dr. marion Goodbye empty nest 5 things to talk about before your mom (or dad) moves in J By DR. mARiON SOmERS Share this article with your friends. 28 GRAND ust as many of us start to enjoy our empty nests, we’re faced with a new dilemma: the possibility of moving an older parent into our homes. When a loved one can no longer live independently, there are a number of options available, ranging from in-home care to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. But recent statistics show that more people are choosing another path: moving their parents in with them. Whether it’s for economic reasons or a desire to keep the family close, the US Census Bureau notes that the number of parents living with their grown kids skyrocketed to more than 3.6 million in 2007 — up 67 percent from 2000. And while you may be used to having your grandchildren over for a visit, preparing your home — and lives — for an older person is entirely different. So how can you decide if this is the best approach for your family? The fact is, any new addition to a home — whether a new baby or an older adult — can alter the dynamics of the household. This can be even more dramatic for us as grandparents, when the kids are finally out of the house and we’re finally ready to enjoy our lives after years of hard work. So having to suddenly care for an aging parent (or SEPT OCT 2010http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2008-09-23-census-moms_N.htm http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2008-09-23-census-moms_N.htm http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2008-09-23-census-moms_N.htm http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2008-09-23-census-moms_N.htm