Multi-generational Households are trending up . . . again. While several generations living under one roof was common following World War II, as our country became more industrialized, adult children began leaving home and starting their own individual family homes. By 1971 only 7% U.S. households were multi-generational. The trend has shifted once again, however, resulting in nearly quadruple the number of multi-generational households today. Now, at 26%, one in four Americans lives in an multi-generational household.
A multi-generational household is defined as including two or more adult generations (with adults ages 25 or older) or a “skipped generation,” which consists of grandparents and their grandchildren younger than 25. There are many combinations that can create a multi-generational home. The most common arrangement consists of three generations – typically one or more working-age adults, one or more of their children, and either aging parent(s) or grandchildren. “Grandfamilies” (also known as Kinship) is also on the rise, which are households headed by an older individual or couple who are raising grandchildren under age 18 in their home.
There are many advantages to multi-generational households. Saving money, caring for family members, and increased companionship are stated as the top reasons families are choosing to include extended family under one roof. Generations United reports that an overwhelming majority of Americans living in a multi-generational home (98%) say their household functions successfully. As a bonus, research shows that healthy people living in multi-generational households have longer survival rates than those living alone.
Significant financial benefits are realized in multi-generational households pooling their resources where cost savings is realized by sharing living expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation. Additionally, family members provide services for each other which then do not have to be purchased; this is most commonly seen with childcare. When a grandparent lives in the home, they can often look after their grandchildren on a regular basis. This not only saves in babysitting/daycare expenses but can also allow the parent(s) to work more hours and generate more income for the household.
Similarly, a grandparent may not be able to keep up with the maintenance of a home or may need assistance with daily chores; in a multi-generational household their children and grandchildren can perform these tasks. This not only lets the grandparent remain living at home with family, it saves the family from paying for a nursing facility which is estimated to cost twice as much as in-home care services.
There is a spiraling positive effect from sharing resources. The financial benefits gained from these cooperative arrangements within an extended family results in greater wealth for the family unit as a whole which, in turn, allows the family to live in a nicer home and a better neighborhood than they could if living separately. This results in greater safety, better schools, and a more stable environment for all the family members.
In addition to greater financial stability and the benefits that come from that, living in a multi-generational households creates opportunities for increased quality time together, leading to deeper connections between family members. Children grow up with a natural mix of young and old in their lives; parents have the help of extended family members to help with their young children; and grandparents have the benefit of enjoying their elder years surrounded by youth and family. All generations can learn from each other’s experiences, wisdom, and unique perspectives. Milestone Senior Services recognizes that we all benefit from the diversity of multi-generational communities. They provide services that allow older adults to remain living at home where they are connected to family, friends, and the cultural communities they are connected to.
Milestone Senior Services recognizes that we all benefit from the diversity of multi-generational communities. They provide services that allow older adults to remain living at home where they are connected to family, friends, and the cultural communities they are connected to. If you need services to help yourself or a loved one remain living at home, contact Milestone at 269-382-0515 or complete the Request Info form online.
