There comes a time in a lot of families when the children have to take on the role of caregiver for their aging parents. Depending on the severity of what is happening, you may be in a position to bring your parent to your home with you. There are some things to consider as you approach this life phase.

Have the Talk

The first thing that you need to do is have a discussion with your loved one. You need to discuss your own goals and you also need to discuss finances. Walk through each scenario that you might have and also work out what might be the best course of action too. Discuss with everyone the emotional issues that might come up and also make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to household duties. It’s important to smooth out issues where possible as this is the best way for you to ensure that everyone is going to be happy. If your parent once lived in a care facility and left due to abuse or neglect, hire an elderly abuse attorney.

Assess your Environment

You need to look at the logistics of your home and you also need to look at the general safety of it as well. You can do this on your own or you can even have a geriatric manager come out to do it for you. Some of the many considerations you might need to think about include if they are going to be able to manage the stairs. If not, then they may be better sleeping on the ground floor. If they are in a wheelchair, are they going to be able to access everything they need? If possible, it helps to make sure that your home is clutter-free as this will help them to avoid any falls.

Financial Resources

It’s important to look at the impact having a parent at home will have on your household finances. In most cases, it will cost less to have a parent live in your home than to have them in an assisted living or nursing home facility — but that does not mean it will cost nothing. Consider what it may cost to modify your home for your parent, increased food consumption, utility costs and more. If your parent has an income source, discuss upfront how finances will be handled. Having your parent home with you can be a wonderful experience for you and the rest of your family — but consider all the challenges, and how to best face them — before you make the move.

Category: Life Changes

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