Tips for Multigenerational Living As A Family
Multigenerational homes have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many families now see the benefit of keeping their extended family members close in their homes and in their hearts. Having grandma and grandpa close by can be nice-but multigenerational living can come with a few challenges. As many adults can attest, living with your parents again after remaining independent for so many years can be hard. However, it does allow your grandparents to stay independent for longer and makes it less likely they will need to move into a care home. You can look after them yourself or just get a home senior care service. Either way, it’s nice knowing the grandparents are in good hands and you get to spend more time with them.
Some people are unable to do this, either because they have no room or because they feel that their elderly parents may be alone too often when the other members of the house go out to work or school. If that’s the case, you could always recommend that your aging parents consider moving into an independent living community, like the one at https://mylaposada.com/. That sort of accommodation could suit your parents, especially if they’re looking to retire in a stylish facility with multiple activities! Sometimes, it’s important to do what’s best for them. You may want to consider other forms of care for elderly relatives that enable them to continue living independently, like the PACE program in San Marcos which helps to provide compassionate, comprehensive health and supportive care to senior citizens that need it. If you think that multigenerational living is best, then these tips for multigenerational living as a family will help you navigate some of the more common challenges with ease and grace.
Set Boundaries
One of the most important tips for multigenerational living as a family is to set boundaries early on. This is the best way to ensure that you and your elderly family members can maintain your independence from one another. These boundaries can be as concrete or as flexible as you like, and they can encompass a wide variety of different scenarios.
Begin by establishing boundaries in terms of the living situation. Establish where your family members sleep and which rooms will be off-limits to them. If your family members would prefer a space that’s a bit more removed from the family’s daily activities, consider building an in-law suite-this will provide them with more privacy and independence. You should also consider establishing boundaries in terms of finances. Grandparents have a lovely habit of spoiling their grandchildren, which can be fun every once in a while, but it’s not necessarily a habit that should continue when you’re cohabitating. Setting boundaries for who will pay for groceries and utilities will mitigate expectations when you’re living in a multigenerational household.
Seek Privacy
As we stated, maintaining a sense of privacy and independence when you’re living in a multigenerational household is extremely important. Establishing private living areas is a great place to start, but there are several other ways you can maintain independence in other aspects of your life. For instance, consider taking up independent hobbies. This will allow you some much-needed alone time to indulge in self-care. It’s also important to remember that your schedule doesn’t need to revolve around your elderly family members simply because you now live together. It may be considerate to inquire about your family members’ schedules prior to making plans, but it’s not necessary for every little thing. They may be your parents, but that doesn’t mean you need to ask their permission to hang out with your friends anymore. Remain considerate and cognizant of their schedule, but don’t allow it to dictate your own life.
Keep Communication Open
Communication is key to maintaining a happy and healthy household. As such, it’s important that you maintain an open line of communication with your elderly family members. Communicate your expectations for your new living situation early on, and work together to find a happy medium that works well for all of you. Be sure to communicate any transgressions immediately, no matter how minor they may seem. Nipping minor disputes in the bud will help everyone cohabitate in peace. Rather than walking on eggshells around one another, you’ll be able to fully embrace their presence and enjoy your new multigenerational living situation.
