As the child of an aging parent, one of the most difficult challenges you will face is deciding whether or not to move your parent into your home.
Because this decision is so important and can be life-altering, you should think about all available options to determine what is best for you, your family, and your parent.
Type of Care Needed
You will need to evaluate both your parent’s physical and mental condition. If your parent is relatively healthy and can take care of himself, you might want to move him into your home while he is still healthy so he can become acclimated to living with you.
Living with your family will make certain your parent isn’t lonely and will also give you a level of comfort by removing the need to worry about what might happen.
Additionally, if your parent is already living with you and experiences a health crisis, you will be there to help.
Even if your parent is not currently experiencing any chronic illness, you have to keep in mind that as the normal aging process occurs, it is highly likely that at some point, something might happen. Are you prepared to handle the situation if your parent suddenly gets sick or has an accident?
If something does happen to your parent, keep in mind that you will then be responsible for taking care of him. Are you prepared?
How Much Assistance Can You Realistically Provide?
First and foremost, you need to be realistic when considering what you can and cannot do. Keep in mind that as your parent ages, he will need more and more assistance over time.
Are you comfortable with some of the things he might need help with like getting dressed or taking a shower?
As you cannot predict the future, you might have some difficulty imagining what could happen and if you will be able to handle it. However, there is no need to worry too much.
If necessary, and your parent’s needs become a little overbearing for you, you can hire a home health aide.
Think about your schedule and how moving your parent into your home will affect your daily routine. Do you have a full-time job? Do you have children?
You will have to evaluate the care your parent needs against your availability and other commitments.
How is Your Relationship?
How do you get along with your parent? If you do not have a good relationship, it is probably not a good idea to live under the same roof.
Some conflict in relationships and families is normal. If you and your parent have been able to resolve your conflicts in the past by working through them, you might be able to continue to get along while living together to keep your relationship strong.
Keep in mind that there will be more stress in your life just as a result of bringing another person into your home. In addition, if your parent gets sick or becomes disabled, this will add exponentially to your stress.
As long as you keep these things in mind and analyze your situation realistically, you will make the right decision.
Can Your Home Accommodate Your Parent’s Needs?
Even if your parent is currently completely mobile, climbing stairs will become more and more difficult as he ages. If your house is one level, this will not be an issue for you.
If, however, you have multiple levels, you will need to be concerned about stairs. It is best if you have a room and a bathroom for your parent on the ground level.
This is especially important if your parent is on a wheelchair.
Finances
Having an additional person in your home is obviously going to cost you more money. Do you have enough money?
Of course, if your parent is able to contribute financially, rather than a drain on your budget, you might actually have financial benefits.
The Well-Being of Your Family
It is important to consider how your other family members feel about your parent moving into your home. If you are married, how does your spouse get along with your parent?
It is very important that all your family members agree with your decision. They need to be prepared for the changes that will naturally occur by bringing your parent into your home.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
