What happens when our parents can no longer live independently? Often, it means families must look at options such as assisted living facilities. These can cost thousands of dollars a month that is usually not covered by insurance unless your parents are covered by a Long Term Care policy which can itself cost thousands a year. Plus, many facilities require you to pay for the unit up front and then make monthly payments for maintenance.
For many families and for many cultures, the answer is simple: grandparents live with their children and grandchildren. And while it may get a bit crowded, by and large, families who have lived in these situations view it as an enriching experience for everyone involved. Here in our area, families of many different backgrounds are taking a fresh look at the option of including aging parents in a multi-generational home. Plus, with some creative remodeling, they’re finding they can enjoy all the richness of life together without the stress and strain of being crowded together in too small a home.
Homeowners are also discovering that multi-generational living can make excellent financial sense. For example, in New Jersey, fees at senior living facilities can be very high. In fact, the average cost for assisted living in the state is $2,390 a month. Considering that a simple remodel could run $25,000, making room for Grandma becomes a savings for the family in less than a year. An average addition with bath and special accommodations might run $120,000 or more, but often can be fully covered by the sale of Grandma’s home. The remodeling not only allows Grandma to be safe and enjoy her comparative freedom – and her wonderful family – it also improves the value of your own home and can represent substantial long-term savings compared to what a senior-living facility can cost.
What kind of remodeling makes sense
for aging parents?
In-law suites are a great option. They usually include a master bedroom and full bath, but some homeowners also choose to include a sitting room, small kitchen area, and even a private entrance. A larger suite provides additional privacy, giving all generations a separate space and it gives older people a feeling of greater independence. In remodeling for seniors, consider implementing Universal Design features such as wider halls, easy-access doors, and features like grab bars, walk-in tubs, and easy-to-reach shelving. Appropriate lighting is an important consideration for safety and the enjoyment of the space as well. In-law suites are ideally placed on the ground floor so grandparents won’t have to walk up and down too many stairs. If the suite needs to be on an upper level – or the basement level – a home elevator can be designed into the plan, or a simple stair-lift can be installed.
If you’re concerned about a parent who can no longer safely live alone, we do hope you’ll contact us. We can help you explore the smart and rewarding “senior living” options you have right at home.
Photo courtesy Kohler, Inc.
Maintenance Tip: Clean Your Gutters
Remove debris and leaves from your gutters to prevent clogging. Water trapped in your gutters can cause major damage to your roof and walls. For most homes, gutters should be cleaned about every 6 months. Not comfortable doing it yourself? Call our HomeWorks Handyman Division and we can get the job done!
Thank you for the referrals and repeat business!
We’d like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Brofsky for referring their friends to us to help them with their remodeling project. We’d also like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Paternoster, a previous T&K Contractors client, for asking us to do an additional project for them.
For many families and for many cultures, the answer is simple: grandparents live with their children and grandchildren. And while it may get a bit crowded, by and large, families who have lived in these situations view it as an enriching experience for everyone involved. Here in our area, families of many different backgrounds are taking a fresh look at the option of including aging parents in a multi-generational home. Plus, with some creative remodeling, they’re finding they can enjoy all the richness of life together without the stress and strain of being crowded together in too small a home.
