Patricia Mikkelson

Resources for Multi-Generational Living

I asked Grok.com to research all the resources which support multi-generational living. Wow! What a list! Thank you, Grok.com

I also want to add http://www.juliford.com to this list. Somehow Grok.com missed this wonderful resources. You can find a free tool kit to support you in multi-generational living. A YouTube channel, FB page and much more can be found. I really like her approach.

Organizations and Non-Profits Supporting Multigenerational Living

These groups provide advocacy, research, and practical support for families in multigenerational households, including policy recommendations and community resources.

  • Generations United: Focuses on intergenerational policies and programs. Their work includes reports on multigenerational households, grandfamilies (where grandparents or relatives raise children), and kinship care. Visit their site for fact sheets, events, and stories from families. Key initiative: National Center on Grandfamilies for elevating voices and improving supports.
  • AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): Offers policy insights on multigenerational living, emphasizing health benefits, cost savings, and housing adaptations. Their policy book discusses intentional multigenerational setups for better outcomes like reduced loneliness and improved education.
  • Urban Land Institute (ULI): Provides resources on developing multigenerational communities, including design and planning for shared living spaces.

Reports and Studies

Research from think tanks and academic sources highlights demographics, benefits, and challenges of multigenerational living.

  • Pew Research Center Reports:
  • “The Demographics of Multigenerational Households” (2022): Analyzes economic vulnerabilities and poverty reductions in such setups.
  • “Financial Issues Top the List of Reasons U.S. Adults Live in Multigenerational Homes” (2022): Explores motivations like cost-sharing and relationship changes.
  • “The Experiences of Adults in Multigenerational Households” (2022): Covers positive and negative aspects based on surveys.
  • Generations United Reports:
  • “Family Matters: Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise and Here to Stay” (2021): Details the quadrupling of such households and future trends.
  • Earlier report: “Family Matters: Multigenerational Families in a Volatile Economy” (2011) for historical context.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) and PMC Studies:
  • “Living with Parents or Grandparents Increases Social Capital and Survival” (2017): Examines health and longevity benefits.
  • “Multigenerational Households During Childhood and Trajectories of Cognitive Functioning Among U.S. Older Adults” (2020): Links early multigenerational living to better cognitive health later in life.
  • “Multigenerational: Households and the School Readiness of Children Born to Unmarried Mothers” (2013): Focuses on benefits for children.
  • “The Increasing Diversity and Complexity of Family Structures for Adolescents” (2018): Discusses fluidity in U.S. family forms.
  • “Intergenerational Relationships, Family Caregiving Policy, and COVID-19 in the United States” (2020): Addresses support during crises.
  • “Multigenerational Social Support in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic” (2020): Explores instrumental and emotional exchanges.
  • National Association of Realtors (NAR): “One Big Happy Household: How Families and the Data Are Shaping Multigenerational Living” (2025): Data on home buying trends for multigenerational setups.

Books and Guides

Non-fiction guides offer practical advice, while fiction explores themes through stories. These can help with planning, design, and emotional aspects.

Non-Fiction

  • “Multi-Generational Living: The Proven Guide to Creating Stronger Families and Smarter Finances Through Intentionally Designed Shared Spaces” by Gary Klaben (2024): Focuses on design, finances, and family bonds.
  • “Come Together: The Architecture of Multigenerational Living” by Gestalten (edited by Joann Plockova): Explores global home designs for multiple generations, with architect insights.
  • “The Ultimate Guide to Multi-Generational Living: Building Stronger Families and Thriving Together” by Danniel Fuchs (2023): Comprehensive tips on thriving in shared homes.
  • “Under One Roof” from MultigenerationalLiving.us: Covers issues like elder care costs, childcare, and family dynamics, with resources for educators and disaster-affected families.

Fiction and Children’s Books (for Family Bonding and Education)

  • Goodreads “Multi-Generational” Shelf: Includes novels like Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.
  • KidLit TV’s “Books that Celebrate Multigenerational Families”: Picture and middle-grade books showcasing positive relationships.
  • Bookroo’s “The 100 Best Multigenerational Kids Books”: Titles like Grandpa’s Top Threes and Rosie Revere, Engineer.
  • Off the Shelf’s “10 Beautifully Complex Stories About Multi-Generational Families”: Novels like Who Does She Think She Is? by Benilde Little and Pachinko.
  • Electric Literature’s “7 Multigenerational Novels that Cross Countries and Span Centuries”: Includes A Woman Is No Man for cultural perspectives.
  • Amazon’s “Multigenerational – Family Life” Category: Wide selection of fiction exploring family themes.

