It is no longer called the mother-in-law’s room or the guest house, now it is called the “granny pod.” These tiny homes are put in the backyard so an aging parent or loved one does not have to live in a nursing home.
These pods are popular because the elderly person maintains some independence while enjoying the security of having family close by. This can be the answer to many people’s worries over their loved ones as they age. The baby boomer generation will reach the age of 79 by the year 2030, at which time nearly one in five Americans will be 65 or older.
Backyard housing may be a simple but effective answer to an agonizing question. According to an article in the SourceBook, our parents fear moving into a nursing home more than they fear death. The loss of independence is degrading and humiliating to a senior citizen who has been independent all of their adult life.
What are you to do if your parents need extra care? This is where the granny pod comes in. It is a tiny house that is equipped with all of the amenities of a large home on a smaller scale. They are portable and can be repurposed for further use in later years.
Having your loved one so close by helps them to feel both secure and independent. As one ages, independence is slowly taken by age and by family. The last frontier of independence is living alone. If you have a yard big enough, you can have a granny pod.
These homes offer a beautiful open floor plan with a small kitchen and a bathroom that is accessible by wheelchair. The pod is even wired just in case of a fall. Unfortunately, this granny pod design is not allowed in many zoned areas. Check your state for more information on this.
If one were adventurous, they may be able to hire a contractor to build a temporary building in the backyard, designed to your personal wants. This may be the best option in states where granny pods violate zoning conventions.
These miniature homes are a cheaper than nursing homes which typically cost $80,000. A small home with the amenities needed can be bought or leased for around $40,000. Also, In home care may be necessary in certain long-term conditions and therefore options must be weighed. It is important to remember that nursing care may be needed for the loved one.
If your home’s septic system is only set up for a certain amount of bedrooms, then you will need to upgrade it. For those homes that are on municipal septic systems, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Some states have laws allowing granny pods to be placed in a yard with certain physician’s orders. As these granny pods become more popular, it is likely that more and more restrictions will be lifted on them.
If you think this may be a viable option, read the fine print and make sure the zoning commission allows a tiny house to be placed in your backyard.