Four Generations Live Together, Saving on Childcare and Elder Care

A Michigan family embraces multigenerational living to manage costs and care for loved ones

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A Michigan family of six adults and one child has embraced multigenerational living, with four generations under one roof. The arrangement allows them to split expenses, provide childcare and elder care, and maintain their careers. While some friends are skeptical, the family sees the benefits of this "crazy dream" lifestyle outweighing the challenges.

Why it matters

Multigenerational living is a growing trend in the U.S. as families seek to manage the rising costs of childcare, elder care, and housing. This story highlights how one family has made it work, providing insights into the benefits and drawbacks of this living arrangement.

The details

Lily Telloyan, 29, lives with her husband Alex, their infant son Xander, Lily's parents Naomi and Tim Van Loh, and Lily's grandparents Sam and Eva Telloyan. The family split living expenses evenly and divided up the house so each couple has their own space. Naomi takes care of Xander and her parents, allowing Lily to keep her job as a remote special education teacher. The family's combined income is around $230,000. While the caregiving responsibilities are not always evenly distributed, the family says the benefits outweigh the challenges.

  • Lily and Alex moved in with Lily's parents and grandparents in November 2024.
  • Lily and Alex's son Xander was born in April 2025.

The players

Lily Telloyan

A 29-year-old remote special education teacher who lives with her husband, parents, and grandparents in a multigenerational household.

Alex

Lily's husband who works in cybersecurity.

Naomi Van Loh

Lily's 58-year-old mother who works part-time as a remote educator and provides childcare and elder care for the family.

Tim Van Loh

Lily's father who is a pastor at a local church.

Sam and Eva Telloyan

Lily's 87-year-old grandparents, with Eva having dementia and needing constant care.

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What they’re saying

“Even when I was dating my husband, I told him, this is my crazy dream. If he'd said that wasn't what he was into, I think I would have questioned the longevity of our relationship.”

— Lily Telloyan (Business Insider)

“I don't know how we would do it the other way. And, for me, knowing that she's safe, knowing that she's comfortable, knowing that she's happy, and I can see her and hear her, and I take care of everything she needs — to me that's worth more than money in the bank.”

— Naomi Van Loh, Lily's mother (Business Insider)

“The best case scenario is when you desire to do your duty.”

— Lily Telloyan (Business Insider)

What’s next

The family plans to continue living together in their multigenerational household, having found the arrangement to be beneficial for their family.

The takeaway

This story highlights how multigenerational living can provide cost savings and caregiving support for families, even if it requires adjustments and challenges the expectations of some friends and family members. The Telloyan-Van Loh family has embraced this "crazy dream" lifestyle and found it to be a stable and rewarding way to live.