As parents age, adult children often worry. Will Mom and Dad be okay living alone? How will they take care of themselves? Some adult children will consider moving their aging parents into their homes. While this is a sound idea for some, it is not for everyone. Living with aging parents brings pros and cons, weighing them both helps adult children decide.
Health Issues and Cognitive Decline
As people age, their intellectual function begins to wane. They also become more likely to develop health issues that can become serious. These concerns can make living at home dangerous for seniors. Although there are many senior living options, some adult children prefer to take care of their aging parents themselves. When deciding on living arrangements, you must determine what is best for the aging parent and yourself.
Pros and Cons of Living with Aging Parents
Should seniors move into a senior living community when staying at home alone is no longer safe? Would it be better for them to live with their adult children? Consider the pros and cons below to make an effective decision for the safety and well-being of aging parents.
Saves Money
Moving into assisted living communities can become expensive. Not everyone has the funds or insurance to cover such a community. Aging parents will save money by moving in with their adult children.
On the other hand, having your parents move in creates increased expenses. Adult children will be responsible for food, transportation, medications, and medical supplies. Some families will discover they pay up to $5,000 or more a year in added expenses.
Additional Time with Parents
Most people feel guilty because they do not spend much time with their aging parents. Life gets busy, and people focus on raising families, and their careers. Moving your aging parents into the home gives you an opportunity to make up for lost time. Spending time together as a family brings a close bond and can help heal relationships.
Living together can also strain already struggling parent/child relationships. Seniors may not like being told what to do by their adult children. Adult children may feel trapped and overburdened.
Home Safety
As the aging process progresses, people become more vulnerable to accidents and injuries. Safeguarding the home takes patience, skill, and money. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home, as slips and falls are common.
Homeowners will need to renovate their homes to accommodate the safety needs of their aging parents. Step-in showers, safety bars, and slip-proof flooring may all become necessary. Some adult children may be ill-prepared to take on these expenses.
Loss of Independence for the Aging
Most people prefer to live independently. When an aging parent moves into the home, they may feel imprisoned. Suddenly, their adult child is making the rules and telling them what to do, and this can make people feel uncomfortable.
Adult children must take care to prevent treating their aging parents like children. The adult child should set rules and boundaries, but they should also ensure the elderly retain their independence as much as possible.
Is a Community a Better Choice?
Although it may seem beneficial to move an elderly parent into your home, think about the disadvantages. Some people are ill-prepared to take on this immense responsibility and may end up feeling overly stressed. Those who decide to care for their aging parents should at least consider respite care when they need a break.
Seniors with health issues or cognitive declines may do better in a senior community. These communities provide around-the-clock care and help residents with their daily tasks. The home-like atmosphere keeps seniors happy and healthy.
There is no correct choice for every situation. Families must talk about the existing problems and possible solutions. Although many adult children feel guilty for not providing care, this is not always in the best interest of the parent. Consider their needs first and which will keep them safer and happier.
The best communities give senior residents access to fun activities that engage minds and keep them young. Those with dementia will find memory care available to help them retain their intellectual function and slow the progression of memory loss. Those considering their options should begin to tour local communities in California to learn more about the options.
At Sundial Assisted Living, we provide a safe and nurturing community that fosters sound physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our beautiful community sits on the Sacramento River, offering scenic views. Our staff members are available 24 hours a day to provide extensive services to our beloved residents.