A current trend in housing is multi-generational living.  Home buyers are seeking properties or remodeling their current homes to accommodate themselves and their parents. Multi-generational living can also accommodate the Millennial who is living at home after college.

There are great advantages to this.  With Seniors living longer, many want to be near their families and help with the kids but do not want the mortgage of a new home involved when they relocate. Others, single-Seniors who want independent living, are not interested in being alone or living in a Seniors-only facility.

Parents who want to help their grown children, who are paying off college tuition bills or just getting themselves back on their feet after a difficult time, are also living the multi-generational life.

The single-family home with the additional bedroom, or a cottage on the property are interesting to these families.

How to find the best multi-generational home.

You do not have to have a large property with two homes on it for multi-generational living. What you do need, though, is to look for a home with features that serve both adult generations. These features include:

1. two areas that can provide a master suite. Your Senior parent(s) should have their own bathroom that is not shared by the rest of the family. Why? Privacy. Older adults have different health issues and should be honored with privacy.
2. space on the main floor for the older generation. That upstairs bonus room/bedroom works great for your teen or your Millennial child who moved back home but the stairs could be a challenge to an older resident. Perhaps the upstairs bonus room could be the second master suite. Be sure there is a bathroom and ample closet space. Make the downstairs master suite home to the older generation.
3. a separate cottage would give Senior parents their own space, privacy and the feeling of independence not gained through living in the main household. And a noisy house for a Senior could be a stress builder and lead to confusion. Seniors, like all of us, need down-time and quiet.

Most recently, builders are incorporating multi-generational design into new communities. Take a look at new construction as an option.

Sharing your home with a Senior parent.

Once you have found that home to share with a Senior family member be careful with the interior decor.

1. throw rugs can be a hazard to someone who may not be steady on their feet. These rugs are generally used in bathrooms, kitchens, and near entry doors. If you have to use them, secure the rugs with a double-sided rug tape so it stays in place.
2. hand railings are crucial for safety, inside and out. Anywhere there are steps, install a handrail for older residents and visitors to use.
3. bathroom fixtures should also include hand railings in the tub and near the toilet.
4. universal design guidelines can assist you with remodeling or finding the perfect home to share with multiple generations.

Here are some great resources that can help you with multi-generational living, remodeling, aging in place and more.

• Preventing falls
• Universal Design
• Aging in Place
• Issues in multigenerational living

For more information about finding the right type of home for your multi-generational family here in Sarasota, FL call me. I love to talk about this topic.