Remodeling to Add an Accessible In-Law Suite
Multi-generational homes are becoming more common in Massachusetts and across the United States, to the point where houses with in-law suites are in high demand. Elderly relatives are among the most common occupants, especially due to the rising cost of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. So, if you have a loved one who is planning to move into your home to comfortably age in place, you should consider adding an in-law suite.
What is an In-Law Suite?
An in-law suite is a small dwelling either within or on the same grounds as a single-family house. You may also have heard it called a multigenerational unit, granny flat, ohana unit, and casita. They’re a fantastic way to allow a family member to live with you while allowing for privacy and independence.
What Should My In-Law Suite Have?
As for what constitutes an in-law suite, they can be extremely diverse. They can be basement apartments, a wing connected to the main house, or even a small cottage on the property. While they require, at a minimum, at least a bedroom and a small bathroom, but can also include a sitting room and even a small kitchen.
Before Remodeling, Consider the Occupant
When remodeling to create your in-law suite, think long and hard about who will be moving in. An elderly loved one in particular may have specific needs to live comfortably. How independent are they? Do they have health or mobility issues that need accommodation? Do you think they might need them in the future? An in-law suite is different from a guest room in that you typically expect the occupant to stay there long-term, so consider the future as well as the present.
Bedroom Accommodations
If they have mobility issues that make it difficult to climb stairs, you should either put the suite on the first floor or install a chair lift of some kind. Do they use a walker or cane? A hardwood floor could get scuffed and damaged from these mobility devices, or they could even be a slipping hazard. Consider adding wall-to-wall carpeting to the bedroom as a safety measure.
Accessible Bathroom Remodel
The bathroom should also be remodeled to be more accessible. You’ll want to install a handrail or grab bar next to the toilet to help them sit down and stand up. There are also some toilets that are more accessible than others, so you may need to install a new one.
Consider their bathing needs as well. Does the bathroom have a shower or a bathtub? You may want to remove the tub and replace it with a large shower they can simply walk into. While you’re at it, consider adding a shower seat or ledge of some kind where they can sit to avoid slipping. This could very well save them from an expensive trip to the hospital.
Other Remodel Considerations
Even the doorway should be taken into consideration. If your elderly relative uses a walker or wheelchair, is the door wide enough for them to get in and out of the rooms easily? You may have to replace the doors for something wider. On top of that, round door knobs can be difficult to turn for someone with arthritis, so install lever-style handles that are easier to grip. These little things can make a huge difference in the long run.
Adding on an in-law suite that’s accessible may seem like a big undertaking, but it’s a massive benefit to your loved one. They’ll be able to live out their golden years comfortably, and the expense of the remodel is easily offset by how much you’ll save on an assisted living facility costs.
