kids’ toys should be confined to their room or play area so their grandparents won’t trip over them. You should also consider everyday items such as cords, bulky furniture, and even thick rugs and carpeting which can contribute to tripping and falling.
When it comes to the safety of our loved ones, we often think of immediate family, but it’s just as crucial to keep in mind the well-being of aging relatives. If you have senior family members visiting or residing with you, proper home adjustments are essential for their safety. It might also be useful to look into professional services that specialize in home care for aging seniors, as they can provide valuable insights into making your home as safe as possible for all ages.
Prepare Your Family
Moving your aging parent into your home will be a major adjustment for everyone who lives in your home, especially if you have young children. Having grandparents in the home can be a great experience for children, even more so if they don’t get to spend much time with their grandparents— or if they’ve never met them at all. However, this can still be a major adjustment for some children, so talking to them and reading them grandparent-themed books can help them prepare for the adjustment.
For teens and young adult children, the transition to a new living arrangement may not come as much of a shock. For them, the only adjustments they may have to make are taking on more responsibilities.
Prepare Yourself
Mental Preparations
Taking care of an aging parent isn’t an easy task, and it can be mentally draining. You’ll have to determine if you’re able to take on this huge responsibility. Elder abuse and neglect don’t only occur in nursing homes— they can also result from an exhausted caregiver— so it’s important to make sure that you have a good support system and good nursing caregivers.
One way to take a break from the responsibilities of caring for your aging parent is to enroll them in an adult day program. These programs provide senior citizens with creative and physical activities, social outings, and even medical assistance if necessary.
Financial Preparations
While this living arrangement can be the least expensive of all (assisted living costs thousands of dollars each month and aging in place may require home renovations), there are still some costs that come with housing your aging parent. As mentioned earlier, you may have to spend some money on bathroom renovations.
Other considerations are buying more groceries and household supplies to accommodate another person, and any medical-related services your aging parent may need. The cost of an adult day program should also be taken into consideration, just in case you decide to use this resource.
Before you make this decision, remember to weigh out all of your options to ensure that this is the best arrangement for your aging parent and for your family. If your aging parent suffers from any form of dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) or another illness that requires around-the-clock care, a high-quality nursing home may be the best option for them. This will ensure that they get the specialized care that they need.
A retirement home is another great option. It’s less of a medical setting and more of a community setting. This way, your aging parent will still have access to medical care, and they’ll be in a community of their own peers for socialization.
Just know that there are resources available to help you adjust to your new role as a caregiver for your aging parent. It’s a difficult task to take on, but it can also be rewarding at the same time.
p.s. Related posts:
Happy Birthday to My Mom: 90 Years Young!
My 95-Year-Old Mom’s Secret to a long and happy life
Healthy Living for Our Elders #AgingWell
What’s a Skilled Nursing Agency and How Books Can Aid Recovery
My father, Dr. Chien Chet Wenjen (闻人乾): His Life
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