Table 2.

Issues to Address When an Older Parent Moves in with an Adult Child

Finances – Contributions from the parent(s), siblings, others Costs of any home renovations Tax implications Adequacy of space in children’s home Impact on others living in the home – spouse, significant others, children Necessary home modifications Need for durable medical equipment Caregiving needs and who will provide them Household rules and expectations Expectations of parent and adult children regarding roles and responsibilities Impact on prior relationships in the family (e.g. previous marriages, etc) Impact on spouse’s parents or other older adults for whom the child/spouse may be providing care Impact on adult children’s children, especially if they are still living in the home Availability of community resources where the child lives (legal, financial, spiritual or religious communities, family and friends, other sources of emotional and social support, well-trained health care professionals with competencies in caring for the special needs of older adults)