You get older each year, and your parents do too. It can be difficult to watch your parents decline in their later years, but change always accompanies aging. Your parents cared for you in your youth, and it’s your turn to care for them in their senior years. Most adult children will care for their parents at some point. You may already plan to cohabitate with your parents, but you should know these important things to consider before moving your parents into your home.
Can You Afford It?
Just because you move your parents into your home doesn’t mean the rest of your financial responsibilities end. Unfortunately, it’s not cheap to have another person living with you. Before moving them into your home, you must consider extra grocery costs, medical needs, and extra personal expenses. Create a budget to ensure you can continue living comfortably regardless of the additional financial responsibilities.
Will They Be Alone?
You may still have a full-time or part-time job, which means that your parents might be home alone at times. If you notice the signs your parents need more help before they come to live with you, you should think twice about leaving them home alone. It’s not always possible for you to change your routine to accommodate your aging parents, but you should consider how often they will be alone before making the final decision.
How Much Assistance Do They Need?
Many older adults may be able to manage their own personal care, but they just can’t afford to live on their own anymore. On the other hand, other seniors need extra assistance with a variety of life tasks, from getting out of bed to bathing. Whether they need minimal or extensive help, it’s best to know what the expectations will be before moving them into your home.
You may have to learn a few new skills to equip yourself to become a helper. With a few helpful tips for helping a senior out of bed, you’ll be on the right path toward becoming a great caregiver. In addition, you should consider learning as much as possible about caregiving before the transition.
Will You Need Extra Help?
Even though you’re considering moving your parents into your home so that you can provide extra help, there’s nothing wrong with knowing you need an extra pair of hands. You may not be able to provide the best possible care for your parents on your own, so hiring another caregiver may be an excellent solution. This way, you can take care of your other responsibilities and maintain a relatively normal life despite the significant changes in your lifestyle.
Reflecting on these things to consider before moving parents into your home is an excellent way to know whether you’re ready to take on this significant change. There’s nothing wrong with putting your parents in assisted living or a retirement community, but you may have the opportunity to spend more time with them by cohabitating again!