If your elderly parent is beginning to show signs that they need additional care, it might be time to consider the four benefits of asking your aging parent to live with you. Oftentimes, one could feel pressured or obligated to let their parents move in with them, but this decision depends on the specific situation.
If you have the financial, emotional, and physical space, your parent might be happy to live with you if it means they don’t have to live in a senior home. Additionally, if the option to find an in-home care service is off the table, asking them to live with you could benefit them mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Save Money
Rather than paying a professional caregiver to take care of your aging parent, you can care for them yourself and save money over time.
Remember that your parent might face age-related challenges at some point, which could raise the need for in-home care down the line. But for now, taking care of them yourself can save you both financial burden and stress.
More Family Time
One of the greatest joys of taking care of your parent at home is spending more time with them, and they get to spend time with their grandchildren. Even better, if you have a pet at home, they can enjoy the mental health benefits of owning a pet without worrying about taking care of them on their own.
Equally important, seniors are happier when they spend quality time with family and friends, and this has been shown to prevent the risk of loneliness and depression. When people are happy, they’re naturally healthier, so when your parent lives with you, they can automatically have a better bill of health.
Monitor Their Health
Another great benefit of living with your parent is the ability to monitor their health at home. If a senior lives on their own, you only see the state of their health when you visit or talk with them.
But when you see them every day, you have the chance to determine how they’re feeling and what they need, and you can help them take any medications they may have.
Ensures Safety at Home
Your elderly parent is automatically going to be safer in your home surrounded by family than in their own home, alone. Of course, you can take a few additional steps to make your home a safer place for them to ensure they’ll be alright when you’re not home.
Asking your aging parent to live with you is a beautiful way to show your appreciation for their health and safety. It also shows your gratitude to them for taking care of you as a child and helps them feel happier and healthier.
