Moving in with relatives (or vice versa) may seem like the only solution if you are struggling to live independently, or you live too far away for frequent visits.
There are undoubtedly benefits to having several generations living under one roof – and it used to be the norm – however, there are also drawbacks.
Don’t allow yourself be rushed into making a decision you might later regret.
It’s important to allow plenty of time for everyone involved to have time to consider the practical, financial and emotional issues that could arise, both now and in the future.
The advantages are obvious: you won’t be living alone (less worrying for your family), you’ll be able to spend more time with them, and if you’re fit and active, you’ll be around to help with childcare and other household chores. You might even be in a position to help financially, by paying rent or investing in home improvements or one-off items.
The drawbacks may be less apparent at first, but it’s important to think about them too. Having an older or disabled person move into the family home will affect everyone in all sorts of ways, hopefully for a long time to come.
Drawbacks might include less space, less time for yourself (and for your relatives), tensions and blurred relationship ‘lines’ and, if the sale/purchase of property is involved, the legal and tax implications.