Multigenerational living has recently become popular again, in part due to rising home prices, the expense of healthcare for aging adults and widespread unemployment—but it’s also a great way to spend time with your family and keep an eye on your aging parents. About 20 percent of Americans live under the same roof as their children or parents these days—a far cry from the post-World War II dream of moving out and owning your own single-family home.
However, these days, multiple generations living together is no longer seen as a “failure.” For some people (such as college students unable to find employment), multigenerational living is necessary, while others choose to save money and support their extended families. Read on to learn what multigenerational living is in Jackson, MS.
How to make multigenerational homes work for you
The biggest issue with multiple generations living under the same roof is making sure you’re not living right on top of each other. For some families, this might involve installing a tiny home or “granny pod” in their backyard, while others choose to remodel their existing home to make separate living areas, complete with private kitchens and bathrooms.
A multigenerational home in Jackson, MS needs to consider not just the spatial needs of each generation, but also aging-in-place considerations. For example, if you’re remodeling a bathroom for your elderly parents, you might want to replace the existing tub and shower with a walk-in shower. Glass doors and curb-free enclosures make it easier for people with mobility issues to get in safely. You may also wish to install shower benches and grab bars for safety purposes.
Aging-in-place considerations also affect hallways, floors and doorways. If anyone uses a wheelchair or scooter, will they be able to get around safely? For example, a bathroom doorway may need to be widened, and you might have to rip out carpeting so wheelchairs and walkers are able to glide smoothly.
When you have an idea of what kind of aging-in-place measures you’ll need to implement to make your existing home suitable, it will become clear whether you’re better off remodeling, adding on rooms or adding a completely separate living space.
However, before you make any firm plans, it’s best to communicate with your family members. Outline your expectations and hopes. For example, is everyone planning to eat together every night, or will that be only on certain occasions? This will influence whether you need a separate kitchen or kitchenette. Does anyone have issues that make restroom breaks take longer than normal? Adding on another bathroom will help, especially if you have multiple adults working or attending school each day.
Ultimately, there’s no one single way to build or remodel a multigenerational home. It’s up to you and your family to determine what you’ll need, and how to ensure enough privacy to minimize conflicts.
If you’re thinking about building or remodeling a home for multigenerational living in Jackson, MS, the team at Kitchen Kreators Ltd. can help. Call us today to discuss your needs and get a quote.