The caregiving landscape in America is undergoing a significant shift, with an increasing number of families taking on the responsibility of caring for their aging parents or relatives. The statistics are clear – a staggering thirty million American households are involved in some form of care for individuals over fifty. Many, like myself, have found ourselves in this terrain alongside other family members, guiding our elders into their later years.
Caring for aging parents undoubtedly brings with it many challenges. However, for many families, the prospect of placing their loved ones in traditional care facilities is a daunting alternative. Disturbing data showing neglect and abuse in nursing homes reinforces the reluctance of many to choose such measures. It’s a reality that presents a profound dilemma—balancing the desire to provide optimal care for our elders with the limited options available.
Amid these challenges, the emergence of “Granny Pods” – a concept introduced by MEDCottage – offers a ray of hope. These mobile, customizable living spaces are an innovative solution for families looking to ensure the well-being of their aging relatives. The vision behind “Granny Pods” aligns with the desires expressed by seniors themselves, as evidenced by research showing that the vast majority prefer to age in their own homes.
Statistics on nursing homes and seniors
Surprising nursing home dates:
More than 90% of residents reported cases of neglect and more than 40% reported abuse.
According to a 2010 study, up to half of nursing home caregivers admitted to abuse or neglect of elderly patients.
Half of all certified nursing assistants admit to verbally abusing seniors, yelling at them, and using derogatory terms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were about 1.7 million licensed nursing homes and 15,600 nursing homes in the United States in 2014.
Now consider the fact that one in five Americans, or seventy million people, will be over the age of sixty-five in 2030.
This suggests that the number of seniors living longer outstrips the number of facilities and resources that will – or will not – be available to them.
According to a 2015 AARP survey, 90% of seniors said they would prefer to age in their own homes. Remarkably, only 4% of these seniors would rather move in with a relative. However, their level of health and the characteristics of the homes they can live in determine whether they will be able to live freely.
Seniors place a high value on safety features such as opening doors (65%), emergency alert systems (79%), bathroom grab bars (79%), and non-slip floors (80%). Unfortunately, few of these safety features are present in most nursing homes.
This is MEDCottage, the company that made “Granny Lusky.”
Reasons for choosing “Granny Pods”
MEDCottage: What is it?
The fact that seniors have very few options for where and how to spend their golden years inspired Reverend Kenneth Dupin to found MEDCottatge.[6]
Ultimately, every senior must make a decision when living alone becomes more of a risk than an advantage. After realizing this, Reverend Dupin came up with a twofold solution: seniors can maintain their autonomy and sense of dignity as long as they are able, both mentally and physically.
Without breaking the budget, families can effectively and practically care for their parents and maintain closeness.
How do “Granny Pods” work?
Grannies are movable, temporary buildings designed to give your parents safe, loving final years.
Granny Pods from MEDCottage come in three variants: Cottage, Classic, and Grand. Each is roughly twelve by twenty-four feet and is connected to the water and electrical system already on the property. “A bungalow on the outside and a nice hotel suite with space for a bed, sitting room, kitchenette, and bathroom,” said Country Living magazine.
These are all accessible care homes that can be adapted to suit the needs of the person you are supporting. Pill dispensers, web cameras, padded flooring, and vital signs monitor that alert you, the caregiver, if something is wrong are a few examples of safety features.
It all sounds wonderful, but what are the total costs?
The US Department of Health and Human Services reported in 2010 that the average cost of private and semi-private long-term care rooms can be anywhere from $205 to $230 per day, or $6,235 to $6,965 per month.
Granny Pod seems to be your best choice, so that’s your second choice. The cost to set up one of these for your parent’s privacy and backyard security ranges from $85,000 to $125,000.[10]
Although this amount may seem high at first, it will ultimately benefit you and your family. collectively.
The growing trend of caring for elderly parents at home has spurred innovative solutions such as the “Granny Pods” offered by MEDCottage. As the senior population continues to grow, the demand for appropriate care options is ever more pressing.
Statistics highlighting troubling conditions in nursing homes, such as cases of neglect and abuse, underscore the need for alternative care solutions. The desire of seniors to age in their own homes and not move into care facilities is a sentiment echoed by many. However, the availability of suitable housing with the necessary safety features often does not meet these preferences.
The ‘Granny Pods concept is proving to be a viable solution that offers a customizable, secure, and connected living space for aging parents within the familiar boundaries of their family property. Equipped with essential safety features and tailored to individual needs, these pods represent a compelling alternative to traditional care facilities. While the initial costs may seem significant, the benefits of providing a safe and dignified environment for elderly loved ones while maintaining family closeness are priceless.
MEDCottage’s core idea – to provide seniors with autonomy and dignity while enabling families to care for their elders practically and economically – resonates in a society with a rapidly growing aging population. As the quest for dignified and personalized senior care continues, solutions like “Granny Pods” offer a glimpse into a future where aging in place becomes a viable and preferred option for many families.