BPT
TIPS FOR SENIORS WHO OPT
TO LIVE WITH FAMILY
I
f one family trend is an indicator, aging in America is in
for a transformation. As people plan their retirement
years, more and more are preferring to make the right
adjustments at home to age in place, rather than exploring
alternatives such as assisted living facilities and nursing
homes. For many, that can mean opting to live under
the same roof as their grown children and perhaps even
their grandchildren.
The advantages of living together
The post-war shift away from communal living is in
reverse. A recent report from Pew Research says 20
percent of Americans are now living in multigenerational
households, a significant increase from the all-time low
of 12 percent back in 1980.
healthcare costs to child care. Where housing is concerned,
a majority of California seniors saw living at home - and
renovating it to accommodate their needs - as a less
expensive option over assisted living or a nursing home,
according to a market research survey conducted by
Wakefield Research on behalf of SCAN Health Plan, a
Medicare Advantage plan that serves California seniors.
In addition, 61 percent expressed a preference to make
changes to stay in their existing home as long as possible
rather than move out.
Aside from the financial advantages, living together holds
other benefits for seniors. More than half (55 percent)
of seniors said they’d be most comfortable living in their
current home as they age, ideally with a spouse or other
family members. Less than half (47 percent) voiced a
preference for living alone at home, 17 percent favor
For many families, living together under one roof is a moving in with their children, and 9 percent expect to
financially practical solution to offset the increasing need assisted living or a nursing home.
financial pressures felt across all generations, from
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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NOVEMBER 2018