Living with for Aging Family Members Cape Coral FL

There is much to consider in preparing for living with an elderly family member.

Local Companies

FloridaHalfbacks.com
239-898-1662
1306 SW 18th St
Cape Coral, FL
Engel & Voelkers
239-541-1333
1333-2 Cape Coral Parkway East
Cape Coral, FL
Harborside Appraisal & Consulting, Inc
(941) 639-1222
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd
Punta Gorda, FL
Eister and Associates Real Estate
(239) 540-1501
1218 SE 47th St
Cape Coral, FL
Hussey Company Real Estate Inc
(239) 463-3178
2450 Everest Pkwy
Cape Coral, FL
Accurate Real Estate Appraisers Inc
(239) 945-3177
3917 Pelican Blvd
Cape Coral, FL
Real Estate Network Services
(239) 945-6024
3046 Del Prado Blvd S
Cape Coral, FL
Amador Real Estate
(239) 573-0755
1443 Del Prado Blvd S
Cape Coral, FL
Stephenberg Real Estate Llc
(239) 541-1100
Cape Coral, FL
Floridian Real Estate Partners Llc
(239) 542-4000
1633 Cape Coral Pkwy W
Cape Coral, FL

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Living with family can be hard enough when it is just you, your spouse, and the kids. But, what about when your mother, father, or spouse’s parents have to move in? Here are some things to consider when preparing for living with an elderly family member.

 

 What will the living arrangements be?
Look at your home. Is it possible to create an in-law apartment? An in-law apartment has a few basic characteristics: its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living quarters. Adding on to the top of a detached garage can make an excellent in-law apartment (if stairs are not an issue). A basement or small addition to your home can also work well.

What are the local zoning restrictions?
Check out the local restrictions before breaking ground on any addition to your home. In-law apartments can be illegal in some areas. In many cases, you can create an in-law apartment for living with an aging family member, but when that person no longer needs it, you may not be able to rent out the space. You may be stuck with an in-law apartment that cost a lot to add, but can’t use to make money. Essentially, you may be left with an expensive guest room. 

What about the relationship between you and the family member?
Living with family can mean sharing the same house or becoming just very, very close neighbors. Does this mean that your mother-in-law is constantly going to be over, perhaps critiquing your cooking ability? It’s a good idea to establish boundaries before the family member moves in. Be very specific. If using an in-law apartment, is the pop-in okay, or should there be a phone call first? Agreeing on clear boundaries can make the transition much easier for all involved. 

How will your siblings or other extended family help?
If you are willing to care for an aging parent, it makes sense that your siblings or other close family provide assistance, too. Again, set expectations up front. If a brother is across the country, obviously he cannot help with the daily care of your aging parent. But, he can help financially. Or, he can come stay in your house for a week here or there so that you can go on vacation and get a much-needed break.

If living with an aging family member means creating an in-law apartment that requires expensive renovations to your home, this can get tricky. You may expect your sibling to contribute, but his perspective may be that you are raising the value of your home with the renovation. Iron out an agreement that is fair to all involved, and don’t be afraid to have a lawyer draft up a document if money is involved. That can very clearly establish expectations and prevent misunderstandings later.

Be informed when preparing for living with an elderly family member. It is a challenging task. But, it can also be a rewarding experience, especially if you have kids who are able to share special times with their grandparents who are now their close neighbors.

Published on May 02, 2007

Read full article at realestate.com

Featured Local Company

FloridaHalfbacks.com

239-898-1662
1306 SW 18th St
Cape Coral, FL
www.FloridaHalfbacks.com


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