If your parents are aging or nearing the end of their life, they may be concerned that you’re going to put them into a home for senior citizens. While you might not have that planned, you or your siblings may not feel entirely comfortable with them living on their own anymore, especially if they live in a different city or state. One way that you can help them continue to have a level of independence while still being near you is to move them into your own home. Here are a few strategies to help facilitate this kind of move, while still respecting your parents and enjoying your time with them in old age.
Make room for them in your existing home.
If your children used to live with you but they have since moved out to college or their own places, you may have some extra space in your house to welcome your parents. Perhaps that means outfitting a guest room to be a permanent bedroom for them, or maybe you have money to redo the basement and even add a small kitchenette so that they have more privacy. While outfitting an existing room could feel like an extra expense, particularly when compared to the costs of assisted living facilities, you’re going to save a lot more money and be able to feel closer to your parents if they move in with you.
Build an accessory dwelling unit.
Of course, some aging parents are fiercely independent, and even the thought of being in the same house as you for anything longer than an extended visit may displease them. In these sorts of scenarios, constructing an accessory dwelling unit in your backyard or converting your garage to an ADU could be an excellent path forward. An ADU gives you the oversight and peace of mind you need while offering your parents more independence, making ADUs a win-win for both parties.
Finding an expert ADU Los Angeles company such as Levi Construction can be an absolute life-saver if you’re working to create an ADU for your parents or in-laws. From getting a free consultation to discuss ADU features to receiving 3D renderings to show the design to your parents, a reputable construction company will be there with you every step of the way. Navigating ordinances surrounding building permits and floor plans is complex, so it’s crucial that you have an expert in your corner if you’re really serious about building an ADU for your aging parents.
Give them the tools to feel in control.
One important benefit of having your parents or in-laws living on your property is that you can give them all that they need to still feel responsible for their ADU. Most parents want to feel valuable and useful, but it’s certainly possible that they may not physically be able to do everything they would like to around their home in old age. Giving your parents tools to stay on top of their “chores,” such as a robotic vacuum cleaner, can help them have dignity even after they’ve moved in with you.
Robotic vacuums are incredibly easy to use, often only having a few buttons. While your parents are enjoying a walk around your neighborhood or playing in the backyard with your grandchildren, they can have their iRobot Roomba S9 or Ecovacs DeeBot n79s vacuum up their living space. When it’s done, all they’ll need to do is empty it out and set it back on the charger for the next time they plan on using it. If you shop around online, you’ll likely be able to find a good deal on whatever robotic vacuum you need. The internet can also give you valuable customer reviews about different cleaning modes, battery life, and more.
