Taking Care of Those Who Took Care of Us: Multigenerational Living

Carmel, Indiana has a housing problem. They're running out of affordable building lots.

One recent solution that came up, in which Carmel is voting on in September, is one that would allow homeowners to build ADUs, or accessory dwelling units on existing properties. I'm sure knowing Carmel that there are tight parameters around how to do this, what type of structure needs to be considered, etc.

But, I am for this from a public health perspective, even though I don't live in Carmel. Here's why I'm a fan:

• First, this isn't a new concept. In fact, historically, families moved to different parts of an estate or farm over time, and there were several dwellings on a family-owned property. If it worked in the past, there's not much holding us back from stating that it could work again.
• Humans need interaction with one another. Even those of us who are high introverts.
• There is classic research on nursing home living that giving residents responsibilities end up happier. (Langer et al.)
• Let's be honest: are nursing homes and senior living communities really the best places for our aging parents right now? I get that some may not have any other choices. With COVID-19 outbreaks ravaging through many of these facilities, it's probably not the best option - and it's good to have more options.
• There are actually benefits to having multiple generations living in the same place. Think about all the grandchildren and parents who are struggling with the hard choices of returning to school this fall. What if grandparents could help parents with the kids while the parents can get back to work and the children get back to school, either virtually or back at school?
• The sandwich generation doesn't have to make difficult choices or trade-offs between caring for children and caring for parents with this model. I have friends who are literally in cars and planes all week trying to take care of family members across the US while working and trying to have a 'normal' life. This is an impossible situation and a recipe for individual burnout. I see this every day amongst pharmacy and healthcare colleagues as well, on top of or let alone from the family choices and struggles.
• Along with the sandwich gen, let's be honest - women and moms are facing more pay gaps, cuts in pay, and stress than ever trying to take care of their jobs and families during the pandemic.

In my city, I've often noted that the average house costs well over a quarter of a million dollars (although I don't live in Carmel, IN, and the average home price is even higher in Carmel.) However, we need a range of housing types, sizes, and price tags for all cities and towns, not just one size fits all.

Carmel: I'm glad you're on this issue, and I hope you pass this for your multigenerational families in your city. Other mayors and city councils, I hope you're on it as well.

Last, to my colleagues in the sandwich generation making these tough calls each and every day: y-o-u are my heroes and sheroes. You're doing a great job taking care of your families, and that's what it should be about...let's hope our cities and towns support us in trying to make the most affordable and optimal living situations for all of us right now...things are stressful enough.

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Erin L. Albert is a writer, pharmacist, population health aficionado, and head of a multi-generational household. Opinions above are her own.