All in the Family: A Practical Guide to Successful Multigenerational Living

As the nation reels from the impact of the Great Recession, many families are finding new ways to live together, including creating multigenerational households to save money and consolidate resources. Indeed, as the authors point out, the concept of nuclear family living is an aberration in our history that stemmed from post–World War II prosperity, mobility, and the associated baby boom. However, the threatened failure of American social security and healthcare systems is forcing us all to rethink how we live and care for one another. This book covers the financial and emotional benefits of living together, proximity and privacy, designing and remodeling your home to accommodate adult children or elderly parents, overcoming cultural stigmas about interdependent living, financial and legal planning, and making cohabitation agreements.

Sharon Graham Niederhaus completed her master's thesis at Stanford University on multigenerational living arrangements. A credentialed K–12 teacher, she has written numerous articles in educational journals and was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in San Mateo County, California, for her community-building work.

John L. Graham is professor emeritus of business at the Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine. His previous books on consumer behavior and negotiation have been published in several languages in countries around the world.