Sending grandma and grandpa to an aged care facility isn’t easy. There’s so much to think about when picking the care home, the distance, the finances, the company, their reputation, and whether they would be happy with this change. It can be a little overwhelming that’s for sure.
Luckily we are in a new time and innovation is thriving! People are coming up with unique ideas on how to care for elders and we are loving it! One of those creative ideas is called the “granny pod!”
Also referred to as the “in-law cottage” or “MEDcottage” the granny pod is a modular home normally sizing around 500 square feet. It is a tiny home that is built on the same property as the caretaker (possibly being yourself) so that your loved one(s) can be easily monitored and cared for.
This unique housing option is a great way to keep elders safe without taking away their independence.
1. Florida Get-A-Way
Complete with a happy palm tree this granny pod will make a wonderful vacation-like alternative living situation for your loved omas and opas, nanas and papas or whatever you might call them.
2. The Treehouse
A sustainable design that brings your family closer to you while being practical in design and aesthetic. An add-on to your forest home that will make taking care of grandma while having your personal space easy.
3. Tudor Style
Like from a storybook this fairytale-like granny pod will fit charmingly amongst your garden while giving your family a dreamy place to live.
4. Little House
A little house surrounded by bushes, flowers, trees and the love of close family. A beautiful way for your grandma or grandpa to wake up and smell the roses and to share a fresh cup of coffee with them.
5. Light and Bright
Big windows and glass doors make for a bright and happy home! Let the light into your parent’s day and enjoy having them closeby to keep them company and enjoy their presence.
6. Across the Pond
Waking up and walking over to your parent’s house to take them their morning tea is a pleasure. Much nicer than having to drive through traffic to get to the care home!
7. Romantic
This backyard granny pod looks like it’s been taken right out of a Nicholas Sparks book! A romantic place for grandma and grandpa to grow old together while in loving care.
8. Beachfront Cottage
After everything your parents have done for you, they really deserve the best! A beautiful and happy cottage outback near your house with a wrap-around porch and a stunning view!
9. Wheelchair Friendly
Make maneuvering around the kitchen simple by having wheelchair friendly cabinets installed into the granny pod. No hard to reach spices or drawers that get caught on the wheels!
10. Safe Shower
Feel secure knowing that grandma can take a safe shower sitting down with no worries of slipping and falling. Adding a well-thought-out bathroom to the granny pod is a must!
11. Modern and Chic
The granny pod on your property doesn’t have to be an eyesore! Not at all! It can be just as stylish and chic as your own house. You and grandpa can enjoy being neighbors and they can stay relaxed knowing you’re nearby!
12. Extra Ordinary
This isn’t an ordinary granny pod and just shows the extent of creativity that you can apply to your design! Comfortable, unique and practical you can really have fun coming up with ideas for your granny pod!
13. Two Bedroom
Even though your granny pod is on your property it never hurts to have an extra bedroom in case you need to have a sleepover or for a visiting grandchild!
14. Extra Green
Keep grandma busy by filling her home with beautiful plants that she can take care of while you are taking care of her! Plus, the plants will keep the air clean and grandma smiling!
15. Front Garden
Plants inside make a happy home but plants outside make it even better! Keep grandma enjoying those sunny days by trimming the rose bushes or planting seeds. Preferably a raised bed so she doesn’t have to bend over!
16. Small House Bliss
A decent-sized backyard cottage granny pod that nana and papa will be happy to move into. Still big enough for them to host family dinner but not too big that they struggle to keep up with the housework.
Skip the expense and heartache of moving your grandparents to an aged care home. Rather build a beautiful granny pod in your backyard, and have them closeby.
So now that we have seen some fantastic examples of what a granny pod could be, are you convinced? It’s good to do as much research as you can and really look into the housing regulations in your own area.
Check out all the latest technologies when it comes to wheelchair lifts, hand railing, safe showers, wide passages, special beds, etc. And in no time you will be drinking morning coffee with your next-door neighbors; grandma and grandpa!
