When my family of five moved in with my parents

In January my family of five moved from country Victoria to the Gold Coast, my hometown. To save money, my folks offered us the bottom level of their double-story home. For the first couple of months they were overseas, and then our multigenerational living began.

My parents had lived alone in the family home for about 20 years, so it took time to adjust to boisterous kids and two extra adults. After setting a few ground rules we settled into a daily rhythm, and they now say they don't want us to leave. Being nearby has also improved their sense of safety.

My 81-year-old dad once took a tumble at the top of the stairs and I was able to check on him immediately, and when my 77-year-old mom developed a bacterial lung infection my husband and I called an ambulance and she stayed in hospital for a week. We spend a lot of time together — tea with my dad in the morning, lunches during my break, and shared evening meals — which has filled the house with laughter and grandkids and eased loneliness.

multigenerational living, gold coast, country victoria, grandparents, grandkids, moving in, intergenerational care, elderly parents, family dynamics, home safety