


These nursing homes for one can be installed behind a caregiver's home.

front view of grandmother hugging her granddaughter authentic senior retired life concept
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When families are faced with finding a place for grandparents to live out their golden years, the options can be complicated. Full-service nursing homes can be costly and don't always make the most financial sense. The steep fees paired with the guilt some families feel about an aging loved one living alone often leads to Grandma or Grandpa moving in with their adult children. But if home size or lifestyle won't allow this arrangement, what next?

Enter the "granny pod." Also known as an in-law cottage or in-law apartment, these detached tiny homes allow grandparents to stay close to their loved ones, while still offering some privacy. It's often difficult for the elderly to give up their independence 100 percent, so this solution offers a balance—they still have a space to call their own, and the whole family has a certain peace of mind knowing they're just steps away if they need assistance—or to share that homemade cake recipe.

What Is a Granny Pod?


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Where Can You Buy (or Rent) a Granny Pod?

Whether a cabin kit from Amazon or a customized, pre-fabricated MEDCottage, options for granny pods are more plentiful than ever. Essentially a portable hospital room, a MEDCottage is a free-standing dwelling designed to be installed in the backyard behind the main residence (zoning laws permitting, of course) that can be purchased or leased.

Bungalow-like on the outside and hotel suite-like on the inside, these structures include 288 square feet of living space, a kitchenette, a bed, and bathroom. Standard safety features include hand railings, defibrillators, first aid supplies, lighted floorboards, and a soft floor to minimize injury from falls. Double French doors can accommodate a wheelchair and other hospital equipment, if needed. Choose from three kit styles and floorplans. You can assemble yourself or hire a pro to install.


The firm FabCab specializes in modern-style homes for aging in place. Both interior and exterior spaces get the universal design treatment, a philosophy that all environments should work for all ages and abilities. Accessibility is considered in every space, from bathrooms to outdoor patios. The FabCab portfolio on their website shows galleries of images that illustrate their clean-lined aesthetic.


Are Granny Pods Legal?

Typically these small dwellings are hooked up to the main home's existing sewer, water, and power lines, so you'll need to obtain the necessary building approvals required by local agencies. And as previously mentioned, zoning laws in your area may have rules regarding the amount of land that can be covered by a structure. Check to make sure all intended uses of the cottage have been cleared before purchasing, including homeowner association agreements and proximity to historic districts, wetlands, or parks.

How Much Does a Granny Pod Cost?

Depending on the type of dwelling you choose, the estimated cost will run you between $100,000 to $250,000, Carolyn McClanahan, a financial planner at Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida, told CNBC. Depending on how many years the pod is used, the price could pay off, as the average cost of assisted living care is $43,536, while skilled nursing home care ranges from $82,128 to $92,376, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.

(h/t The Week)

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