Dual living dynamics

Dual living is nothing new in South Africa, with many cultures preferring to have several generations of a family living together on one property.

However, the trend is growing as more people are finding it difficult to make ends meet, with multi-generational households becoming increasingly widespread.

Benefits

There are many benefits to multi-generational households.

• In addition to reducing the cost of overall home ownership, living together can strengthen family ties.
• Dual living can help younger family members to save money for large household items or children’s education.
• Older family members are able to spend less of their retirement savings while maintaining their standard of living.
• Older people who become frail can be cared for by younger family members.
• Families with young children benefit by having extra adults on hand – even if it’s just for emergencies and occasional nights out for parents.
• Children generally enjoy having ready access to grandparents.
• Another advantage is increased security, as there is usually someone at home.

Making it work

The keys to successful multi-generational living are ensuring a measure of privacy for each occupant and establishing what each person is responsible for from the start.

• It’s important to set firm boundaries that are understood and respected by every person living in the multi-generational home.
• Before establishing a dual-living household, call a family meeting to discuss and agree on each person’s responsibilities. Make sure that everyone is involved and feels comfortable voicing their ideas – from the oldest to the youngest.
• We all need a break from being with other people and enjoy some time to ourselves. This may be more difficult to achieve in a multi-generational household. Make sure everyone understands that living on one property doesn’t mean it’s okay to intrude on another’s privacy – even if they are family.
• If anyone needs special care or assistance, discuss the details and how their requirements can be met – now and in the future.

As with any group of people in constant close proximity, there are bound to be disagreements in a multi-generational home. However, if everyone is considerate and respectful of others, there should be no need for full-scale battles.

Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer