In recent years, families have considered new ways to reduce living expenses. One decision many are making is to combine households with aging parents or adult children creating a multi-generational home. This arrangement has been around forever, having been the norm throughout history and is still very common in many parts of the world. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report, the number of American households with three or more generations living in the same home rose 38 percent from 1990 to 2000. As a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS), Blackstowne is ready to assist you as you consider this transition.

Often referred to as the "sandwich generation," many empty nester couples begin caring for an aging parent not long after their own children leave home. Increasingly, this sandwich generation converts to multi-generational living in response to a more recent trend - the "boomerang generation."

Boomerangs are young adults who, by choice or necessity, move back to their parents' home. This generation often returns temporarily after college, but some have been on their own much longer and may return with a spouse and children.

Avid Homes Studios, Blackstowne's design firm, has studied the design issues involved with bringing generations together under the same roof. These include privacy, duplication of amenities, accessibility, and live-in-place features. (We like this term better than age-in-place.) Our in-house designers have put together a collection of new house designs specifically created for multi-generational living and are also ready to assist in the reconstruction plans for your existing home.