Under One Roof

“Under One Roof: Creating Harmony for Multigenerational Living is an inspiring and comprehensive read that explores the benefits, practicalities, and challenges of multigenerational living. Authors Emily K. Graham, Angel L. Vargas, and John L. Graham present compelling stories from diverse families who have found innovative ways to live together and meet the evolving needs of our society. By highlighting the advantages of living together, the authors offer a fresh perspective on fostering strong intergenerational relationships. From designing and remodeling homes to finding suitable housing, this book provides practical guidance for those considering multigenerational living arrangements. Moreover, it addresses cultural stigmas and financial concerns, offering valuable insights to overcome these challenges. With their extensive research and thought-provoking approach, the authors inspire readers to embrace the power of multigenerational living to create harmonious and fulfilling family environments. In a society facing changing needs and constraints, this book serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging readers to embrace the unity, support, and creativity that multigenerational living can provide. An excellent read for anyone interested in creating stronger family ties and finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing American families today.”

—Donna Butts, Executive Director of Generations United

“This book is a guidebook to a solution that this country desperately needs—aging in place. The COVID-19 pandemic left many family members that were in nursing homes alone and without support from their families; it stressed the need for a different solution. Reading this book can help you map out the financial, emotional, and physical needs of the family when the decision is to live under one roof.”

—Amy Irvine, CFP®, EA, MPAS®, CCFC, CDFA®, CFT-I™, Certified Financial Therapist-Level I™ Professional

“Emily, Angel, and John’s book is a wonderful read on the difficulties, pitfalls, and, yes, opportunities that confront families and households when generations come together under one roof (or at least neighboring roofs). The authors provide us with the facts, but perhaps more importantly, they relate the wide range of lived experiences of families past and present, from all over the world, and with a variety of household arrangements, lifestyles, and resources. Their stories and this book inspire but also advise us, wisely, sympathetically, and with practicality.”

—Professor Edward Coulson, Director of the Center for Real Estate, Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine

“This book is a particularly valuable resource for those in the field in Intergenerational Relations. The authors have combined their expertise to produce a guide for families and professionals who are dealing with multigenerational households—e.g., living in a single home or living nearby. They provide some helpful background and historical perspectives since multigenerational arrangements were so common in earlier times . . . The writing style is down to earth and easy to understand. The concepts and principles of successful multigenerational families come to life with the many first person accounts from different generations.”

—Professor Paul Roodin, SUNY Oswego, Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 6:2, 2008