If you’re part of the “sandwich generation” in your 40’s and 50’s, you may very well be facing the possibility of a multigenerational or shared household if it hasn’t happened already. According to recent research conducted by Pew Research Center, 78.6 million adults, or about 32% of the U.S. adult population, were part of a shared household in 2017.1
When you consider that people age 65 years+ is the fasting growing U.S. population segment, it’s likely that your parents may live well into their 80’s and 90’s.2 This may mean one or both of them will need to live with you at some point in their senior years either for a short or long period of time.
Do you have a senior family member, parent or possibly both parents moving in with you? This decision to cohabitate with an aging or disabled loved one touches every fiber of your being as well as theirs. All dimensions of your collective lives will be impacted: financial, emotional, physical, relational, mental and spiritual. Be sure to reach out for help and support from organizations specializing in caregiving and life changes as you make this transition.
Here are some home remodeling and planning tips from our expert team of designers and craftsmen once a decision has been reached for a senior or disabled family member to move into your home.
- Include your loved one in conversations about what it’s going to take to assure their safety, mobility and accessibility in addition to giving them their privacy and personal space. This type of conversation should include a short and long term projects along with a budget plan. Here’s a recent blog with an overview of the essential home remodeling projects for aging in place. https://brownlowandsons.com/kitchen-remodel/essential-home-remodeling-projects-for-aging-in-place/
- Start with basics to get everyone safe and initially comfortable. This is not a one day or one week process. Your children may need to move into a renovated attic or basement to make room on the first or second level. Remodeling your attic or basement requires skilled and licensed contractors. Be sure to read this blog about attic remodeling if you need to create more space by going up. https://brownlowandsons.com/remodeling/sanctuary-storage-or-bedroom-suite-imagine-it/
- Let your loved one help pick out paint colors for their new bedroom and some non-slip rugs in their bathroom. Show them options for faucets, door and cabinet handles and grab bars that have universal design for accessibility and still look beautiful. Here’s our blog that shares more ideas on main floor bedroom and ensuite bath renovations. https://brownlowandsons.com/master-on-main/main-floor-bedroom-and-ensuite-bath-renovations-bring-enjoyment-new-purpose-and-value/
- If a second story bedroom is the only option, chair lifts and reinforced railing become high priorities. Be sure to read this blog to gain a perspective on how this remodeling project needs to be properly handled. https://brownlowandsons.com/blog/ups-and-downs-are-better-managed-with-a-residential-elevator/
And here’s a bonus: as you age in place, your home remodeling projects for safety, mobility and accessibility improvements will continue to be put to good use.
Since 1945, Brownlow and Sons has worked with many homeowners in the metro Atlanta area. And now, we provide the right solutions to help make their existing homes more enjoyable, accommodating and safer with expert remodeling services as they make room for aging loved ones and also plan to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Brownlow and Sons has a full time staff of experienced professionals who are ready to support you through the entire process of remodeling any room or area of your home. When we show up, you’ll experience a satisfying confidence that your remodeling crew is capable, reliable and trustworthy to deliver a high quality job for you. Contact us to see how we can help make your existing home more accommodating for your aging loved ones and for you to age in place.
2 – https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/2010_census/cb11-cn192.html
