With the aging process comes many decisions. Seniors and their loved ones must eventually determine if living alone is viable. Before deciding on a final residency for aging parents, families need to sit down and discuss the pros and cons. Exploring these will help families make the best decision for their aging loved ones. 

Parental/Child Relationships Evolve

The parent/child relationship is one wrought with changes. There are many assumptions and expectations with these relationships. Some parents and children remain good friends for life, while other relationships tend to fall apart. Adult children often feel guilty because they spend little time with their aging parents. When the time comes to decide on a place for Mom and Dad, adult children can feel overwhelmed and even pressured to make a decision quickly. The child’s home is not always the best option. Sometimes, aging parents fare better in a senior living community. 

Signs Seniors Should Not Live Alone

Although it is normal for many seniors to live their entire lives alone, this is not for everyone. Those with serious health issues or cognitive declines may be unsafe living alone. Consider the following reasons an elderly parent may need daily help through their children or assisted living.

  • The aging parent suffers accidents often and has injuries.
  • The parent forgets to bathe, feed themselves, or take medication.
  • The elderly person is losing their memory and forgetting how to complete normal daily tasks.
  • The aging parent is no longer able to drive safely. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving Elderly Parents Into the Home?

Learning about the pros and cons of moving an elderly parent into the home is critical. Living together is not always the best option. Some seniors do better when they live away from family. The following are some pros and cons of living with aging parents. 

Adult Children Offer Daily Assistance

Most adult children want to provide assistance to their parents, but busy lives and living apart hampers these desires. Aging parents often need extra help, even if they are fairly independent. Having them in your home can lead to more time for help. You will be there to provide them with daily assistance whenever they need help. 

Saving Money Is Critical

Not everyone has the funds or insurance to handle the costs of living in a senior living community. When adult children move their elderly parents into the home, they save money. It is critical families sit down and go over the budget to determine which option will be most affordable and appropriate. If the senior has no insurance or savings, living with adult children may be the best option. 

Spending Time with Family

Many adult children do not have as much time as they would like to spend with their aging parents. Adult children may feel guilty because they do not have time to spend often. Moving them into your home adds much more time because they are right there. Parents, adult children, and grandchildren can spend quality time together and become closer. 

Relationship Strains

Some adult children and their elderly parents do not get along. If there have been relationship problems before the move, there will be even more after. Seniors with dementia may experience personality changes. These personality changes can bring conflict to the relationship. 

Adult Children May Find It Challenging to Get a Break

Becoming a full-time caregiver for the elderly is not easy. Some people handle it better than others. Because of the nature of care, adult children may find it challenging to get a break. Respite care is essential for helping caregivers get a break. 

Increased Stress

Many adult children are ill-prepared for the high-stress levels resulting from becoming a caregiver to their elderly parents. The increased stress can take its toll and impact a caregiver’s mental health. If the stress is overwhelming, adult children may need to seek outside support for seniors. 

Make the Best Decision

Weighing the pros and cons is essential before deciding. Although adult children often want to care for their parents at home, this is not always safe. Some seniors do better living in a community that offers memory care. 

Making the right decision should involve the entire family. It is essential for seniors to be a part of the decision process. Determine what is best for them. 

At Tiffany Court Assisted Living, our residents are treated like family and have daily opportunities to live life to the fullest. Socialization is something many seniors miss when they grow older. Here, the options for socialization abound.