Is anyone living with a sibling in later life?

Interesting post for me . Our 96 year old mother died peacefully 2 weeks ago at home . My brother lived with her for the last 20 years ( he has no place of his own ) We now have to decide what to do . The large house has to be sold as it has been left to the three of us plus the grandchildren and our brother wants to move . My sister has offered him a home with her family ,but not sure it's a good idea as he is quite eccentric ! I think it might end badly. I have suggested he buy's somewhere near them. I know it wouldn't work for us !

My friend’s sister has moved in with my friend. They are both in their 60s. My friend is married though no children and the sister is without a partner and no children. They build an extension to my friend’s house paid for by the sister. They now have their own separate accommodation under one roof. It’s a great arrangement and they are both very happy.

I had two spinster great-aunts who lived together all of their lives. My grandmother lived nearby alone after her husband died. When one of the spinster aunts passed away the other one moved in with grandma. It seemed to work brilliantly. They were excellent companions to each other and very lively and chatty, all living to a ripe old age, in the case of grandma until she was 96.

I have a married friend in her mid-sixties, children have left home, and her brother and sister both of whom never married, live with her and her husband. It works well, everyone contributes in some way and financially, contributions are on a sliding scale according to means.

I think it's a good idea, Maggie. You and your brother sound like lovely people.

It sounds a good idea but perhaps it won't be what your brother wants. Maybe you could broach it by asking him if he would live with 'someone else' when the inevitable happens. You should get an idea then without it being personal in any way. He might be looking forward to pleasing himself/living by himself for a while. He might even think he might meet someone else. It could also be a bit premature as your DM might live for a good few years yet and circumstances might have changed by then. No harm in planning for change though.

My mil took in her brother as he was unable to live alone and look after himself. She took care of him for much of his adult life and they got on very well. He had his own room where he could 'escape' and they enjoyed many holidays together.

I don't say it was all plain sailing as in later life they both had health issues and he had to move to a nursing home following a devasting stroke.

He was a very happy man and was included in all holidays, days out, parties etc. and I'm in no doubt he lived a good life, just as much she enjoyed having him around.