When planning for parents to move in with you, it’s important to know and plan for the care they will likely need and consider the following issues which might arise.

A clear financial plan is essential in planning co-habitation with elderly parents. Do some investigating ahead of time to understand how much money they have, what insurances they have to cover care, and how long that money is likely to last. Consider if you will be sharing costs and how you will each contribute.

Roles will likely change if you are all under one roof, so the transition can be smoother if you are aware of this and more prepared. For example, ask yourself these questions to see just how complex this might be: Whose house is it and who is in charge? Who makes the rules, structures the household activities and decides such things as what food is in the house and what’s for dinner? How much help can you provide and when will care need to be hired from the outside? What is the role and expectation of children living in the home? What are some of the issues you had with your parents when you were growing up and could they surface again in a different form as an adult?

For some, the idea of living together with parents in later life is a wonderful concept, but for others it could be quite stressful. Know what you feel comfortable with and what you are committing to before you are all under one roof.