Do you have an elderly parent? Are they of an age when you feel it will be best if they live with you? Many of us are, at some point, faced with the decision to bring an elderly parent into our home. How do you transition effectively?

When an elderly parent comes to love with us, it’s a time of great transition, both for your family and the relative involved.

In fact, there are challenges that you will need to overcome for this living arrangement to be successful. You may have thought of what it takes to have a multi-generational home… or maybe not.

Think About Improving Accessibility for An Elderly Parent

The first thing you will need to do in your home if you have an elderly parent move-in is to improve the accessibility of your home. In fact, your house may be perfect for you and your children but may present many obstacles to someone older.

For example, steep stairs can be a real problem for those whose mobility isn’t at 100%. Adding railings, ramps, grip mats, and even stair lifts can help to make the entire home accessible to them.

It also makes sense to give them a big button mobile phone, pre-programmed with every number on which you could potentially be reached in case of emergencies. Even if you’re in the same house as them, the more lines of communication they have, the better.

Additionally, if your elderly relative uses a wheelchair, you may discover that the door, corridors, entryways currently in your home are too narrow for them to use. Happily, these can be altered and extended. This will require a qualified builder especially if such entryways are located in load-bearing walls. 

Build a Granny Flat

Many people choose to build an extension or a separate building to house an elderly parent. This is an option that can work particularly well, mainly because it allows them their own self-contained space. This helps them to retain a sense of autonomy and individuality. Their adjustment to a new situation is made easier particularly after a lifetime of being in control of their own living space.

Of course, there are a range of options available to build a residence such as this. With some families converting a basement or attic, and others extending their home to create a self-contained flat.

Some even use things like these granny flats plans to create additional residences on their land. Something that means relatives can be cared for and watched over, but also have space away from the main family as well. 

Suitable Furnishings

Lastly, don’t forget that not all the furnishings and appliances that a regular family will have in their home are suitable for the elderly.

In fact, you will often find that they will need chairs or sofas that are much more supportive, and that are higher so they can get in and out of them more easily.

The same goes for beds with adjustable models that can make getting into and out of bed a great deal easier.

In fact, many elderly people prefer this type of bed in their new home. Not only because it is more comfortable, but because they can continue to retain their independence as well. Independence is something to preserve for as long as possible despite living with their own family.