If your elderly parent can no longer cope on their own, the good news is that there are so many options for senior care available. One option that a lot of families prefer is to move their elderly parent into their own home, where children and grandchildren can visit as much as they wish. Before you take this great step, here are a few things to consider:
- Is your home prepared for disabilities/limited mobility? Falls pose the greatest cause of hospitalisation to seniors, any most accidents happen within the home. Do you have a spare room on the ground floor, or could you (if not required now, in the future) insert a mobility device in the stairwell? Is the bathroom safe? Will you have to make many changes to remove tripping hazards around the house?
- How does everyone else feel about it? Consider other family members, such as your spouse, children, or other siblings.
- What care support will you require? If your senior loved one requires assistance with daily routine tasks, who will be providing it – you, or a caregiver? If their health deteriorates, how will you manage at home?
- How will you manage financially? If you require additional care support or any home renovations, be sure to look this over thoroughly before diving in.
- How well do you get along? Living with your parents again can be a rocky transition for many families. Be honest with each other about how living together will feel for both of you, and how you can take steps to ensure it is a smooth and positive step.