Three Generations Live in a 'Family Compound' to Save on Elder Care

Multigenerational living is a growing trend amid the rising cost of living.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Lauren McCadney and her family moved to be closer to each other after her mother passed away in 2020. Lauren, her sister Cheryl, and their brother James, his wife Lorri, and their twin sons Drew and Carter now live between two neighboring houses, forming what they call a 'family compound.' This arrangement allows them to share caregiving responsibilities for their father James Sr., who is dealing with health challenges, and save on the costs of elder care.

Why it matters

Multigenerational living was once the norm in the US, but the trend shifted after World War II as families lived farther apart and independent living services became more accessible. Now, as the costs of housing, long-term care for seniors, and childcare soar, that trend is beginning to reverse, with more American families moving back in together or never separating in the first place.

The details

The McCadney family splits caregiving duties and expenses. Lauren, who retired in 2024, renovated her house to suit the family's needs, while Cheryl pays below-market rent and takes care of Lauren's dog. Their brother James manages most of their father's personal and medical care, while Cheryl spends a lot of time with him during the day. By not putting the elder James in assisted living or a nursing home, the family is saving significant sums. The younger generation, Drew and Carter, also help out by mowing lawns, giving rides, and assisting Lauren.

  • In 2020, Lauren's mother, who had been living with her brother and his family in Frederick, Maryland, died.
  • In 2021, Lauren moved from her home in Chicago to Maryland, renting a house a few blocks away from her brother James, his wife Lorri, and their twin 20-year-old sons Drew and Carter.
  • In 2023, the five-bedroom house next door to James and Lorri went on the market, and Lauren bought it and moved in with her sister, Cheryl.
  • In 2024, Lauren retired from her career in tech marketing.

The players

Lauren McCadney

Lauren's mother passed away in 2020, prompting her to move from Chicago to Maryland to be closer to her family. She retired from her tech marketing career in 2024 and renovated her house to suit her family's needs.

Cheryl

Lauren's sister, who moved in with Lauren and pays below-market rent. Cheryl takes care of Lauren's dog and spends a lot of time with their father during the day.

James

Lauren's brother, who manages most of their father's personal and medical care.

Lorri

James' wife, who is a teacher.

Drew and Carter

James and Lorri's twin 20-year-old sons, who help out by mowing lawns, giving rides, and assisting Lauren.

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What they’re saying

“I feel very blessed and fortunate that we have the situation we have, because I have friends who are the primary solo caregiver, and that is hard.”

— Lauren McCadney (businessinsider.com)

“We know that he's going to get much better care, and from a socialization perspective, from a stimulation perspective, from having a reason to get out of bed perspective. That's something you cannot put a price on.”

— Lauren McCadney (businessinsider.com)

“I do love that my boys have lived their formative years in a multigenerational household. It is, hopefully, clear to them that love is an action.”

— Lorri, teacher (businessinsider.com)

“I know there are times when James is exhausted and or frustrated, and as his wife, that's hard to watch.”

— Lorri, teacher (businessinsider.com)

“Am I taking anything away from my children, or did I take anything away from them? We hope that we're doing all the right things.”

— James, works for Maryland's Department of Human Services (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

The McCadneys don't know how long they'll stay where they are. Lauren's house requires a lot of maintenance that she'd rather not have to deal with as she ages. Lorri and James hope to someday downsize and spend more time at the beach in their travel trailer. As long as the elder James is living with them, the couple said they'll stay in their home.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing trend of multigenerational living in the US, driven by the rising costs of housing, elder care, and childcare. The McCadney family's 'family compound' arrangement allows them to share caregiving responsibilities and expenses, providing a model for how families can support each other and their elders while also maintaining their own lives and independence.