Should I Move in with My Aging Parents?

 

Figure Out How Much You May Need to Spend to Make Your Home Safe and Relative-ready

 

Ask yourself:

  • Will my house accommodate my relative’s needs now; in six months; a year?
  • What is the relative’s physical and mental condition, and what chronic illness does he or she have?
  • Do you have room to offer the privacy your relative is accustomed to, and to maintain privacy for you, your spouse and family?
  • Will you need caregiving help?

Size matters. If you need to add a bathroom, bedroom or in-law suite, factor in the cost.

  • Wheelchair ready. Adding ramps and retrofitting doorways and bathrooms can be expensive. (If your parent is a participant in a Medicaid Community and Home-Based Services program, it may be possible to use the provided monthly budget to modify living space.)
  • Safety spending. Even if no renovations are necessary, plan on upgrading the bathrooms with grab bars — some are designed to look like towel bars, tissue holders and shower shelves — and, if needed, handicapped-accessible toilets or walk-in tubs. Halls may be made safer by installing a horizontal railing.

 

Living Space

Having a parent move into your home will require some physical rearranging. Some family members may be displaced or inconvenienced by the new setup, so communication with everyone is vital. If you can afford it, consider an addition with a prefab unit attachment or explore converting a garage or side porch into an in-law suite. Some families have even built a separate home on their property for maximum privacy and independence.

 

Local Services

Your parent may struggle getting acclimated to a new living arrangement and neighborhood. You can be of assistance by helping to locate the local pharmacy, bank, faith community, recreation center and other services. If your parent is interested in independent daytime activities, visit a nearby senior center for information on classes and programs. If your parent requires more intensive care, assess adult day care centers that provide rehab, meals, counseling and therapeutic activities. If you are providing full-time care in your home, look into respite or companion services to give you a break and help your parent expand his or her social circle.

 

eXp Realty—The Results Team—is ready to help you buy or sell your home! Stop on by our location at 2623 N. Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404. Or call us at: (812)822-2746.