How to Adjust when an Elderly Relative Moves in with You

Adjusting when an elderly relative moves in with you can be hard in the beginning. If you're having to care for them as well, it can be even more stressful. Over time you will be able to get used to the situation and things will get back to normal once everyone has become used to the extra person in the house.

Instructions

How to Adjust when an Elderly Relative Moves in with You

1. Hold a family meeting before the elderly family member moves in. Give a chance for everyone in the family to express their feelings and concerns about the new situation. Let everyone say what is on their mind because everyone in the family is involved. Young children and teenagers should be included and listened to since their opinions are just as important as yours.

2. Discuss at the meeting what accommodations are going to be needed for the elderly family member. If the family's schedule is going to have to change, explain it during this time. Teenagers may be uncomfortable about helping the family member with personal care issues, such as changing a diaper or checking blood sugar levels for diabetes. Younger children may not be ready to help give their grandma or grandpa a bath, but they may enjoy reading to them or other simple tasks.

3. Talk to each other once the family member has moved in. Communication is key. If there are any problems that arise they should be mentioned as soon as possible. Children may feel like they aren't getting the same amount of attention as they were before. Setting time aside to make your children feel special is important.

4. Set aside alone time for your and your spouse as well. If the elderly family member is still able to do things by themselves, this will be easier to do. The more attention the family member needs, the less time there is for alone time.

5. Handle every situation as fairly as possible. Grandpa may prefer a quiet house, while your teenager likes to play loud music throughout the day. Try and compromise so both parties are happy. Require that your teenager listen to their music with headphones after a certain time.

6. Keep in mind what type of food everyone in your family can eat. The elderly family member may only like bland foods, while your spouse and children enjoy meals with a lot of different spices. If this is the case, try cooking without adding anything and have salt and other spices on the dinner table so everyone can put the amount they want on their own plate.