Articles, Blogs, and Practical Tips

Online content for everyday advice on benefits, challenges, and implementation.

  • Vox: “Multigenerational Housing Is Coming Back in a Big Way” (2024): Discusses the resurgence due to economics and family needs.
  • Public Discourse: “Multigenerational Living: A Step Back to Healthy Communal Life” (2024): Explores cultural and relational benefits.
  • Commerce Bank: “Unlocking Financial Security: The Advantages of Multigenerational Living” (2024): Highlights cost-sharing and stability.
  • Rosarium Health Blog: “Multi-Generational Homes: Pros and Cons” (2024): Covers health resources, emotional support, and longevity.
  • Stannah Blog: “Multigenerational Living: Benefits, Challenges and Tips” (2024): Advice on finances, care costs, and backup plans.
  • The Zebra: “Multigenerational Living Tips” (2024): Focuses on home insurance adjustments for occupancy.
  • J.P. Morgan: “Financial Considerations for Multigenerational Households” (2025): Strategies for financial wellbeing.

Government and Federal Resources

U.S. government programs that can support multigenerational families through two-generation (parent-child) or kinship approaches.

  • ASPE (Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, HHS): “Federal Programs That Can Support Two-Generation Approaches”: Lists programs across agencies for family support, including education, health, and economic aid.
  • Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network (via Generations United): Technical assistance for professionals serving kinship families, with resources at GKSNetwork.org.
  • PBS: “American Family – The Generation Gap”: Educational content on multigenerational dynamics.

Online Communities and Discussions

For peer advice and real-life experiences.

  • Reddit: r/PersonalFinanceCanada Thread – “Anyone Considering Multi-Generational Living?” (2023): Discussions on financial benefits, challenges with kids, and cultural norms (adaptable to U.S. contexts).
  • X (formerly Twitter) Discussions: Recent posts emphasize pooling resources, cultural standards, and emotional support. For example:
  • Users like @Momologues discuss therapy vs. communal living.
  • @listchicago on the rise of multigenerational living for stability.
  • @NAR_Research on Thanksgiving and home buying trends.
  • @gusnemma on immigrant cultural practices.
  • @JBradshaw01 advocating no shame in living with family.
  • @quasiantipodean suggesting teaming up to share expenses.
  • @finegodmother on dividing labor and mental health.
  • @Kirbonavich on high earners and pooled resources.
  • @renart973 on human stock for long-term projects.

This list draws from a wide range of sources to cover health, finances, design, policy, and community aspects. For personalized advice, consult professionals like financial planners or therapists. If you need details on a specific category, let me know!### Organizations and Non-Profits Supporting Multigenerational Living
These groups provide advocacy, research, and practical support for families in multigenerational households, including policy recommendations and community resources.

Reports and Studies

Research from think tanks and academic sources highlights demographics, benefits, and challenges of multigenerational living.

  • Pew Research Center Reports:
  • “The Demographics of Multigenerational Households” (2022): Analyzes economic vulnerabilities and poverty reductions in such setups.
  • “Financial Issues Top the List of Reasons U.S. Adults Live in Multigenerational Homes” (2022): Explores motivations like cost-sharing and relationship changes.
  • “The Experiences of Adults in Multigenerational Households” (2022): Covers positive and negative aspects based on surveys.
  • Generations United Reports:
  • “Family Matters: Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise and Here to Stay” (2021): Details the quadrupling of such households and future trends. Includes fact sheet, report snapshot, event recap, video of release event, and family stories (https://www.gu.org/resources/multigenerational-families/). Recommendations: Increase housing stock/affordability, promote environmental benefits, expand daycare/intergenerational sites, paid leave/flexible work, home-based services, and intergenerational education.
  • “Family Matters: Multigenerational Families in a Volatile Economy” (2011): Baseline survey data.
  • Annual “State of Grandfamilies and Kinship Care” report, plus guides/fact sheets on education, health care, financial/legal supports.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) and PMC Studies:
  • “Living with Parents or Grandparents Increases Social Capital and Survival” (2017): Examines health and longevity benefits.
  • “Multigenerational Households During Childhood and Trajectories of Cognitive Functioning Among U.S. Older Adults” (2020): Links early multigenerational living to better cognitive health later in life.
  • “Multigenerational: Households and the School Readiness of Children Born to Unmarried Mothers” (2013): Focuses on benefits for children.
  • “The Increasing Diversity and Complexity of Family Structures for Adolescents” (2018): Discusses fluidity in U.S. family forms.
  • “Intergenerational Relationships, Family Caregiving Policy, and COVID-19 in the United States” (2020): Addresses support during crises.
  • “Multigenerational Social Support in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic” (2020): Explores instrumental and emotional exchanges.
  • National Association of Realtors (NAR): “One Big Happy Household: How Families and the Data Are Shaping Multigenerational Living” (2025): Data on home buying trends for multigenerational setups.

