The home phone still rings and benefits all living in multi-generational homes

A seemingly outdated practice is now making a huge comeback: multi-generational living (three or more generations living together ). Spurred by the pandemic of 2020 and changing economic conditions, multi-generational homes just make sense for some families.

While it may not always be sunshine and roses living under the same roof as your parents, especially if you’re trying to parent your own kids, more and more families are doing it. Today, 66.7 million Americans over the age of 18 are living in multi-generational homes—that’s more than one out of four Americans. The following explores why families choose this option, what makes it work, and how home phones can help.

Benefits of multi-generational living

Whether it’s in a granny flat, in-law suite, carriage house or a spare bedroom, living together as one family unit comes with many benefits.

Health and safety benefits

When it comes to the health and safety of your family, having more people around and a home phone for emergencies go hand in hand. More people mean a greater sense of security and quicker action in an emergency. It helps aging parents get help quickly if they take a fall. You can easily help them with day-to-day living, allowing them to remain independent longer. Likewise, the same goes for your young children. More adults around mean more eyes on the youngest and most vulnerable in the family.

A home phone adds a layer of safety. Need to call emergency services? A home phone, such as the VoIP phones from Ooma, is easily accessible.

Financial benefits

Multi-generational homes also have financial benefits. More adults often mean additional income to purchase a larger home or modify a current one to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Saving money is also a huge benefit. Shared housing expenses are great for aging adults on a fixed income and young adults just starting their careers. Senior citizens can put away money for future skilled nursing care. Young families can save for a down payment on their own home. Families with young kids gain help with childcare, reducing childcare costs. Often, shared expenses eliminate the need for both parents to generate an income and enable one parent to go back to school or stay home, raise the kids, and run the household.

Extra income and savings also mean more left over to invest in the future, providing the opportunity to build generational wealth and stability.

Emotional benefits

Emotionally, family members who live with multiple generations often benefit from closer family relationships, stronger support systems and more lasting memories.

Practical benefits

Living with multiple generations spreads the household burden. The more people tackling household chores and caregiving equals more time to enjoy family activities.

It also creates more opportunities to pass on traditions, including values, language, family histories and cherished recipes.

Making it work: the home phone connection

Living in a multi-generational home can take some getting used to. However, one thing that helps is a home phone. Sure, almost everyone has a cell phone, but is it always charged, and can you find it quickly in an emergency?

For example, the Ooma Family Phone is corded and designed to stay put in a common area. It’s a VoIP phone that makes calls over the internet instead of outdated copper lines and has address-based 911 services, so first responders know exactly where to go. There are many benefits to VoIP and 911 calls—check them out here.

Plus, Ooma service provides protection from scammers—good for seniors and younger kids alike. In short, a VoIP phone for emergencies from Ooma is a win-win for everyone in the house.

Think of the Ooma Family Phone as your communications command central. Phone service is affordable at $9.99 per month plus applicable monthly taxes and fees—typically $6 to $9 (check your taxes and fees here).

Peace of mind for caregivers and aging adults

If you have an older adult living with you either on your property, like in a mother-in-law house or carriage house, or an in-law suite on a different level of your house, a home phone from Ooma makes caring for aging parents easier. Here’s why:

• Easy-to-use technology for seniors
• Preprogrammed 911 button for emergency calls
• Text alerts to you when 911 is dialed from the phone
• Protection against scammers
• Audio conferencing on some devices for easy communication throughout the house and property
• Backup number for power or internet outages
• 24/7 support

The ability to always be connected provides independence and support when needed, giving you all peace of mind.

Organization and life skills for busy families

Families living in multi-generational homes with young kids will also benefit from a home phone. Aside from the obvious safety and peace of mind, families will find that a home phone helps with household organization, and kids can also learn proper phone etiquette.

A home phone in a central location equipped with an intercom system and a notepad to jot down notes and appointments provides a hub for your communications. Dinner’s ready? Use the intercom to call everyone to the table. Need to take a message? Use the notepad to take notes to pass on. Call the home phone from the store to ask if you need to pick up an extra gallon of milk. Plus, it is one central number for doctors, teachers, household vendors and neighbors to reach your family.

Another benefit is that it teaches kids to use an actual phone—a life skill for almost any job. With a home phone, they aren’t just responding to a text message. They’re learning to answer, take a message and say goodbye in a socially acceptable way. It can also provide a safety teaching opportunity regarding what information shouldn’t be shared.

Considering a home phone?

If you’re interested in multi-generational living and are ready to bring back the home phone, Ooma can help. The Ooma Family Phone Bundle benefits everyone in the home, from the elderly to the young. It can be your center of communication and your phone for emergencies that keeps everyone feeling safe and connected.