Having elderly parents in the home is challenging but can also have positive benefits. This arrangement allows families to gain a new perspective and rekindle family ties that could otherwise go neglected when people live apart. However, there is much more than meets the eye when considering living with elderly parents, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether this type of arrangement is the best option.
The Pros of a Parent Moving in With You:
- Companionship: Having someone around to talk to, share meals with, and watch TV can be comforting. Elderly parents often have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share, making for engaging conversations. For individuals who may not have many friends or family members nearby, the companionship of an elderly parent can be particularly valuable. Additionally, having a senior in the house often means someone is always around to provide support and security. If there’s an emergency, they may help get medical attention or provide emotional comfort.
- Financial support: Living with elderly parents often means that they can take care of money issues and may be able to provide financial assistance when needed. This could be especially helpful if a person is just starting and doesn’t have a steady source of income yet. Financial support is especially beneficial for families with young children, as seniors offer their experience and advice regarding parenting tasks such as discipline, education, and activities for the kids.
- Help with household chores: Having an elderly parent in the house can be a great help when it comes to completing household chores. Seniors often have plenty of free time and may be willing to take on tasks like laundry, cooking, or grocery shopping that other occupants would have to do. This alleviates some of the stress associated with managing a busy family’s everyday life.
- Emotional support: A person can struggle to adjust when facing a tough situation or life transition. Having an elderly parent nearby provides emotional support during these times and guidance on how to handle difficult situations effectively. Elderly parents have often been through similar experiences and may be able to offer insights that help younger family members.
Cons of a Parent Moving in With You:
- Increase in family conflicts: Living with elderly parents means adjusting one’s lifestyle, including everything from changes to daily routines and meals to shifts in house rules. Fights and disputes are common if there is an imbalance between the expectations of both parties and disagreements about the best way to handle a situation. However, senior living options reduce these types of conflicts by providing an independent living environment where seniors have their own space and can live according to their preferences.
- Health-related issues: Elderly parents may have age-related health issues requiring daily special attention and care. This may be taxing and stressful, especially if the person caring for them is not medically trained or lacks the resources to provide proper medical assistance. Additionally, close contact with someone with a weakened immune system increases the risk of catching contagious illnesses. That is where memory care communities come in, as they provide the necessary support and care for those with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
- Lack of freedom: Having an elderly parent in the home limits their freedom as they will always need someone to look after them. This could mean giving up certain activities, such as going out with friends or traveling, due to a lack of time or resources to provide adequate care while away from home. In this case, moving to a senior living community may be the best option, as it offers all the necessary resources and support for elders to live their lives with freedom and dignity.
- Stress and burnout: Taking care of an elderly parent can be physically and mentally stressful. A person can become easily overwhelmed by the responsibility and the time it takes to care for an aging parent. Without proper support, an adult child may experience burnout or depression due to being overburdened with all the tasks involved in providing care. In these cases, assistance from family members or professional organizations that offer support for seniors is key to preventing negative impacts on a person’s mental health.
Living with elderly parents can be a rewarding experience, as it allows families to provide support and understanding for their seniors. However, it is important to consider the potential challenges of this type of living arrangement, such as increased family conflicts, health issues, lack of freedom, and potential stress and burnout. Seeking professional assistance or looking into a senior living option allows families to find the balance between providing care for elders and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for all involved.
At Summerfield of Roseville, we offer assisted living for seniors with special needs. Our compassionate team is here to provide a safe and secure living environment for seniors while helping them maintain their independence and dignity. Contact us today for more informatio