Do you have an aging parent or loved one who needs care? You’re not alone. Today 1 in 4 Americans are caring for aging loved ones with chronic conditions, according to a 2009 study done by AARP. With the number of Americans aged 65 or older expected to climb from 39.6 million in 2009, to over 72 million by 2030, according to federal Administration on Aging data, the number of individuals both needing and providing care is likely to increase.
As our loved ones age, their physical strength and mobility can diminish, turning many aspects of a home that were once functional into daily barriers. At this point, many people think that their only option is to move their loved ones into a high-cost care-giving facility. However, a growing number of homeowners have turned to re-invest in their own property and build an inlaw suite. Not only can this option allow your loved one to enjoy the luxury of aging in place, adding an inlaw suite can add up to 60% to the value of your home depending on the kind of addition you build. So here are a few things to consider before beginning to plan your inlaw suite:
Will you need to hire help to care for your loved one?
No matter how well-intentioned, thoughtful and loving the relationship between an aged parent and adult child caregiver, the emotional toll can be high. In a survey of middle-aged women working outside the home, the MetLife Mature Market Institute discovered that those caring for aging parents were 2.5 times more likely to suffer from depression than those not providing care. If you are planning to move your loved one into your home It is a good idea to find a home care service that provides care that is both skilled and compassionate and thoroughly screens their caregivers. This will allow you to appreciate the time you spend with your loved ones while ensuring they receive the highest level of care.
What kind of care does my loved one need?
If you have a loved one who needs both health and home care services, it’s a good idea to assess what level of care they actually need. For example: on her own mom is unable to make it to her doctor’s appointments, so you’ve been paying for the nurse to visit her. However if someone were able to drive her, home healthcare services would not be necessary. There are many other services that can be provided by professionals that can make aging in place more comfortable for both the patients and caretakers. These could include: scheduling appointments, meal planning and preparation, memory care, medication reminders, standby assistance with routine activities, light housekeeping, running errands, emotional support, light exercise, help with bathing, dressing, or laundry. Hiring the right professionals for the to perform the right task can ensure your loved one is getting the appropriate level of care for them.
What kind of modifications will zoning allow?
When modifying your home to accommodate aging relatives it is important to find a contractor who is familiar with the zoning. Building permit requests that fully comply with all relevant building codes can expedite the permit process and get your project approved in less time. Because zoning regulations vary, some communities may experience unique challenges when proposing to build an in-law suite and you may have to meet specific requirements prove that the additional space will not be used to collect rental income. So again, make sure you find a contractor who is familiar with the laws governing your property.
What is the difference between a rental unit and an in-law suite?
An in-law suite is a living space integrated into a house to accommodate an older or disabled relative. It is not the same as “accessory dwelling unit” (ADU), or a rental unit whose primary function is to act as a separate home intended for rental. Some of the features that may set an in-law suite apart are an entirely separate entrance that is walled off from the rest of the house or a full kitchen (a designation that varies between communities). ADUs often face significant zoning restrictions and conditions, and they generally require special permits that are not required when building an inlaw suite.
Ready to start designing your inlaw suite? Contact Tom Hamburger of Tom Hamburger Builders thbinc@comcast.net or connect with him on LinkedIn and facebook