Making the Most of Multigenerational Living
According to a recent report by Pew Research, more people are living in multigenerational households than any time since 1971.
There are several reasons for this trend. First, the number of older adults in the United States is growing rapidly. According to the United States Census Bureau, when the baby boomer generation will be at least 65 years old or older in 2030, older adults will make up 21% of the population. That means older adults will outnumber children for the first time in American history.
While the “graying of America” is an undeniable demographic transformation with its own implications for healthcare and caregiving, it’s also true that young adults are just as likely to live with their parents as older adults are to live with their grown children. These “boomerang kids” are adult children who move back to their parents’ home after college or time spent living on their own. The rising costs of housing, inflation, and student loans are all contributing factors. It’s also true that generations are getting along better than they have in the past. Parents of millennials may be more open to accepting their kids’ lifestyles than previous generations.
Whether they are providing care for a relative, or receiving childcare from a family member, one-third of adults in multigenerational households say that caregiving is a major reason for their living arrangement. The current costs of childcare make grandparents-as-babysitters an attractive option to working couples with young children. To make that work, families may build extensions on their homes or move to a larger home to accommodate their parents.
While multigenerational living can be richly rewarding and is the norm for many families, it takes some effort. It may not be the right choice for every family. Participating in a family caregiver arrangement can be stressful, and not just for the caregiver alone. It has the potential to affect family relationships. Will you resent that your mother gets to stay home all day playing with the baby? Could your relationship with your grandfather change if you need to help him shower and use the bathroom? Will your uncle begin to resent you if you make decisions about his diet?
It’s an important decision, and not to be made hastily. Planning ahead gives your family the best chance of making it work.
Here are some things to consider if you or a family member are considering consolidating households:
- Is this a long-term or temporary situation?
- How will living spaces be allocated?
- Can your home accommodate varied lifestyles?
- How will expenses be shared?
- Who will do what?
- Will there be generational clashes?
- Who will provide care?
Planning and clear communication are the keys to making multigenerational living situations work. Contact Right at Home Northwest Suburban Chicago to learn about the resources we have to make this a smooth transition for you and your loved ones.
