Creating a Multigenerational Home That Works for Everyone

Due to the tough economy, multigenerational homes are becoming more common once again, particularly in large cities where homes are more expensive. While multigenerational households preserve family culture and ties, it can also be hectic with children and older adults living under one roof. When multiple people in the household often have to balance childcare, senior care, and a career at once, multigenerational living can cause a lot of stress. There are a few approaches to a multigenerational household that can work for all walks of life. Learning them is the first step.

Communicate Often

Your wishes and needs will be respected more often if you voice them. Let people know when you will need the bathroom to get ready at a certain time. Tell your household when you will need quiet hours at night. If you want someone to clean or do their part more, let them know in a productive, respectful way. Listen to other family members’ preferences and needs, but also make sure your voice is heard as well. Communication requires active listening and speaking, and it goes both ways. If you’re having communication troubles, try approaching conversations with more respect and patience.

Keep Tidy

You aren’t the only one who lives in your home. You may even have to share a bedroom. Older adults may have mobility and balance problems, causing them to trip on clutter. Keep common spaces in the house tidy. Clean up spills, accidents, and food you’re responsible for. Everyone should be able to find what they’re looking for and navigate through the house without difficulty or health risks. Don’t leave a room a complete disaster when you’re finished with it. One of the main aspects of showing respect is to clean up after yourself when you’re done with a room. Leaving food out after cooking a meal can add extra work to whoever uses the room after you. The bathroom, especially, should be kept clean, as it can lead to health or sanitation hazards when left messy.

Assign Chores and Responsibilities

Many people under one roof can create large messes and require a lot of home maintenance. Thankfully, more people can help get work done. It’s important to divide and conquer when it comes to household chores. Assign chores and responsibilities to all members of the household who can perform them. Smaller kids may need fewer or easier chores to do, but everyone can pull their weight in some way—even if just putting toys away when finished playing with them.

Show and Teach Respect

All household members should be respectful of each other’s time, space, and needs. You shouldn’t be overly loud or demanding. You should take turns with common spaces and yield to those who need to access certain areas of the home at the same time. Communication should be mutually respectful, especially when kids converse with adults. If you’re a parent in the house, teach kids manners and respect for elders and each other.

Share Caretaking Duties

There may not be time to manage kids and grandparents all at once. Don’t be afraid to hire babysitters or take your kids to daycare to free up your time and reduce stress. Similarly, you can hire an in-home nurse or aide if grandparents need extra care or supervision at times. They can also move into a short-term nursing home or assisted living community during busy times, vacations, or long work days if necessary.

If you’re worried about care quality, make sure any babysitters, in-home nurses, or senior communities are thoroughly vetted and background-checked to reduce the risk of abuse or neglect. You can typically find public information on citations and fines for nurses or communities with some simple searches. For example, the nursing home Avante at Inverness was cited for inadequate supervision due to staffing issues. These citations can provide key insight into the kind of treatment your older loved one may be subject to. You don’t want your older family members to be mistreated!

Split Finances

One of the benefits of a multigenerational house is the potential for additional income streams. Grandparents may not work any longer, but they may have retirement savings to help pay for utilities, groceries, and housing costs. Consider splitting bills or housing costs to lower the price for everyone individually. Split finances can reduce workloads, lower stress, and distribute the financial weight. People tend to behave more respectfully toward each other when everyone contributes financially, too.

Balance Private and Family Time

Under a single, crowded roof, it may be tempting to encourage group family time more often. While family time is great, everyone needs time to cool off and relax by themselves. You can schedule family time on certain days or times, but don’t be offended when kids or older adults need some private time and space. It’s healthy to take time to recharge socially; moods can improve this way. Don’t force others to spend time with you when they don’t want to or are busy.