Baby boomers across the nation are considering options for their future. “Should I age in my home? Move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community or another over 55 community option? Or should I move in with my adult children?” Here are five reasons why, as an older adult, moving in with your children might not be such a good idea.
- Loss of Independence: Moving in with your children can feel like a loss of autonomy. Maintaining your independence is often essential for emotional well-being. Living under another family member’s roof may confine your personal freedom and limit your ability to make daily decisions about your life.
- Strained Relationships: While living together may seem like an effective way to stay close, it can strain family dynamics. Mutual respect in a parent-child relationship can often shift to one of dependence. In turn, this friction could lead to resentment.
- Different Lifestyles: Your adult children likely have their own daily routine evolved around their family and career. Your needs and expectations might clash with theirs. Their lifestyle, priorities, or home environment may not suit your preferences, making it harder to adjust and live together peacefully.
- Lack of Privacy: Similar to independence, your privacy is also important, especially when sharing a roof with others. Living with family often means sacrificing personal space, which can be uncomfortable and possibly lead to isolation. This lack of privacy can make coexisting difficult and might even create tension.
- Burden on Your Children: While your children may initially feel it’s their responsibility to take care of you, over time, this can become burdensome and that can create guilt for both you and your family. Balancing a career and family life with caregiving can create stress for your children, which could negatively impact their health and well-being, as well as yours.
Cultural preferences often dictate whether aging adults move in with family members, but those who move into communities like Twin Lakes find themselves overwhelmingly glad they did.
Instead of moving in with your kids, consider moving to a place where:
- Higher levels of care are available on-site, if needed.
- Security and emergency assistance is only a phone call away.
- Home ownership responsibilities are no longer a worry.
- Meals can be enjoyed in the privacy of your own home or in a dining venue.
- Opportunities to engage in life enriching activities are endless.
Twin Lakes Community is a neighborhood of friends, those who come from a variety of backgrounds but with one common thread. They treasure their independence. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about transitioning to your new home; it isn’t about what you give up, but what you gain. Your kids will thank you.
