If you have older parents who are in need of extra care and you have decided to let them live with you and your family, you are doing a very great deed. Too many seniors in this country suffer from isolation and having them live close to you could greatly benefit their mental, physical, and emotional health. You do have to know, however, that your family situation and dynamic will have to change, and you may have to do things to accommodate your new tenant. What you shouldn’t do, however, is make them feel like they’re cramping your family’s style. Let’s take a look at a few tips that will help make your elderly parents feel more comfortable and maintain a good family dynamic.
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Have a Family Meeting Before and After They Arrive
You will need to sit down with your family before you think about bringing an elderly parent in. They shouldn’t have the final say on the decisions, but if you see major obstacles, you may want to reconsider. You will then have to sit down with the whole family and the elderly parent once they come in so you can discuss new rules with them. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your younger children make proper adjustments to accommodate your aging parent.
Set Up a Nice Place for them
You will then need to create a space where your parents will feel comfortable. The space needs to be nice and warm, have good ventilation, and plenty of room. Try to pick an area that enjoys a lot of natural light as well. You should also pick an area that will be somewhat shielded from the ruckus inside the house. This is why it could be a good idea to transform an attic or a basement for that purpose. This would give them plenty of room to move and will make them feel like they have some privacy and a place they can retreat to.
Consider visiting a showroom of remodeled bathrooms to get some ideas on how to make the space even more comfortable, inviting, and safe for them. After that, consider remodeling the area as a surprise to show your parents how much you care about them.
Have Family-Friendly Activities
Grandparents usually love playing with their grandchildren, but it can be tough for them to find activities they can enjoy together. But there are plenty of options that you can choose from, and outside activities are usually better suited for the whole family.
One of the best things you could do is turn your backyard into a play area. Have a large patch of grass where you can install things like a badminton net, a bocce ball court, or one of the personalized cornhole games you can find at Cornholeworldwide.com. A sandbox could be a good addition too, and it will allow your elderly parent to play with your younger children.
Let Them Have Some Free Time
Don’t try to get your elderly parents involved in every activity, however. Seniors often love to enjoy some time alone, so don’t be too worried if they seem to be withdrawn from time to time. If you notice that they have stopped interacting with you altogether, however, then you might need to talk with them and see if they might need help.
Living with older parents can be very enriching for the whole family and give them a second lease on life. Consider the option if they need help or show signs of loneliness, and make sure that your family is ready to welcome them in.
