How to prepare when a parent or grandparent comes to live with you

These days, having grandma move in with the family is still an option for some families, but it has become more complicated. First of all, there are fewer families with a stay-at-home adult in the home. This is where a great deal depends on Grandma's health. I know of one family where the dad is single. He has custody of his two young sons most of the time, and his mother has moved in. For the most part, Grandma is actually a help with the boys. Yes, she has her issues, and there has been some adjusting on all sides. But with Dad's odd hours and Grandma still fairly capable, it's a situation that works well for all.

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Comments

[Carol Bradley Bursack]

You are right. People often wait for a crisis. It's easier when these tough choices can be done earlier, but not always possible.

[Hunger]

I've read that most people don't consider moving a parent in until he has some sort of health setback or crisis. In that case, it's very likely you'll be coping with your parent's chronic illness.