When we work with clients considering accessibility remodeling we ask them to remember that they may eventually be selling their home. Access, being able to safely and efficiently use your home is critically important and is the focus of our designs, but we strive to make the designs either blend into the décor of the home or have removable components. This helps protect the overall value of our client’s homes.
A terrific example of this approach is the addition of a Mother in law suite to a client’s existing home. No matter how accessible it is for a person using a wheelchair or a walker, with the right planning it can become an area of interest and use for anyone at the time the home is sold. It could be a private master bedroom retreat, a space for older teens to call their own, a possible rental area, or a wonderful family room. We take care to plan the extra access features such as roll in showers so that thresholds can be added, grab bars removed and walls repaired, and personal equipment touches like bidets or bed room safety equipment can be removed.
A good prescriptive access design works for the person it is done for because the environment is matched to their goals and abilities. A great design also looks good, feels good, and enhances the value of the home.
The "In-Law Suite"
When elderly loved ones can no longer take care of themselves, it is usually necessary for them to enter an assisted living or retirement community. Sometimes, however, it is financially and physically easier to have that person close to home. At the home featured in this video, located in Papillion, there is a perfect in-law set-up in the basement. This extra living space provides value and opportunity to the owner in various ways.
While it is commonly referred to as an “in-law suite,” this basement apartment also goes by the name of “granny flat,” but it is not limited only to the elderly. This accessory apartment comes in all types of sizes, and can house renters, hired house staff, guests and other relatives. There are various uses, advantages and features of an in-law suite that may convince everyone to consider this kind of basement remodel.
Uses
The large amount of space in a suite like this is very versatile in terms of purpose. The kitchen area is perfect for a movie night where drinks and snacks are steps away, but it can also provide extra income if you were to rent it out as an apartment. Furthermore, everyone knows that when the in-laws come to visit, it is nice to tuck them quietly into the basement where they are out of sight, yet only a floor away from hanging out with the family.
When elderly relatives are not ready for a nursing home environment, an in-law suite creates a great alternative that is more personal and comfortable for older persons. In-law suites can also be altered and planned around individual needs and preferences, which is sure to make even the most stubborn grandparent at ease.
When elderly relatives are not ready for a nursing home environment, an in-law suite creates a great alternative that is more personal and comfortable for older persons. In-law suites can also be altered and planned around individual needs and preferences, which is sure to make even the most stubborn grandparent at ease.
Advantages
As BevVan describes, the in-law suite is extremely accessible for its dwellers. With a ground-level entrance, it can easily accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. In terms of cost, and basement suite is much more affordable than most nursing homes these days. In fact, the cost of one year in a nursing home is usually more expensive than a remodeling of the house to create the suite. You pay less and definitely get more for your loved ones out of an arrangement such as this.
When considering an accessory apartment, family and unity both come to mind. An in-law suite may not be the best choice if you do not wish to connect and be a part of that person’s last years, but for those who desire peace of mind and family togetherness, it should be a serious consideration. This may also provide an extraordinary experience for families to enrich their relationships, especially between children and grandparents. It is usually difficult to gather everyone up and visit grandma or grandpa at the nursing home, but under one roof, children are seconds away from hearing stories and spending time with elderly family members while they still can.
Features
As illustrated in the tour of this house, there is a multitude of features that make it easy for older folks to get around on their own, despite physical impedances. Firstly, there is a full kitchen that allows for accessible food, drinks and cooking. This is also an important feature if a home owner would like to rent out this space as an apartment. It is like another house in the basement.
Secondly, the elderly-friendly bathroom is an important feature to take into consideration. High toilets, shower handrails and a wheelchair accessible shower and bath are just a few features in this particular suite that help to eliminate hazards. It is also possible, however, to omit these features and make the bathroom area just like any other – except with a larger-than-normal shower space and lots of walking room. Again, an in-law suite can be designed with anyone in mind, so the size and number of bedrooms can be altered to accommodate.
The bottom line is that an auxiliary apartment, or “granny-flat,” is flexible in terms of model, and makes it possible for families to stay together for longer than they thought possible. Even if you do not have an elderly family member looking to settle in with the family, an in-law suite provides much value in its amount of extra living space and various features.
So keep a suite like this in mind when you are looking over the brochure of "Sunnybrook Nursing Home" or some other generic elderly care facility, and remember the importance of cohesiveness and peacefulness that comes with sharing time, and space, with family.
So keep a suite like this in mind when you are looking over the brochure of "Sunnybrook Nursing Home" or some other generic elderly care facility, and remember the importance of cohesiveness and peacefulness that comes with sharing time, and space, with family.
