Home insteadyour place or mine

If you’re contemplating moving several generations under one roof, you have a lot to think about.  If you’re already living the intergenerational life, perhaps your family has encountered some of the emotional, safety and financial challenges associated with this lifestyle.
The following are some tips you may find useful when making this selfless lifestyle choice.
Take care of your well being.  Think of this as a main concern, not a luxury.  Honour your needs and nurture your mind, body and spirit.
Keep up with your own health care and good health habits.  Get eight hours of sleep each night.  Eat a healthy diet.  Limit caffeine and sugar.  Drink plenty of fluids.
Keep up with exercise.  Exercise will help relax tense muscles, improve your mood and help you sleep better.   If able, have the person your care for walk or do stretching exercises with you.  Set aside time for exercise.
Make sure you have social and family respite time.  Plan ahead for a break for yourself and for something your enjoy.  Enjoy time away without feeling guilty.
Look for opportunities to lighten the work.  Try to bring other helpers onto your caregiving team.  Seek support and tips from other Caregivers.
Learn to deal with stress.  Consider learning how to do relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga or other methods to help with stress.  Think positively about your situation.

Ups and Downs:
Intergenerational living seems to generate positive feelings of care and accomplishment combined with stress.  Matthew Kaplan, Intergenerational Programs specialist with Penn State University in Pennsylvania says that each family member’s needs should be taken into consideration to achieve an emotionally healthy family.  Receiving respite support from a sibling or professional care organisation can make a world of difference.
“People need independence, but interdependence and family unity are important as well, particularly in today’s hectic and demanding world”, says Kaplan.
If you find yourself in the position of wanting to support a family member with living at home then you can contact me on 04493 85260 or email j.acton@homeinsteadm.ie. Alternatively please feel welcome to call and chat with me at our office in Marlinstown. At Home Instead Senior Care “to us it’s personal”