‘Granny Pods’ Are A New Housing Trend For Aging Parents
June 28, 2018
source: MEDCottage
It’s always a tough decision and transition when it’s clear that your aging parent can no longer live on their own. Nursing homes can be costly, have no vacancy, and cause the elderly feelings of fear, anxiety, and alienation. However, if your aging parent or loved one is unable to live unattended but not quite ready for a nursing home yet, a “granny pod” may be a great option.
MEDCottage is a company that makes prefabricated “granny suites” meant to be situated in the backyard or on the property of an aging person’s caregiver. According to MEDCottage, their granny pods are a “state-of-the-art hospital room” with remote monitoring available. This makes them perfect for rehabilitation or extended care.
These granny pods allow the resident to maintain some sort of independence, while being in extremely close proximity to caregivers. They give all family members peace of mind, and they’re actually quite beautifully done up. There are a few different models to choose from, with plans even designed to work in a garage or on an RV platform.
If you’re considering the classic-style granny pod (which resembles a sort of miniature bungalow), prices run anywhere from $85,000 to $125,000. When you consider the monthly costs of retirement and nursing homes, the breakdown is actually pretty reasonable.
According to Good Housekeeping, the granny pods can be hooked up to the main home’s sewer, water, and power lines. Some standard features in the granny pods include hand railings, defibrillators, first aid supplies, lighted floors, and soft floors in case a fall were to occur.
Although a granny pod may not be the right solution for everyone, they give the option of keeping an aging parents who isn’t necessarily ready for a nursing home close to home, while still allowing them to have a sense of independence. Ultimately, the elderly person and their family both have to be on the same page when it comes to making any living-related transition.