The term "accessory dwelling unit" may not ring any bells, even by the handy acronym of ADU. Granny apartment, granny flat, or mother-in-law suite, may sound more familiar.
A granny apartment gets its name from the occupant who may be ensconced in this residence.
Converted garages or basement apartments, or even cottages built on the main property may be the logical solution to the problem of what to do with mom, or dad, when they are no longer able to live alone.
One of these homes can also be let out to renters. But for our purposes, we're looking at the granny apartment as a way to keep the parents close, without everybody being, well, too close.
Local zoning codes often used to pose a problem for this setup. As the desire for this arrangement has grown, more communities are changing their ordinances to accommodate families' desire to stay together.
There are more alternatives for aging Americans than ever before, including assisted living, retirement communities and nursing homes. Despite the variety, all these options don't suit every family.
According to USAtoday.com, an increasing number of home builders are being contacted for these types of expansions, conversions and additional buildings.
AARP said that 3.5 million families included adult children and their parents, and that this number is expected to grow.
The National Association of Home Builders said that in 2010, a survey showed that 62 percent of builders had modified homes for aging relatives.
If you're trying to keep the expense down, Michael Litchfield, author of "In-Laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats" has some suggestions.
He advised that it is less expensive to avoid expanding your square footage. This will also make it easier to comply with building codes.
Converting your basement can be economical, if the ceilings are high enough, and if there's a pre-existing independent entrance to the basement.
This allows for greater privacy for all concerned. Be realistic about any possible water problems, like potential flooding. This will have a real impact on your plans.
A garage apartment will provide privacy. Look out for potential problems with dampness or drainage. Inspect for any structural unsoundness. And of course you'll need to make other plans for your car.
The cheapest alternative may be to renovate rooms in the house into a private living area for your parents.
More expensive, but offering perhaps the greatest privacy, is to build a cottage on your property. You need to have a big piece of property for this to work well. Be prepared to build a path or sidewalk from the street to the new dwelling.
Building an addition to the house is another viable option, depending on the size and shape of your property.
Planning ahead, anticipating changes in your parents as they age will make for a more workable situation.
Can a wheelchair move freely through the granny apartment if need be? Have you planned a walk-in shower and grab bars for a frail senior? Have you kept stairs to a minimum or non-existent?
Financially, everyone can benefit. It may mean that the adult children can keep their home and also house their parents, more affordably than paying for a nursing home or assisted living services for their parents.
The seniors may appreciate being able to pay a smaller amount for "rent" knowing they are helping their children, instead of paying a higher amount for other care and housing.
This type of living arrangement makes for greater security about your elderly parents' safety. If your parent has been involved in the planning and decorating process, this makes for a greater sense of both independence and belonging.
Sources:
Aging Initiative: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). EPA.gov. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
http://www.epa.gov/aging/bhc/guide
Mother-in-law suites growing home trend. USAtoday.com. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/wellness/caregiving/story/2011/08/Mo...
In-law units help homeowners pay bills, care for relatives. USAtoday.com. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2011-08-17-real-estate-in-...
The pros and cons of options for creating an in-law unit. USAtoday.com. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2011-08-17-tips-for-creati...
Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger
Reviewed August 29, 2012
by MIchele Blacksberg RN