Intergenerational homes offer a number of advantages for families. Especially those caring for older adults.
What are intergenerational homes?
Intergenerational homes are ones where two or more generations of family members live together. It can be a multi-generational home, which is for three or more generations. Or, a home where the older generation lives with their adult children.
According to a study published in March, 2022 from Pew Research Center, the number of households with multiple generations have increased dramatically over the last few years. The share of the U.S. population in multigenerational homes has more than doubled, from 7% in 1971 to 18% in 2021.
Benefits of intergenerational living
A lot of the time, it’s so difficult to care for elderly parents or grandparents. Adult children often find themselves in a difficult position where they have to balance their work and family life.
This is where intergenerational living can be of benefit. It is especially important in today’s world where there are so many families who have parents who need support.
- Offers older adults a chance to live among family members, while still having their needs met
- Can grow the family bond
- Provides a sense of security for older adults
- Relieves pressure on the family
- Better care for older adults
- Less cost for housing
- Able to age in place
Disadvantages of intergenerational living
Intergenerational living can have many benefits, but it also has disadvantages. Living in a home with multiple generations can be a difficult transition for everyone, including having an affect on your ability to maintain:
- The right level of care for children & older adults
- Privacy at home
- A work-life balance
- Management your finances between multiple families
- Proper space for everyone in the home
- Management of home responsibilities
How to create the perfect space in intergenerational homes
The idea of having two or more generations living in the same home is not new. What is new, however, is that the number of people who are reaching retirement age has increased dramatically in recent years. This means that there are a lot of people who need to downsize and find a smaller place to live.
One way to provide for these needs and also meet the housing demands for younger generations is through an intergenerational living space. This type of space can be designed with features to not only increase the quality of life for everyone in the home, but also provide for each of their needs.
Home remodeling for intergenerational living should focus on one primary thing.
Creating functional spaces for everyone
Main floor living – For older adults (actually, everyone) having everything on the main floor of the home not only makes life easier, but also is much safer.
Bathroom – An accessible bathroom that is safe, functional and enjoyable.
Kitchen – Easy access to everything in the kitchen needed for meal preparation and clean-up.
Laundry – Universally Designed appliances, with amenities to make laundry chores easier for everyone.
Entrances & Exits – Accessible home entrances to ensure everyone can get into and out of the home safely.
Space for Life – Wider doorways, open floor plans, storage and more to ensure that all are safe and comfortable at home.
The key to a successful intergenerational homes is in the design. With each of the areas in the home, it is important to ensure that each one is remodeled so it provides accessibility for everyone.
At DeVol Design Build Remodel, one of our specialties is creating a home that helps ensure quality of life for everyone. With over 23 years experience in home remodeling and accessibility, we create spaces for each generation.