What Is A Granny Pod?
Have you thought about what may happen to your parents as they age, such as where they may live so they can be close enough to you in case they need help? Perhaps you've considered moving them into your home, but that may be difficult if you don't have the room or they want to maintain their independence. The National Library of Medicine published a study that indicates up to 30% of households include elderly family members living with their adult children. Yet, this changes the family dynamic and may be impossible if you can't make your home more accessible for them.
If you don't want to place your loved one in an assisted living community or think it's safe for them to live alone, you may be stuck with options. For some people, using a granny pod may be the ideal option. How does a granny pod work, and is it right for you?
What are granny pods
A granny pod can be any type of exterior structure separate from the home's main living area. What makes it elderly-proof is that it offers features that may be a bit more supportive of aging parents, according to REthority. These properties may sit, for example, in your backyard, keeping loved ones close. They allow your loved one to live independently, as they may wish, but in a very affordable and safe environment.
Granny pods are a lot like tiny houses in that they are smaller properties that make the best use of space possible. They are designed to make it easier for people who may have mobility issues or vision problems to remain safe while moving around the space. You may also hear them referred to as mother-in-law apartments or secondary suites. They can be the size and style that works for your needs and budget.
They can do much more
House Method provides some insight into what you can do with this type of added space if you don't need long-term living arrangements for your loved one. Granny pods, which are actually accessory dwelling units, can be more useful than just for this need. Accessory dwelling units are any type of added structural components that create a separate living space. For example, you can certainly use them to care for your aging loved one for the long term or just for a short amount of time as they recover from an illness.
You can use it as a rental property if your city allows for this, which could mean turning it into a money maker for you. It could be a short-term or long-term rental property. Or it can serve as an on-site guest house, which is great if you routinely have a lot of visitors to your home and you want to provide them with more privacy.