How to Prepare Your Home and Your Life for a Parent Who is Moving in With You

Making the decision to have your parent move in with you is no easy feat. There will be a significant adjustment period for the both of you, and there are several factors you’ll have to consider that you likely wouldn’t have thought of if you were living alone or with your spouse or children. While you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your parent is safer under your roof and close by, it’s also important to take these extra steps to ensure that the transition goes smoothly.

To prepare your home:

• Based on the layout of your home, assess whether you can have your parent live on the ground floor to the risk of falling up or down the stairs.
• Slip-proof your bathroom by installing grab bars beside the toilet and in the shower area and place non-slip mats on the floor and in the shower.
• Install a baby monitor in their room, which can be a life-saving communication tool if they’re trying to reach you but are having mobility issues.
• Scan your home for any safety risks, like toys your parent could trip over or sharp edges that could be dangerous if they fall.
• Consider installing a ramp or automatic stair lift if there is a need for them to use the stairs.

To prepare your life:

• – Have a conversation with your parent about how things usually work in your household so that they’re aware of you or your family’s schedule, and any other important elements they should know before moving in, such as when you do groceries or how often you head to the pharmacy. Having an open conversation about lifestyle helps minimize arguments or disagreements later and ensures that both of you are on the same page in terms of goals and expectations.
• – Look at your and your parent’s finances and create a budget that you can work with. Consider that their food and medications may be an extra cost to your household, as will any other equipment or items required for their care. Analyzing finances beforehand reduces the likelihood of any expensive surprises further down the line.