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How to Live Happily With an Elderly Parent

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By Melanie L. Marten
User-Submitted Article
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Living with an elderly parent requires patience.
Living with an elderly parent requires patience.

Living with an elderly or aging parent requires many adjustments to your everyday life. Learn how and when to compromise to have a happy combined home.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Elderly parent
  • House
  • Patience
  1. Step 1

    When preparing to move in with your elderly parent, discussion is always the first step. Talk about responsibilities of each party, both for the house and garden and for the elderly parent's care. It is most important to discuss how much you are to take over things like finances, utilities, services, and decisions about how things run.

  2. Step 2

    Create personal space in the house you share with your elderly parent. This space is usually the bedroom you use; these rooms should be off limits to the other person. Designating certain shelves or storage containers in bathrooms, kitchens, and closets is also important. Knowing where you can put things will reduce quarrels.

  3. Step 3

    Make a household calendar or time schedule. If you are moving in to your elderly parent's home to help them or drive for them, it is important to know when things need to be taken care of. List doctor's appointments, when prescriptions run out, and times you are free to drive them to visit friends or go shopping.

  4. Step 4

    Stay flexible. Moving in with an elderly parent is a big life change for both parties. There will be tension and friction between you at some times. Remember to always act out of love and keep the lines of communication open. Treat your elderly parent with respect.

Tips & Warnings
  • Discuss responsibilities and limits before moving in.
  • Do not take over or treat your parent as a child.
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