If you are thinking about moving an aging relative or friend into your home, you’re not alone. Roughly one-in-four informal caregivers now live with an elderly or disabled loved one – an arrangement that can have many positives if the one receiving care is still relatively healthy. However, a “cohabitation” caregiving arrangement is not right for everyone. What follows are several things to consider before moving your senior into your home.
How Much Care is Needed?
First, do an honest assessment of the person’s physical and mental condition and any chronic illnesses they might have. If they are still relatively healthy and independent, this might be the ideal time to move them in. If not, the added responsibilities may be more than you can take on with your current schedule.
Things to consider as you assess the level of care your loved one might need include your physical and emotional limitations, the time commitment involved, and whether others in your household can also chip in. Bottom line: Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
How Well Do We Get Along?
Seniors can be stubborn and set in their ways, especially when they are your parents. Think about the history of your relationship with your loved one. If you truly enjoy one another’s a company and can successfully resolve your differences, it will probably work.
Another consideration is that certain conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, can change one’s personality for better or worse. Will you be able to cope with those changes as the illness progresses?
And finally, will you and your family be able to adjust to the lifestyle changes while having an older adult in the household? This might entail everything from mealtimes to noise levels and TV viewing preferences. Be sure to discuss the situation with your spouse and kids to determine how they feel about the potential move. On the positive side, moving a loved one in will give your children the opportunity to get to know them better – or perhaps even for the first time!
Is Our Home “Senior-Friendly?”
It’s always best to place an older adult with functional limitations on the first floor so they don’t have to climb stairs. If that’s not possible and they have trouble negotiating stairs, consider installing handrails and an automatic stair lift. If there are steps leading up to the front door, you may need to install an adaptive ramp.
Other home modifications that may need to consider include the following:
- Handrails in bathroom bathing and toileting areas
- A walk-in shower
- Additional lighting, especially around stairways and steps
- Wider doorways that are wheelchair accessible
- Automatic shut-off devices on the kitchen stove (Ideal for those with dementia)
Will They Contribute Financially?
According to AARP, out-of-pocket expenditures for the average family caregiver run over $7,200 a year. Moving a loved one into your house will typically cost more with all the food, home modifications, utility costs, etc. involved.
If they are financially able to, will your loved one be helping with the bills? Either way, include your siblings in the “money talks” so they are on board with the financial plans. They may also be able to help pay for your aging loved one’s room and board. It may be possible to provide better living arrangements for your elderly “houseguest” by pooling your family resources.
What’s My Backup Plan?
Even the most seasoned family caregivers eventually need time off to stay refreshed. To avoid caregiver burnout, you’ll need a backup plan that includes trustworthy family members, friends, or neighbors.
Other possible sources of caregiver relief include:
- Senior transportation service
- Meal delivery service
- Adult day care
- Community volunteers that work with the aging
- Professional respite caregiver from a reputable home care provider
Flexible In-Home Respite Care for Seniors in Northwest Boston
Finding someone reliable to care for an aging-in-place loved one can be challenging. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our professional in-home senior care services allow clients in the greater Boston, MA, area to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. Our trained, dependable caregivers and personal assistants can help your family overcome its eldercare challenges while making your loved one’s home an even better place to be.
Our turnkey home care services include everything from companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation to light housekeeping, laundry, and personal care assistance with bathing and dressing. From a few hours a day to around-the-clock care, our customized in-home care solutions have got your family covered. Click here now to learn more about Assisting Hands Home Care or schedule a free consultation for a senior in Northwest Boston.
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