Moving in with relatives

You need to take time to decide whether to move in with relatives, as the relationship you have with your family and your own individual circumstances will naturally affect how suitable this option would be for you.

Your options may include:

• moving in with a relative and sharing their home;
• moving into a self-contained flat, such as an annex in your relative’s house;
• selling your home and rebuying with relatives or a friend; or
• staying in your home and having a relative or friend move in with you.

Each of these options brings its own advantages and disadvantages, but there are some common issues that you may want to consider before making a decision:

• How well do you get on with your relative/s?
• How will you and your family’s independence be affected?
• Will you all have enough space for privacy, leisure activities and entertaining?
• If you need more day-to-day care in the future, will your relative/s be happy to provide it? How would you, and they, feel about this?
• What is your financial and legal position should the sharing arrangement not work out? (You may want to think about drawing up a financial and legal agreement, or seeking advice from a solicitor.)
• What are the financial consequences for you and your relative/s should you need to move into a Care home?

You will need to make sure that everyone is comfortable with the arrangements and that you have discussed:

• the financial arrangements;
• the household arrangements, such as who will clean the house, do the laundry, and prepare meals; and
• what will happen if your family’s circumstances change, for example they may have to move house because of a new job, marriage break-up or a new relationship.

Last updated: January 21, 2021