Should Your Aging Parent Move in With You? A Guide for Springfield, Missouri Families
Multigenerational living—where adult children and aging parents share a home—is becoming more common. Whether due to financial concerns, caregiving needs, or a desire for family closeness, this arrangement requires careful planning.
However, making the wrong financial or legal decisions can have long-term consequences, especially when it comes to Medicaid eligibility, paying for care, and property ownership. Before making any changes, it’s critical to speak with an elder law attorney to avoid costly mistakes.
Signs Your Aging Parent May Need Help
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs when visiting an aging loved one, it may be time to consider a safer living arrangement:
A cluttered or unclean home in poor repair
Unpaid bills or stacks of unopened mail
Expired or spoiled food in the kitchen
Changes in personal hygiene or self-care
Difficulty managing medications
Weight loss, confusion, or signs of loneliness
If these issues are affecting your loved one’s well-being, it may be time to explore options such as in-home care, moving in with family, or transitioning to senior living in Springfield.
Considering Multigenerational Living
Before deciding to move a parent into your home, consider:
Household Dynamics: Will this create stress or strengthen relationships?
Living Space: Do you have enough room, or will modifications be necessary?
Safety & Accessibility: Can your home be adapted with grab bars, nightlights, and non-slip flooring?
Caregiving Responsibilities: Who will handle daily care, transportation, and medical appointments?
If home modifications or financial arrangements are involved, consult an elder law attorney first. For example:
Charging your parent rent may impact tax and Medicaid considerations.
Hiring a caregiver (even a family member) must follow Missouri law and Medicaid rules to avoid penalties.
Making home modifications—such as remodeling an area for your parent—can trigger Medicaid penalties if not handled correctly.
Failing to plan properly in these areas could cost your family thousands of dollars or affect Medicaid eligibility in the future.
Local Alternatives to Multigenerational Living in Springfield, MO
If moving your parent into your home isn’t ideal, Springfield has several alternative senior living options:
Senior Shared Housing – Co-living with another senior or family friend for companionship and shared expenses.
Retirement Communities – Independent living options with social engagement opportunities.
Springfield’s TLC Properties boasts several 55+ properties:
Tera Vera patio homes
Coryelle Commons apartments
Veranda Vistas apartments with premier amenities
Assisted Living Facilities – Local communities providing personal care and medical assistance as needed.
Springhouse Village - Traditional style also offering patio homes and Memory Care
Turner’s Rock - Modern style also offering Independent Living and Memory Care
Mission Ridge - Modern farmhouse style also offering Independent Living and Memory Care
In-Home Care Services – Hiring caregivers for assistance while allowing your loved one to stay in their home.
Each option has pros and cons, and an elder law attorney can help navigate legal and financial considerations when making this transition.
Protect Your Family’s Future With the Right Legal Guidance
Bringing a parent into your home—or choosing another living arrangement—is a major decision. Many families unknowingly make costly mistakes when handling rent payments, caregiver contracts, and home modifications.
Before making a decision, schedule a consultation with Fortified Elder Law to discuss:
How rent payments from a parent could impact Medicaid or taxes
The correct way to pay family or professional caregivers under Missouri law
How to structure home modifications to avoid Medicaid penalties
Long-term care planning and how to protect your parent’s assets
If you’re facing these decisions, don’t risk costly mistakes. Contact Fortified Elder Law today for a consultation.