Millions of Americans take care of their elderly parents, but many families are uncomfortable with the idea of placing them in nursing homes.
But now, there is another option that brings families closer — without living under the same roof.
MedCottages, a.k.a. Granny Pods, are portable apartments that are placed right in the family's yard. Built-in walkways connect the home and pod so elderly residents can come and go at their own will.
These pods are three-room apartments set up like a hospital room, complete with safety rails, lighted floorboards, first-aid kits, defibrillator machines and built-in cameras.
Scroll down and step inside one of these revolutionary Granny Pods…
Millions of americans take care of their elderly parents. While many are against the idea of placing them in nursing homes, one newer option brings families closer without living under the same roof.
Reverend Ken Dupin of Salem, Virginia is the brainchild of a revolutionary cottage that allows seniors private care, right in their families' backyards.
The MedCottage — a 12 x 24 foot home that looks just like a backyard cottage — is a small and portable home designed to facilitate long-term eldercare.
Dubbed the "granny pod," it allows the elderly family member privacy while providing quality care. So far, three different models have been built.
In each backyard home, electricity and water are connected directly to the homeowner’s utilities. There are also webcams installed around the home so families can ensure the resident is safe and well cared for.
Each pod features a kitchen with a small fridge, microwave, and medication dispenser. There’s also a bedroom with ample extra space for a live-in caregiver.
The bathroom is handicapped-accessible, and floors can also be cushioned to protect residents from slips and falls.
MedCottages are one of the ongoing solutions to helping solve the issue of elderly population density in the suburbs. While they can be expensive, many proponents say the costs are similar to that of a nursing home.
The greatest thing about these cottages is that they give family members more freedom without compromising safety and independence.
Granny pods are definitely a unique take on assisted living and care and smart alternative to traditional nursing homes.
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