As a senior citizen, I’m always concerned about my long-term future. How much longer will I be able to live by myself in a large house? (It had better be a very long time because you won’t believe the stuff I’ve accumulated over the years.) This is why I was intrigued by a TV news report about something called Granny Pods.
A Granny Pod is a clever term for a tiny residence that can be built in the average backyard. Also called MEDCottages (http://www.medcottage.com/ ), they are perfect for families who want to keep a loved one close by, but don’t need (or want) a nursing home. Not that this is a perfect solution; there are a number of disadvantages.
— They are small, aver
aging 12 by 24 feet, about the size of a master bedroom.
— They are surprisingly expensive. The quoted prices for the MEDCottage Classic range from $85,000 to $125,000.
— Although advertised as “state-of-the-art hospital rooms”, they may not be suitable for people who require special care.
— There may be zoning problems, especially if the neighbors object.
Nevertheless, with the AARP estimating that approximately 23 million Americans care for elderly parents, this may be the right solution for many families.
The photo is from the article “Granny Pods” Allow Elderly Family Members to Live in a High-Tech Backyard Cottage (http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/news/a37117/granny-pods/ ), and is courtesy of MEDCottage.