Have you ever thought about moving into a multigenerational home with your parents? More and more couples with children are looking for a flexible living arrangement that allows them to share a home with their family while still enjoying their own personal space—an arrangement that offers both social and financial benefits.
What are intergenerational homes?
Intergenerational living, also known as multigenerational living, is a housing concept in which multiple generations live under one roof and benefit from one another in various ways—without sacrificing privacy. With this concept, each resident has their own living space tailored to their individual needs: an age-appropriate floor plan and barrier-free rooms for the grandparents, quiet spaces for the parents, plenty of room for the kids to play, and common areas where the generations can come together.
Multigenerational living thus offers the opportunity to share costs and resources through the shared use of living spaces, kitchens, and other facilities. A well-planned and thought-out living model in a multigenerational home therefore offers numerous advantages for everyone involved and can be a worthwhile investment in one’s own future and that of one’s children.
Living in a Multigenerational Home: A Housing Concept for the Future
Living together with parents or grandparents in a multigenerational home can foster new bonds and promote intergenerational interaction. Older adults often wish to live near their children and grandchildren so they can be part of their lives and support them when needed. After all, there’s hardly anything better for grandparents than watching their grandchildren grow up without having to give up the independence and privacy that a home of their own offers. At the same time, parents can benefit from a multigenerational home by having some of the burden of childcare lifted or by receiving support with everyday tasks.
Multigenerational homes can thus help strengthen family bonds while also enabling a fulfilling life in one’s own apartment or house.
Successfully Implementing Multigenerational Living
With careful planning and implementation, a multigenerational home can be a rewarding and enriching experience for everyone:
- Community
When multiple generations live together, a community is formed that fosters social cohesion and provides support. - Flexibility
Each resident has their own living space tailored to their individual needs. This allows the living arrangement to adapt to changing life circumstances. - Accessibility
Accessible apartments and common areas enable residents to live independently as they age. - Cost Savings
Sharing spaces and resources helps reduce costs. - Support
Family members who need care can receive support from other generations without having to move into a nursing home. - Safety
Older adults feel safer when they live near family members. - Sustainability
Sharing living spaces and resources reduces the ecological footprint. - Learning
Younger and older generations can learn from one another and share valuable experiences.
Planning a Multigenerational Home: What to Keep in Mind
Intergenerational housing can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to implementation. Here are some factors to consider for the successful implementation of intergenerational housing:
Step 1: Needs Assessment
A thorough needs assessment is the first step toward understanding the needs of potential residents and developing a suitable housing concept. This process should take into account factors such as apartment size, interior design, common areas, and mobility.
Step 2: Planning
Careful planning is essential to ensure the effective and flexible use of living spaces. All aspects of the residential project should be taken into account, including the spatial layout, technology, infrastructure, and energy consumption.
Step 3: Accessibility
Ensuring accessibility is of great importance when implementing intergenerational housing projects. It is important that living spaces and common areas be accessible to all residents, regardless of their age or physical abilities.
Step 4: Financing
Financing intergenerational housing projects can be complex, so it is important to develop a solid financial plan early on. There are various ways to finance an intergenerational housing project, such as through private investors, public grants, or bank loans.
