Can My Son Live With Me in Senior Housing?
Understanding Senior Housing Options
As a parent, you may be considering having your adult son move in with you in your senior housing community. There are a few factors to consider when determining if this is allowed:
Independent Living Communities
Most independent living communities will allow residents to have family members or others live with them in their apartment homes. However, there are often restrictions on the age of additional occupants. For example, many independent living communities require additional occupants to be over a certain age, such as 55 or 62. So if your son is under the age limit set by the community, he may not be able to live with you.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities provide more services for residents who need help with daily activities. Most assisted living communities do not allow additional people to move in with a resident. The exception would be if your son needed care and qualified to live in assisted living himself. So it is unlikely you would be able to have your adult son move in unless he met the requirements on his own.
Affordable Senior Housing
Some government-subsidized affordable housing developments for seniors also have strict rules against additional occupants. The affordable housing is designated for older adults meeting certain income requirements. So having additional people move in like an adult son is usually not allowed.
Questions to Ask About Your Specific Community
Since every senior housing community is unique, your best bet is to directly ask about their rules regarding additional occupants if you are considering having your son move in. Here are some key questions to ask:
What is the minimum age requirement for occupants?
Find out if there is an age minimum like 55 or 62 that your son would have to meet to be able to move in with you. If he is younger than the requirement, he may not be allowed.
Are additional occupants allowed?
Ask the housing management directly if any other people are allowed to move in with a resident. Make it clear you are asking about an adult son.
Are there exceptions for family members?
Even if additional people are not generally allowed, some communities may make rare exceptions for family. So it’s worth asking if a special exception could be made for your son.
What is the application process for additional occupants?
If extra occupants are allowed, find out what the application process entails. There may be an application, background check, income requirements, etc. before being approved.
Are there additional fees for occupants?
Most housing communities charge extra rent or fees for additional people living in an apartment. Be sure to find out what the charges are.
Can occupants be caretakers?
Some housing may allow family or friends to move in if they are official caretakers for a resident who needs assistance. If your son is willing to serve as your caretaker, see if this is a possibility.
Tips for Moving Your Son Into Senior Housing
If it is possible for your adult son to move in with you, here are some tips to make the transition smooth:
Communicate with housing staff
Keep housing staff informed about your plans so they can confirm policies are being followed properly. Being transparent will help avoid issues down the road.
Help your son integrate into the community
Encourage your son to attend community events and socialize with other residents. This will help other seniors welcome and accept him.
Discuss expectations
Have an open conversation with your son about expectations in terms of visit duration, finances, responsibilities, and etiquette living in a senior community. Clear guidelines will prevent conflicts.
Look into support services
If your son will also be providing caregiver assistance for you, see if your community has resources like caregiver training or support groups to aid family members serving as caretakers.
The rules around adult children moving into senior housing with parents vary widely. With some communities it is clearly allowed, while others have strict policies against additional occupants. Be sure to communicate directly with your specific housing management to see if them moving in together is a possibility. With the right planning and preparation, you may be able to have your son join you in your new senior living community.
Conclusion
Having your adult son move in with you in senior housing can sometimes be an option but depends largely on the policies of your individual community. Reach out to housing staff to check on rules about minimum age, additional occupants, exceptions, fees, and application processes. If allowed, take steps to integrate your son and discuss expectations for making the transition smooth. With proper planning and communication, you may be able to have your son become part of your senior housing community.