All Topics > Real Estate Resources > Lifestyle > Sharing a Home > Living with for Aging Family Members >

Living with for Aging Family Members Illinois

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

Local Companies

James W. Klopfenstein & Associates, Inc.
(309) 673-9111
320 E. Jackson
Peoria, IL

Suburban Village Realty
(847) 337-9236
Barrington, IL

RE/MAX Market
708-254-5815
8728 S. Archer Ave
Willow Springs, IL

RE/MAX Signature North
(847) 863-5295
5135 N Ravenswood
Chicago, IL

Flat Fee MLS
847.543.7822
921 cambridge drive
grayslake, IL

Rent Smart Chicago
(773) 275-2700
5650 N Broadway
Chicago, IL

A Plus Home & bUILDING iNSPECTIONS, iNC.
815-941-2345
749 E. Washington St.
Morris, IL

Prudent Home Inspection
618 334 5785
PO Box
Bethalto, IL

A Plus Home & Building Inspections
(815) 941-2345
749 E. Washington
Morris, IL

Silverstar Home Inspection Inc.
815-931-1191
P.O. box 837
New Lenox, IL

provided by:

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

James W. Klopfenstein & Associates, Inc.

3096739111
320 E. Jackson
Peoria, IL

Read more about Living with for Aging Family Members

- Creating a Trust Illinois

Creating a trust into which to put your earthly assets is viewed by many people as a hugely important step towards keeping their most valued property in the hands of family and friends.

- How To Rent a House Illinois
- How To Wholesale Single Family Houses for Profit Illinois
- In-law Apartments Illinois
- Choosing a Retirement Community Illinois
- Outdoor Living Goes Upscale Illinois
- Empty Nesters Lead the Way toward New Housing Trends Illinois
- Pros and cons of condominium living Illinois
- Going Green in Your Apartment Illinois
- How to Buy a Home With – or Without – Your Family Illinois

Regional Articles

- Empty Nesters Lead the Way toward New Housing Trends Illinois

Aging boomers say no to stairs and maintenance, yes to luxuries.

- Outdoor Living Goes Upscale Illinois
- Going Green in Your Apartment Illinois
- How to Buy a Home With – or Without – Your Family Illinois
- How To Wholesale Single Family Houses for Profit Illinois
- In-law Apartments Illinois
- Creating a Trust Illinois
- How To Rent a House Illinois
- Pros and cons of condominium living Illinois
- Choosing a Retirement Community Illinois

Related Local Events

REIT School: Analyst Training in Real Estate Securities
Dates: 6/24/2009 - 6/24/2009
Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Rosemont, IL
View Details

Illinois Real Estate Development & Finance
Dates: 6/18/2009 - 6/18/2009
Location: Renaissance Chicago Downtown
Chicago, IL
View Details

Advertising	Food & Beverage	Nightlife
Business Services	Franchise	Online Database
Career	Health	Pets
Cars	Holidays	Real Estate Resources
Computer Hardware	Home Appliances	Retail & Consumer Services
Construction	Home Electronics	Software
Education	Home Services	Technology
Entertainment	Industrial Goods & Services	Telecommunications
Environmental	Insurance	Trade Shows
Family	Internet	Travel
Fashion	Legal	Weddings
Financial Services	Miscellaneous	World History

Advertising	Family	Home Services	Real Estate Resources
Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
Career	Financial Services	Insurance	Software
Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
Education	Holidays	Nightlife	Travel
Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History