Should Your Parents Move In with You As They Get Older?
This is one of those age-old conundrums that people have to face up to and deal with them at some point in life. It’s never easy to decide whether or not having your parents move in with you is the right move or not. Of course, they’re your parents and you want to help them. But is it always the best way forward? That’s something that really is up for debate, so let’s get that debate underway.
Below, you will find details of all the arguments both for and against having your parents move in and live with you as they get older. Then you can decide for yourself which is the best option for your family.
The Arguments For
You Owe a Lifelong Debt to Your Parents
First of all, it’s important to point out that we do all owe a lot to our parents. They are the ones that brought us up and gave us our start in the world. So, when the time comes to give something back to them, it can seem like the right thing to do. Of course, all circumstances are different, and you should take your situation into account before deciding on what the right way forward is for you and your family. But do remember everything that they have done for you when it comes to reaching that decision.
Having Them Close By When They’re in Need Can Help Everyone
If your parents have problems that require support, having them close by can be not only good for them but good for you. You will be able to help them without having to travel all the way to where they live. It can make your life easier and more convenient. It’s something to consider, especially if there is currently a considerable distance between your home and where your parents live at the moment. Being closer and able to support them more will be a major advantage for you, so keep it in mind.
It Can Help Financially
Sometimes, your parents can be under financial strain as they get older. If they can’t afford to stay where they are, they could move in with you. They could then contribute to the monthly bills, and this would be good for you as well as them. Money is an important factor, so don’t ignore it when it comes to making this major decision. People often don’t like talking about money, but you can’t afford not to when it comes to making such a big life change like this one. And if the move helps everyone financially, that’s a good reason to push ahead with it.
The Arguments Against
Many Older People Truly Value Their Independence
One of the main reasons why having your parents move in with you might not work is that many older people truly value their independence. They hate feeling like they’re being a burden or having to rely on other people. This is only natural, and it’s a perfectly human response. You have to respect these feelings when you are talking to your parents about whether or not this is something that should happen. They have to be onboard with the plans if they are going to work out in the way that you want them to.
There Are Other Options Out There
It doesn’t necessarily have to be the case that your parents move in with you. There are other options out there that are worth considering if your parent has problems. If they need care, then it might be better to find a good communal home with care on hand. Or maybe they just need a bit more company. If that’s the case, organisations like Seniors Helping Seniors can really help. There are so many options to consider before you decide which one is the best for you and your family. Don’t rush into any big decisions until you have done this.
Will it Cause More Problems Than it Solves?
There are some cases in which having your parents move in with you can cause more problems that it solves. You should definitely give this some thought if you don’t yet know if you’re going to go ahead with the move. You don’t want to make things worse than they are now. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you discuss things in detail with your parents before reaching an arrangement. That way, you can iron out problems before they arise, and the situation will be made much better.
