As life evolves and new chapters begin, you may find yourself having to open up your home to your elderly parents. It isn’t unheard of for adult children to clear a room for their elderly parents to move in. The reasoning could be for financial or emotional reasons, cultural and traditional values or simply their own personal choice. Living with elderly parents can be both rewarding and challenging. It offers a great opportunity to bond with your loved ones, while also having the possibility of creating difficulty with juggling your own personal responsibilities and the care needs of your loved ones. Let’s go over five healthy ways to set boundaries and navigate the unknown territory of living with elderly parents.
Set Clear Expectations
Before your parents move in with you, it is important to set up clear expectations for how your household functions and how to maintain that flow. This can include everything from daily routines to household duties and other responsibilities. Make sure to communicate these expectations clearly from the start in order to help prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings and reduce stress for everyone involved that already live under the roof.
Establish Boundaries
While living with an elderly parent can be rewarding, it is extremely important to recognize that everyone needs their own space and privacy. Establishing boundaries can help ensure that you, your household and your parents have the space necessary to live comfortably. This can include establishing a separate room or private space for your parents, creating a schedule for when you spend time together, and setting limits on when and how often they can interrupt your own personal time. It’s also important to communicate these boundaries clearly so they can fully understand and respect them.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of an elderly parent can be both physically and emotionally taxing, and it’s important to prioritize self-care to avoid a burnout. Self-care can include things like taking time for yourself to relax and recharge, engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy, or seeking support from friends, family and a therapist. Remember that taking care of yourself is essential in order to provide the best care possible for your loved ones.
Seek Professional Help
It can become overwhelming to work full-time as well as be a full-time caregiver once you get home. If you feel like you cannot often find time for yourself, consider seeking extra assistance from a professional caregiver or a home health care nurse. Depending on the needs of your parents, there are people available to come to your house and keep your loved one company while you work or go on with daily tasks at home.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Open communication is key to a successful relationship, and this is especially true when living with an elderly parent. You may not always see eye to eye which is why regular check-ins with your loved ones can help quash some hard feelings before they become hard to handle. Always communicate your feelings, concerns and needs while also explaining to your parents how they can best support you. Keeping the lines of communication open can help build trust and strengthen your relationship.
If you decide it is time to make the decision to clear a room in your home for your parents to move in, always remember these important tips: set clear expectations, establish boundaries, prioritize your self-care, seek professional help when needed, and keep the lines of communication open. They are moving into your home and you are the boss around there so don’t hesitate to establish that early on!
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