For generations, it was perfectly normal for grandparents, parents, and children to share one home. Grandparents helped raise grandchildren, adult children cared for aging parents, and everyone contributed to the household in different ways. There’s been a long history of intergenerational living but somewhere along the way, American culture shifted toward greater independence, with many families living separately.
That trend is changing.
Across our country, more families are embracing intergenerational living; households where two or more adult generations live under one roof. While rising housing costs and inflation have most certainly played a role, many families are discovering that living together offers something money can’t buy: stronger relationships, shared purpose, and support through every stage of life. Reports say over 66 million Americans (1 in 4) live in multigenerational homes today, making it one of the fastest-growing housing trends in the United States.
The decision isn’t always driven by necessity. For many, it’s an intentional lifestyle choice that allows families to spend more meaningful time together while sharing responsibilities and creating lasting memories. The reports are strongly favorable, as shared by one recent survey on the trend. And for those who can make it work, it just makes good sense!
Why More Families Are Living Together
Every family’s story is different, but several common reasons are fueling the growth of multigenerational households. A recent report from Pew Research states that financial issues top the list of reasons for this trend, but there are other reasons and those can be different for every family.
Rising Housing Costs
Buying or renting a home has become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for many young adults and growing families to afford housing on a single income. Sharing a home allows families to split mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and other household expenses.
Childcare Support
Quality childcare is expensive, and often difficult to find.
When grandparents are healthy and willing, they can become one of the family’s greatest resources. Whether it’s helping get children ready for school, watching grandchildren after school, or simply being present when parents are working, grandparents often provide reliable support that strengthens family bonds while reducing childcare expenses.
For children, the benefits extend far beyond convenience. Studies have shown that strong relationships with grandparents can provide emotional security, teach family traditions, and help children develop empathy, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for older generations.
Caring for Aging Parents
Many adult children also want to ensure their aging parents remain safe, connected, and supported without immediately moving into a care setting. Living together can make it easier to assist with transportation, medication reminders, meals, household chores, and companionship while allowing older adults to maintain a sense of independence.
More Time Together
Sometimes the biggest benefit isn’t financial at all. Many families simply enjoy being together. Many people who grew up with grandparents nearby remember family dinners, stories passed down through generations, shared holidays, and everyday moments that became lifelong memories. Today’s families are rediscovering those experiences, the powerful impact, and how they still matter.
The Benefits of Intergenerational Living
Research also suggests that intentional multigenerational living can reduce social isolation for older adults while benefiting children’s educational and emotional development. When everyone works together, multigenerational households can create tremendous advantages. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Lower overall household expenses
- Reduced childcare costs
- Shared caregiving responsibilities
- Less loneliness for older adults
- Stronger relationships across generations
- Greater emotional support during life’s challenges
- Opportunities for children to build meaningful relationships with grandparents
- Peace of mind knowing loved ones are nearby
It Isn’t Always Easy
Extended family living together also comes with challenges and acknowledging them honestly is important. This is a big one: privacy may be limited. Different parenting styles can create tension. Household chores may become unevenly distributed. Financial expectations aren’t always clear. And family members often have different routines, personalities, and communication styles.
None of these challenges are impossible to overcome, but they do require planning and open conversations before problems arise. The important thing is to consider if the benefits outweigh the potential downsides, and if those downsides can be overcome with a bit of work. It’s no different than moving in with a roommate or a new spouse, there is some adjustment that must take place.
Tips for Making It Work
Families who thrive in multigenerational homes often share one thing in common: they establish expectations early.
Give Everyone Their Own Space
Private bedrooms are ideal, but personal retreats don’t always require expensive renovations. Everyone benefits from having a place to recharge.
Consider simple updates such as:
- Creating a small sitting area in a bedroom
- Using room dividers or bookshelves to separate spaces
- Adding a mini refrigerator or coffee station
- Giving grandparents a dedicated TV or reading room
- Installing better lighting and comfortable seating
Talk About Boundaries
Discuss expectations before moving in together. Writing these agreements down may feel formal, but it often prevents misunderstandings later.
Topics might include:
- Household expenses
- Parenting roles
- Quiet hours
- Visitors
- Meals
- Chores
- Transportation
- Caregiving responsibilities
Think About Safety
Many inexpensive home modifications can make a significant difference for older adults without requiring major remodeling. These simple changes can improve both safety and confidence.
Consider adding:
- Grab bars in bathrooms
- Brighter LED lighting
- Night lights in hallways
- Lever-style door handles
- Non-slip rugs or flooring
- Handrails on stairs
- Raised toilet seats if needed
Schedule Family Check-Ins
As families grow and needs change, regular conversations help everyone stay on the same page. Even a monthly family meeting can provide an opportunity to discuss what’s working well and where adjustments are needed. This is a great opportunity to have a monthly family dinner to include everyone around the table together.
