Last Updated on October 28, 2020
Multi-generational households potentially carry many benefits. There is the potential for families to become closer together, for children to be closer to their grandparents and vice versa, and for several generations living in one household to live and work 
together and share ideas. However, while there are some benefits of multi-generational living, there are also some drawbacks, and how to make multi-generational living work can become a topic of discussion.
There can be issues of privacy, the generation gap, and other issues that arise when people live closely together. Read on to learn more about multi-generational housing and its benefits and drawbacks, and tips to making it work if this describes your household.
How to Make Multi-Generational Living Work: What Are Some Advantages of Living in a Multi-Generation Household?
If you’re considering intergenerational living and are wondering how to make multi-generational living work, but haven’t made the move yet, you’re probably wondering about the pros (and cons) when it comes to intergenerational households. Some of the benefits of intergenerational homes include:
- More time with family. This includes everyone in the family who’s living under the same roof. The younger children don’t think of grandma and grandpa as strangers, and their mom and dad stay in close touch with their parents. It can foster a stronger family bond.
- Financial advantage. If the oldest generation living in the home is bringing in some type of income, then this provides a financial advantage and lifts some of the burden on the home.
- More help in the home. Unless the grandparents are ill and are being cared for, there are more hands on deck to help with house matters, such as child care, light housework, and other needs.
How to Make Multi-Generational Living Work: What Is the Key Disadvantage of Multi-Generational Families?
Perhaps the number one complaint in intergenerational housing is lack of privacy. More people in the home means less private space. When it comes to bedrooms and bathrooms, this can cause some tension within the family, particularly if it’s a one-bedroom home.
There are other disadvantages associated with multi-generational homes as well. Instead of financial relief, having more people in the home can cause financial stress. Instead of more help in the home, more occupants can cause a bigger mess, and how to make multi-generational living work can be more problematic.
How to Make Multi-Generational Living Work: Tips for Everyday Life
To keep daily life running smoothly, it can take some practice. Some of the things you can do if you’re wondering how to make multi-generational living work include:
- Prioritize privacy and set up boundaries. Make clear rules for everyone when it comes to privacy and expectations.
- Make a list of chores and expenses and discuss who is to pitch in and when.
- If your parents do have mobility issues, consider installing modifications, such as stairlifts, to help them feel more comfortable.
- Schedule family time. Don’t let the humdrum and business of daily life prevent you from connecting as a family.
If you find that arguments and tense moments do arise, sit down as a family and try to work things out as a unit.
For more ideas on how to make multi-generational living work, or to hear more about mobility products that can be life-changing, such as stair lifts and wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want both caregivers and patients to live their best lives.