This option for providing Future Care is either greeted with horror or joy!
For many people, inviting their elderly or disabled relatives to live with them seems like an ideal solution to providing their Future Care needs. However, it is important to remember that the ’host’ family unit may already comprise different generations including teenagers, adult children, grandchildren and, in some cases , different cultures. Relatives moving into the ‘host’ unit may themselves have extended families or be of a different culture.
So whilst the idea of all living together under one roof may be appealing, before embarking on this solution it needs to be thought about very carefully and is definitely not for everyone!
Be under no illusion - this option has pros and cons!
Pros:
· Provides an opportunity for an improved quality of life for the whole family
· Enables older or disabled relatives to be integrated within the family unit
providing support and supervision to older or vulnerable relatives.
· Removes worry and guilt about relatives who may otherwise live alone or in isolation
· Enables children and grandparents to develop close relationships
· Enables relatives to maintain independence but with supervision ‘on hand’
· Enables choice of care and carer input
· Enables purchase of a larger property by pooling
· Enables early and safe discharge from hospital
Cons:
Potential family fall-outs
Moving – difficulties adjusting to a new lifestyle and leaving behind friends and support network.
Possible Inheritance Tax implications
MGL does not necessarily involve living together in the same house as one big family. There are other options that will provide private spaces and a degree of independent living.
Some examples are:
· One House - Occupying 1 floor only or 2 – 3 rooms.
· One House – converted into 2 semi-detached properties
· One House – converted into 2-3 separate flats
· One House - Bricks and Mortar Extension – attached to the main house.
· Garage Conversion – detached, or with linked access to the main house
· Annex – Bricks & Mortar or Wooden Building – attached to the main house.
· Separate Building (e g Agile Home) located within the garden
· 2 x Separate Houses -within walking distance ( e.g. within same village)
Achieving a successful outcome to MGL s a lengthy and complicated process
I consider successful MGL to be a lengthy, 6 step process.
Step 1 - A Facilitated Conversation
Appointing an independent facilitator will enable each person involved to speak openly and honestly about their own vision as to how this style of living will work for them, what is acceptable or not acceptable, and accommodation requirements.
DESIGNATE CAN HELP YOU! We are skilled communicators and can act as an Independent facilitator.
Step 2 – Property Options
Decide and agree on the option that best meets the needs of everyone.
DESIGNATE CAN HELP YOU! We can help you to choose the type of living arrangements and property that is right for you and meet the needs of all family members.
Step 3 - Location
This involves not only choosing a location but also deciding on who will move!
DESIGNATE CAN HELP YOU! We can assist you in making this crucial decision particularly focusing on property adaptability accessibility and care needs
Step 4 – Setting the Budget
Invariably family members fund this style of living by ‘pooling’ their respective financial resources. However it is still essential to mutually agree, and set, a realistic budget sufficient to cover both the purchase price and all costs involved in making a property suitable for MGL.
DESIGNATE CAN HELP YOU! By assisting you in setting a budget to cover both obvious and hidden costs required for care, adapting or remodelling, and future-proofing a new home.
Step 5 –The Property Search
Glossy brochures can be seductive so when searching for a new home it is vital to set, and adhere to , a mutually agreed and strict criteria!
DESIGNATE CAN HELP YOU! To devise a realistic criteria for an MGL home and in in searching and viewing potentially suitable properties.
Step 6– Adaptability & Future Proofing
It is easy to fall in love with a house that barely meets current needs! However when purchasing a ‘forever home’ it is essential to focus on whether a house not only meets current needs but has the potential to ‘evolve’ and accommodate gradual or major changes in your family circumstances. If not it would be both disappointing and expensive to have to move!
DESIGNATE CAN HELP YOU! We are experts in advising on future-proofing and adapting properties.
So, DESIGNATE can guide you through all stages of the process. Our service provision includes advice and involvement in Design & Build, Accessibility, Inclusive Interior Design, and equipment provision. Working together with our clients we create beautiful safe environments that are non-clinical, but are instead Functional & Fabulous!
So please visit our Contact page and complete our Submission Form
or give us a call: Mob: 44 (0)7557309466 Tel: 0117 3790049.
We would love to hear from you discuss your project and help you to achieve successful Multi-generational lLving!