5 Ways to Keep the Peace Among Multiple Generations Under One Roof

Posted: 9/20/2016 9:39 AM by Interim HealthCare

Having multiple generations living in the same house can be challenging. Each one will most likely have different opinions and different ways of handling certain situations, such as raising children. This is especially true when adult children move their elderly parents in with them in order to become their caregivers.

Since your parent once provided care for you, they may feel that they are free to continue treating you like the child, and vice versa. Maybe now that you are caring for your mom or dad, you have put yourself in a more superior role and have become the parent in your scenario. Whatever difficulties you and your family may be facing with another family member moving in should be dealt with immediately in order to keep everyone happy.

One way to keep the peace would be to continue letting your parent live in their home with the help of a professional elderly care provider. But another way would be to follow these five ways to getting along with the older generation you are caring for.

1.Set boundaries. Remember that your loved one is moving into your home, so it is important that boundaries are set. This helps the elder know what acceptable and not acceptable behavior is. Make sure the tone used to talk to your loved one remains respectful at all times as a way to make sure they listen to what you have to say.

2.Be the listener. Now that you have said your piece, it is time to listen to what your parent has to say. After all, they will be living there, too. If they have any questions, concerns, or boundaries they would like to put in place, you also need to hear what they are saying.

3.Do not sweat the small stuff. Your parent may have a different way of doing things, but that does not make it wrong. Pick and choose your battles wisely in order to avoid power struggles in your household.

4.Have family time. Your own family will need some of your attention away from your caregiving responsibilities. Set up a time each week or month when you and your family can spend quality time together without your aging parent. This family time is important in order to strengthen the bond with each other. However, there are times when you should include your elderly parent in on the fun. Plan fun things to do with everyone and with just your family to make sure everyone gets your attention.

5.Let them be independent. If your elderly parent is able to do a chore or other task, let them. The only time you or their home care provider should step in is if the person is physically or mentally incapable of doing something on his or her own.

After years of living with your own family, bringing your parent into your home will take some getting used to. With a little patience and these five ideas, everyone will be in a much happier, content place with one another.

If you have an aging loved one in need of elderly care contact Interim HealthCare today.