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In Australia, where it was invented, it is referred to as a “Granny Flat.” Here in theU.S., it goes by the name “Granny Pod.” Although the name is funny, the product itself appears to fill a serious need that many sandwich generation members have trying to figure out for years: How to have elderly parents in 4S Ranch or other San Diego County communities move in with their adult children without completely overturning the existing family structure?
A New Home For Elderly Parents
The Granny Pod is a small, prefabricated structure that contains everything an assisted-living senior needs, including a kitchenette. It comes in several large pieces, which quickly assemble in your backyard to create an instant living space in which a senior can feel independent but very close to help at the same time. The price tag is $85,000, but the company that builds them will buy the pod back after two years for a little less than half the cost.
Technological Advantages
Far more than just an empty box, this little apartment comes with many features that make it a very safe place for elderly parents in 4S Ranch to live. The floor is extra gentle, so falls are less hard on the body. A walkway to the bathroom area lights up automatically if someone steps on it during the night, and the ceiling is even equipped with a track for hanging lift assistance. Overall, the environment is very safe, and because it is located right next to family caregivers at home, emergency response can be immediate.
Other Possibilities
So far, there has been only one U.S. customer for the technologically advanced Granny Pod. But other businesses are looking into the same concept, building less expensive but more basic versions. If this sounds like a good solution for your elderly parents in 4S Ranch or elsewhere in San Diego County, you’ll want to look into local zoning requirements since they vary by location.
