Factors to Consider Before Moving a Loved One into Your Home

April 12, 2011

As loved ones age, they often require assistance from family members to help with everyday tasks that become challenging, such as meal preparation, laundry and housekeeping. Eventually, many family members find themselves assisting in ways they never expected, such as with hygiene and grooming. This can lead to the common decision to move an aging loved one into the home of a family member. According to AARP, one out of four adult children lives with an elderly or disabled relative he or she cares for.

However, moving a loved one into your home may take a toll on the family caregiver, causing stress, fatigue and strained relationships with family and friends. There are additional options to consider, such as in-home care, assisted living or a nursing home facility. If you need help, you’re not alone. Recognizing your loved one requires additional assistance beyond what you are able to provide is just the first step to ensuring your loved one gets the assistance needed.

Family caregivers should consider the following factors before moving an aging loved one into their home:

Consider your daily schedule and availability. Caring for an aging loved one is a great way to repay the nurturing love and care he/she gave to you. However, if you are working a full-time job and caring for children/grandchildren of your own, it may be difficult to take on the additional responsibility of someone requiring constant assistance. Be realistic about how much time and energy you have each day to devote to your aging loved one. Also, understand that the level of care you need to provide will most likely increase over time.

Review and consider the history of your past relationship. Getting along well with your loved one while living apart and being able to peacefully and successfully live together under the same roof is dramatically different, so you need to have an objective assessment about the true state of your relationship. The little things that may irritate you now will become major factors when you are together 24X7. If you have a strained relationship and have a hard time resolving conflicts, be aware that the relationship will not magically improve if you live together. Also, if your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, consider whether you will be able to handle the possible personality changes that may come in the future. 

Ensure your home is physically safe for an aging adult. Ensure that your home doesn’t pose any health or safety hazards. For example, older adults should ideally live on the first floor of your home to avoid stairs. If this is not possible, you may need to have an automatic stair lift installed. You may need to put in a ramp if there are stairs leading up to the front door of your house. Additional modifications may be needed in the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs and ensure safety. For a home safety checklist, visit http://www.rightathome.net/assets/PDF/HomeSafetyChecklist-2.pdf.

Consider the financial impact. Moving an aging loved one into your home may become a financial burden or may provide financial benefits. Come to a financial agreement with your loved one and other family members before any living arrangements are made. Consider having your loved one contribute to household costs to ease the burden. Recognize that you and your family may have to make sacrifices to make the situation work, such as using your savings account or cutting back on entertainment spending and rethinking vacation plans. Include other family members involved in your loved one’s care in the discussion. There is no right or wrong way to deal with finances, and agreeing on an arrangement first can help you avoid disagreements later.

Taking a broad view of the situation and determining which solution is right for everyone involved can lead to a happier and healthier family. If you decide to move your aging loved one into your home, remember to allow yourself an occasional respite from caregiving and consider hiring an in-home professional care agency like Right at Home. Trained and bonded caregivers are available to provide companionship, homemaking, physical assistance, hygiene and wellness for your loved one.

About Libet Callahan, RN, BSN
Libet Callahan is the President and Owner of Right at Home Homecare in Rockland, MA. Right at Home serves families throughout the South Shore by providing companion, homemaker and personal care services that enable seniors and those with disabilities to remain in the comfort of their home for as long as possible. Libet is a graduate of Columbia University School of Nursing and has worked in community and in-home nursing on the South Shore for many years.
Libet may be reached at 781-681-3545 or email at libet@rah-southshore.com