How Multigenerational Families Manage ‘Social Distancing’ Under One Roof

More than 64 million Americans live in multigenerational households. Despite the emotional and financial benefits of living together, families like the Walkers, at home in Florissant, Mo., face a particular set of challenges as COVID-19 continues to spread.

Michael B. Thomas for KHN

The Walker family never thought having an age range of 3 to 96 under the same roof would be risky.

That was before the coronavirus pandemic.

Wilma Walker’s now nonagenarian mom moved into her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Florissant, Mo., about 15 years ago. Their party of three turned into a household of six when the Walkers’ now 30-year-old daughter, Andre’a Walker-Nimrod, moved back in with her young son and a daughter on the way.