Report: Multigenerational households up

There were about 500,000 more households that were multigenerational in 2010 than in 2009, according to the new AARP Public Policy report, Multigenerational Households Are Increasing.

In the past two years, the number of multigenerational households grew faster than in any other two-year period since 2000, coinciding largely with the recession of the past few years, says AARP family expert Amy Goyer.

More than 7 million American households are home to more than one generation. The report defines multigenerational households as any household where three generations are living in the same home and also those in which the householder lives with parents or grandchildren.

“More grandparents, children and grandchildren are moving in together both to save money and to take care of each other. The past couple of years have not been easy for families financially," says Madeline Seifer, director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic at Hofstra University's Saltzman Community Services Center.

Seifer recommends preparing your home and family members for moving in together by having conversations about sharing resources, work and space. For example, a conversation about new or modified “rules” is essential.

“Rules that applied when grandparents were the primary caretakers no longer apply,” says Seifer. “In much the same way when children return home after a period of independence, they cannot be expected to answer for their whereabouts as they did when they were younger."

Conversations about who pays which bills in advance of the new living arrangement can prevent resentments and misunderstandings, says Seifer. And boundaries about shared space are also important to establish. “Topics such as TV viewing can create friction if not discussed ahead of time she says,” says Seifer.