Remember: Caregivers Need Care, Too
One of the most overlooked realities of multigenerational living is that caregiving, even when done with love, can become physically and emotionally exhausting. Family caregivers often balance careers, raising children, household responsibilities, and caring for aging parents all at once. Over time, this can lead to burnout.
That’s why respite care can be such an important resource. Respite services provide temporary, professional care for an older adult, allowing family caregivers time to rest, travel, attend important events, or simply recharge. Taking a break isn’t a sign of failure; it’s one of the healthiest ways to continue providing quality care over the long term, because if the caregiver isn’t taken care of, they certainly can’t take care of others.
Five Conversations Every Multigenerational Family Should Have Before Moving In Together
Sharing a home can strengthen family relationships, but clear expectations from the start can help prevent misunderstandings later. Before anyone starts packing boxes, gather everyone around the table and have these five important conversations.
- What Does “Helping Out” Really Mean?
One of the biggest sources of conflict is assuming everyone has the same expectations. Remember, helping should feel appreciated, not expected. And there are ways to make these things fun and collaborative. Share the cooking, making it a family event and including the kids in the process maybe one night a week. Share cleaning duties; even giving young children part of the chores list builds value, self-respect, and self-pride.
Discuss questions like:
- Who will cook meals?
- Who will clean shared spaces?
- Will grandparents provide childcare? If so, how often?
- Who will help with transportation or errands?
- If an aging parent needs more assistance over time, who will be responsible for what?
- How Will We Handle Money?
Money conversations can be uncomfortable, but they’re essential. Even if one family member isn’t able to contribute financially, they may contribute in other valuable ways, such as childcare, cooking, or household management.
Consider discussing:
- Will everyone contribute to mortgage or rent?
- How will utilities and groceries be divided?
- Who pays for home repairs?
- Will there be a shared household budget?
- How will unexpected expenses be handled?
- How Much Privacy Does Everyone Need?
Living together doesn’t mean being together all the time. Healthy boundaries strengthen relationships because everyone has their own space and times to recharge. Remember the old phrase, “Good fences make good neighbors”?
Talk about:
- Quiet hours
- Guests and overnight visitors
- Knock-before-entering rules
- Personal versus shared spaces
- Time alone for work, hobbies, or relaxation
- What Happens if Someone’s Needs Change?
A grandparent who is active today may need additional support in the future. Having these conversations before they’re needed makes future decisions much less stressful.
Ask yourselves:
- What happens if someone can no longer drive?
- Who will attend medical appointments?
- When would outside help be appropriate?
- How will we know if caregiving becomes too much for one person?
- Would home health, adult day services, or respite care be part of our plan?
- How Will We Keep Communication Healthy?
Families don’t need to avoid disagreements; they need a healthy way to work through them. Living together works best when communication becomes a habit—not just something that happens during conflict.
Consider creating simple “house rules,” such as:
- Address concerns early instead of letting frustration build.
- Hold a monthly family check-in.
- Assume good intentions.
- Respect differences in parenting styles, routines, and opinions.
- Celebrate what’s working, not just what needs fixing.
Could Your Family Save Money?
While every household is different, families often reduce expenses by sharing:
Expense |
Potential Savings |
| Mortgage or Rent | $500–$2,000+ per month |
| Utilities | $100–$300 per month |
| Childcare | $800–$2,000+ per month |
| Groceries | $200–$500 per month |
| Transportation | $100–$400 per month |
| Home Maintenance | $100–$300 per month |
Every family’s financial picture is different, but combining households often creates savings that extend beyond dollars. Shared responsibilities, fewer duplicate expenses, and greater flexibility can improve the quality and raise the standard of life for everyone involved. AARP shares tips on splitting expenses within a multigenerational household.
One Final Thought
“The secret to successful intergenerational living isn’t having a bigger house; it’s having bigger conversations before everyone moves in.”
The goal isn’t to create a perfect household; it’s to build one where everyone feels respected, valued, and has a voice. A little planning and open discussion can help create a home where grandparents, parents, and children all thrive together.
Looking Ahead
Intergenerational living isn’t about returning to the past, it’s about reworking what family life can look like today. For some families, it’s a financial decision. For others, it’s about spending more time together, supporting one another through life’s changing seasons, or creating richer experiences for children and grandparents. Like any living arrangement, it requires communication, flexibility, and mutual respect. But when families approach it thoughtfully, living together can become more than a practical solution; it can become one of life’s greatest gifts.
Whether you’re considering bringing an aging parent into your home, helping an adult child get back on their feet, or simply exploring options for the future, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Resources such as home health services, respite care, caregiver support, and knowledgeable senior living professionals can help families create a plan that works for everyone. At ASC, we want Hoosiers to live their very best lives, and we’re here to support the choices families make, whether they live with us or in their own homes. Simply reach out to an ASC team member near you to have a conversation and get valuable information to help support your decision and enhance your family conversations.
