There comes a point when you start to worry about your parent’s health and inevitably there will be a point at which you need to consider whether it is safe for them to be living on their own. There are a lot of options open at this point but the amount of help you need to arrange for them will change as they get older and as they start to have more problems living alone.
Failing health or a fall are the common triggers to cause a change in circumstance. If you’ve got to the point where you’re considering needing someone around to assist them 24/7 you may decide that you want them to be with you. These are our top things to consider if you’re inviting a parent to live with you.
1) Space
Obviously one of the first things you need to think about is whether you can accommodate your parent in your home. Do you have enough space? Can you build an extension or convert a garage to create an annex for them? Perhaps your children would be more than happy to share a room to make space for their grandparent.
2) Accessibility
The second thing you’ll need to look at is the accessibility for your parent to get into the house and into the living areas, bathrooms and bedroom. You might need to install a ramp or a stair lift to help them have their independence moving around your house.
3) Help
You may now, or in the future, need some expert help and assistance and it’s worth getting as much information as you can about the services available to you in your area. The Oxygen Store, for example, have free delivery over £75 and are a company you may well need.
4) Impact
As admirable as the thought is, that you can open your home to your parent when they need you, you must ensure that everyone who lives in the house with you is on board with your decision. It will put pressure on all of you as a family to have someone else come and live with you, even if you are related. Just sharing the space will be a big adjustment for you and for them.
Do not underestimate the loss of independence a parent will feel, and, for you too as you may find you’re worrying every time you aren’t around for them. Putting the right assistance in place will help you fight the feelings of guilt when you need to go about your normal day to day activities.
It may seem like this decision is a long time away or you or perhaps it is imminent. Regardless of your personal scenario, it is always worth keeping in mind that this may happen and worth thinking about the different things to consider. I hope you found this post helpful in some way and if you have any tips to share too, please do get in contact…
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