7 Things To Consider Before an Ageing Parent Moves In

As parents age, it’s natural to want to be there for them – especially if their care needs begin to grow. For many families, the idea of moving a parent into their home feels like the right step.

But while it can be a rewarding decision, it’s also one that comes with practical, emotional and lifestyle implications. From adapting your space to managing personal routines, there’s a lot to think through before making the move.

In this article, we explore seven key considerations to help you prepare, support your parent’s well-being and make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Is your home ready for an ageing parent?

Before welcoming an ageing parent into your home, take a moment to assess whether your space is suitable – and what changes might be needed to ensure safety, comfort and accessibility.

Here are some key things to think about:

Accessibility: Are there lots of stairs? Would they have access to a ground floor bathroom or bedroom if needed? Mobility aids like handrails, ramps or stairlifts might become necessary.
Bathroom safety: Wet rooms, grab bars, non-slip mats and shower seats can all help prevent falls and support independence.
Bedroom setup: Will they have a private, quiet space of their own? Consider proximity to a bathroom and whether their bedroom can be adapted for future needs.
General safety: Think about trip hazards like rugs or uneven flooring, poor lighting or cluttered areas that could make navigation more difficult.
Shared spaces: Consider how shared areas like the kitchen and living room will work – especially if they’ll be spending a lot of time at home.

A few adjustments now can make a big difference to their comfort and safety in the long run.

Live-in care vs. visiting care: what’s best?

Before your parent moves in, it’s worth exploring the different types of care support available – especially if you’re unsure how much day-to-day help they’ll need. Two common options are live-in care and visiting care, each offering different levels of support and flexibility.

Live-in care provides round-the-clock support from a dedicated carer who moves into your home. This option is ideal if your parent has complex needs, requires overnight care or benefits from consistent companionship.

Visiting care offers regular, scheduled support from a carer who drops in to assist with specific tasks like personal care, medication or meal preparation. It’s a more flexible option for families who are still able to provide some care themselves.

The right choice depends on your parent’s needs, your availability and how involved you’d like to be in their daily care.

Family meetings: preparing everyone for the move

Bringing a parent into your home affects the whole household, so it’s important to have open, honest conversations with everyone involved. Hosting a family meeting about care can help set expectations, reduce misunderstandings and make the transition smoother for all.

Here are a few tips for a productive discussion:

Choose a calm time and space where everyone can talk openly without distractions.
Involve your parent in the conversation to ensure they feel heard and included.
Be clear about responsibilities — who will help with care, finances or errands?
Talk through boundaries and routines so everyone knows what to expect.
Discuss emotional impact as well as practical concerns – change can be stressful for all sides.

Clear communication now can help avoid tension later, making the move a positive step for everyone.

Talking to your parent about care

Starting a conversation with your parent about care can feel daunting – but approaching it with empathy and preparation can make all the difference. Whether you’re discussing practical support or a potential move, it’s important to be sensitive to their feelings and wishes.

If you’re unsure where to begin when talking to a parent about care, here are some helpful tips:

Choose the right moment – a calm, unhurried time is best.
Listen more than you speak – make space for their concerns and preferences.
Frame it as support, not a loss of independence. Reassure them that care is about enhancing quality of life.
Be patient. This may be the first of several conversations.

The emotional impact of caring for a parent

Welcoming a parent into your home often comes with a deep sense of responsibility – and a complex mix of emotions. While it can be rewarding to offer care and support, it’s also natural to feel overwhelmed, especially when trying to juggle work, family and personal time.

Finding balance is key. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Acknowledge your feelings. Guilt, stress or even frustration are normal – don’t ignore them.
Set boundaries. It’s okay to say no or to ask for help when you need it.
Make time for yourself. Whether it’s a short walk or quiet moment with a book, regular self-care matters.
Connect with others. Speaking to people in similar situations can offer perspective and support.

Looking after a loved one doesn’t mean neglecting yourself. With the right support and boundaries, it’s possible to care for your parent while also protecting your own well-being.

Legal and financial considerations

Before a parent moves in, it’s important to have clear conversations around legal and financial matters. While these topics can feel sensitive, planning ahead helps avoid stress later on and ensures everyone’s interests are protected.

Key areas to consider include:

Power of attorney. This legal document lets someone you trust make decisions on your parent’s behalf if they become unable to do so themselves.
Wills and estate planning. Make sure your parent’s will is up to date and reflects their current wishes.
Financial responsibilities. Clarify how bills, care costs and everyday expenses will be managed, especially if you’re sharing a home.
Benefit entitlements. Check whether your parent is eligible for financial support, such as Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance.

It can be helpful to speak with a solicitor or financial adviser to guide you through the process and ensure everything is in place.

Tax implications of a parent living with you (UK)

When an ageing parent moves into your home, it’s essential to understand the potential tax implications to avoid unexpected liabilities.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) considerations
In the UK, IHT is charged at 40% on estates exceeding the £325,000 threshold. However, if the estate includes a main residence passed to direct descendants, the threshold can increase to £500,000 due to the Residence Nil-Rate Band.

If a parent gifts their home to a child but continues to live in it without paying market rent, this is considered a “gift with reservation,” and the property’s value remains in the parent’s estate for IHT purposes.

Council Tax implications
Having an additional adult in the household may affect council tax discounts. For instance, the single person discount would no longer apply.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) considerations
If you decide to sell a property that has been your main residence, you may be eligible for Principal Private Residence Relief, potentially reducing CGT liability.

Seeking professional advice
Tax laws can be complex and subject to change. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or financial advisor to understand the specific implications for your situation.

Talk to us today

At Trinity Homecare, our ultimate goal is to enrich your lifestyle in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. This allows you to live the independent lifestyle that you love without the daunting thought of moving into a care home. We are here to support you with various different forms of home care.

Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.