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Inviting an elderly loved one to live with the family is a major decision. Several factors involving health, finances and overall quality of life should be carefully evaluated prior to the move. Families are advised to consider the many pros and cons of seniors living with family.
1. Financial Cons and Pros
Cons
When a senior is no longer able to function independently at home, it is an indication that additional support is needed. Assisted living facilities are expensive, however. Assisted living facilities as well as independent living communities often come with a high monthly price tag. A senior living community charges a monthly rate ranging between $1500 to $6000. An additional monthly fee is charged for extra care or hospitality services. Depending on the floor plan, a continuing care retirement community comes with an entrance fee of $100,000 and upward. Prices for independent living communities are highly varied. The one common factor is the steep expense. When facing the daunting costs of senior living communities, families start to explore whether or not welcoming the senior into their home is a worthwhile financial decision.
Pros
Families save money when they consolidate utility bills, rent or mortgage payments and expenses from a second household. Furthermore, families with young children benefit from a senior’s willingness to assume the responsibilities of childcare; mounting babysitting costs are smartly avoided. In order to successfully transition the senior to the family home, the family should evaluate the aging individual’s future care needs and budget appropriately. Will the senior require extra in-home support in a few years? If so, budgeting home care costs will be a practical and financially sensible move. Remember that home care costs may fluctuate in relation to the senior’s care needs. Occasional care, such as respite care, will cost less due to the periodic need for services. If the senior eventually requires 24-hour care, families should be financially prepared to cover the long-term in-home care costs.
The family home will also need to be modified to account for hazards. Dimly-lit passageways are a danger to seniors with poor vision. A lack of grab bars or non-slip rugs in the bathroom can lead to an injurious fall. Ramps may need to be installed for wheelchair accessibility. Families must invest in modifying the home to create a senior-friendly environment. Keep in mind that a typical home remodeling project costs an average of $10,000 or less, while a nursing home will put families back $50,000 per year. Living with family leads to significant savings.
2. Relationship Cons and Pros
Cons
A senior living in the family home can upset the family dynamics. Being a family caregiver is a demanding role. The added caregiving stress can take an emotional, physical, and mental toll on family members. Family members are torn between taking care of their own families and the senior.
Pros
Respite care, however, can decrease the stress of providing continual care for a vulnerable senior. Families can continue to enjoy the company of their aging loved one, while knowing relief is readily available. Families are able to take vacations or go on errands by choosing quality respite care. Plus, having an elderly parent or relative live in the family home provides an opportunity to spend quality time with the individual. Adult children and grandchildren are able to connect with the elderly loved one on a daily basis, which is a luxury in itself. Caring for the aging person at home offers families the chance to give care just as family members had received it. Plus, in households with young children, caring for a senior sets an excellent example of the importance of family values, respect and caring for loved ones.
3. Healthcare Pros and Cons
Cons
As the elderly individual’s care needs increase over time, medical care may be necessary. Families may not know how to provide the skilled care the senior needs. After a hospitalization, the senior will require that vital signs be checked, or medications be administered—which families may be unable to do.
Pros
In such cases, the senior will benefit from quality home health care. The senior will remain at home while receiving proper health care from a qualified professional. With home care, the family is able to monitor the care provided without worrying about the quality of care the senior receives. Another immense health benefit of living with family, especially for seniors struggling with dementia, is the familiar surroundings. The home environment produces feelings of calm and peace. The senior is less likely to become disoriented in the familiarity of a home environment. Routine is also necessary for the well-being of seniors living with dementia. In a home setting, a dementia caregiver will establish a schedule of daily activities. The elderly individual knows what to expect each day, which helps him feel at ease.
The majority of seniors prefer to age in place. When an elderly loved one expresses a wish to move in with the family, choose Assisting Hands Home Care for the most compassionate home care services. Our professional caregivers help families feel less overworked, while the senior remains well-cared for. Especially for families with working heads of households, elder care is highly beneficial. Caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care tend to the daily needs of the senior. Our responsibilities include help with personal care activities, transportation, medication reminders, meal preparation and transfer assistance. Your elderly loved one will continue to live a high quality of life with extra in-home support from Assisting Hands Home Care providers. While our services are nonmedical in nature, they are comprehensive and meet the daily needs of seniors in our care. Assisting Hands Home Care services are flexible and include respite care, post-operative care, dementia care and hospice care. We will tailor a care plan for your elderly loved one. Families living in Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Illinois are encouraged to consult our home care agency for dedicated support.