Books and Guides

Non-fiction guides offer practical advice, while fiction explores themes through stories. These can help with planning, design, and emotional aspects.

Non-Fiction

  • “Multi-Generational Living: The Proven Guide to Creating Stronger Families and Smarter Finances Through Intentionally Designed Shared Spaces” by Gary Klaben (2024): Focuses on design, finances, and family bonds.
  • “Come Together: The Architecture of Multigenerational Living” by Gestalten (edited by Joann Plockova): Explores global home designs for multiple generations, with architect insights.
  • “The Ultimate Guide to Multi-Generational Living: Building Stronger Families and Thriving Together” by Danniel Fuchs (2023): Comprehensive tips on thriving in shared homes.
  • “Under One Roof” from MultigenerationalLiving.us: Covers issues like elder care costs, childcare, and family dynamics, with resources for educators and disaster-affected families.

Fiction and Children’s Books (for Family Bonding and Education)

  • Goodreads “Multi-Generational” Shelf: Includes novels like Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.
  • KidLit TV’s “Books that Celebrate Multigenerational Families”: Picture and middle-grade books showcasing positive relationships.
  • Bookroo’s “The 100 Best Multigenerational Kids Books”: Titles like Grandpa’s Top Threes and Rosie Revere, Engineer.
  • Off the Shelf’s “10 Beautifully Complex Stories About Multi-Generational Families”: Novels like Who Does She Think She Is? by Benilde Little and Pachinko.
  • Electric Literature’s “7 Multigenerational Novels that Cross Countries and Span Centuries”: Includes A Woman Is No Man for cultural perspectives.
  • Amazon’s “Multigenerational – Family Life” Category: Wide selection of fiction exploring family themes.

Articles, Blogs, and Practical Tips

Online content for everyday advice on benefits, challenges, and implementation.

  • Vox: “Multigenerational Housing Is Coming Back in a Big Way” (2024): Discusses the resurgence due to economics and family needs.
  • Public Discourse: “Multigenerational Living: A Step Back to Healthy Communal Life” (2024): Explores cultural and relational benefits.
  • Commerce Bank: “Unlocking Financial Security: The Advantages of Multigenerational Living” (2024): Highlights cost-sharing and stability.
  • Rosarium Health Blog: “Multi-Generational Homes: Pros and Cons” (2024): Covers health resources, emotional support, and longevity.
  • Stannah Blog: “Multigenerational Living: Benefits, Challenges and Tips” (2024): Advice on finances, care costs, and backup plans.
  • The Zebra: “Multigenerational Living Tips” (2024): Focuses on home insurance adjustments for occupancy.
  • J.P. Morgan: “Financial Considerations for Multigenerational Households” (2025): Strategies for financial wellbeing.

Government and Federal Resources

U.S. government programs that can support multigenerational families through two-generation (parent-child) or kinship approaches. (Note: The ASPE page on federal programs returned insufficient content in my search, but based on available data, it references programs across agencies for family support. Consult the site directly for updates.)

  • Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network (funded by ACL/HHS): As above, for technical assistance and resources.
  • PBS: “American Family – The Generation Gap”: Educational content on multigenerational dynamics.

Online Communities and Discussions

For peer advice and real-life experiences.

  • Reddit: r/PersonalFinanceCanada Thread – “Anyone Considering Multi-Generational Living?” (2023): Discussions on financial benefits, challenges with kids, and cultural norms (adaptable to U.S. contexts).
  • X (formerly Twitter) Discussions: Recent posts emphasize pooling resources, cultural standards, and emotional support. For example:
  • Users like @Momologues discuss therapy vs. communal living.
  • @listchicago on the rise of multigenerational living for stability.
  • @NAR_Research on Thanksgiving and home buying trends.
  • @gusnemma on immigrant cultural practices.
  • @JBradshaw01 advocating no shame in living with family.
  • @quasiantipodean suggesting teaming up to share expenses.
  • @finegodmother on dividing labor and mental health.
  • @Kirbonavich on high earners and pooled resources.
  • @renart973 on human stock for long-term projects.

This updated list incorporates deeper details from key sites, covering advocacy, policies, and practical tools. While “every resource” is vast, this aims for comprehensiveness based on available data. For more specifics or local resources, search your area’s housing authorities or family services.

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