In the old days, the accepted routine was for our elders to move to retirement communities, or the "old folks' home", when it became too difficult for them to maintain their everyday routines without aid.  Nowadays, more and more seniors are opting to remain independent much longer, and financial considerations are making it more difficult for Americans to pay for full-time elder care.  So more and more working adults are finding themselves caring for both their own families and their aging parents, becoming what has been called the "Sandwich Generation".  

In many cases, elder care is an on-again, off-again thing.  With the innovations in the world of medicine, more of us are living longer and healthier lives, and doing so with fewer medical conditions.  Many elders live into their eighties and even nineties able to perform most of the basic tasks necessary for their daily lives, only requiring the occasional assistance, "checking in", or care during bouts of illness.  In many of these cases, the generations stay in their respective homes, and care is performed through periodic visits.

In other cases, when illness or advanced age makes it impossible for the elder to care for his or herself and financial difficulties make it impossible to pay for full-time care, many families are moving back in together.  Three-generation homes are becoming more and more common as the realities of modern life make home elder care a more attractive option for everyone involved.  This allows for a better sharing of resources and family duties, as well as allowing children more contact with their grandparents, and can be a worthwhile alternative to expensive care options.