First MEDCottage “Granny Pod” Goes to Virginia Family

MEDCottages are finally here—well, one of them is.

We’ve been talking about MEDCottages, nicknamed granny pods, since the prototype was introduced in 2010. They’re little prefabricated homes designed for frail elderly people. The idea is for adult children to put them in the yard, providing a private but safe  space for an elderly parent. And that’s just what a couple in Virginia has done—the first people to install a MEDCottage.

The New Old Age reports that the couple bought the MEDCottage because their house wasn’t a good fit for the wife’s mother, who was living with them.

The solution? Though many families are often forced to consider nursing homes under these circumstances, the Page family found another option. They ordered a MEDCottage — a prefabricated 12-by-24-foot bedroom-bathroom-kitchenette unit that can be set up as a free-standing structure in their backyard. It’s more than a miniature house — it’s decked out with high-tech monitoring and safety features that rival those of many nursing homes.

There are zoning issues in some states, the article notes. Virginia has made it relatively easy to install MEDCottages and other temporary dwellings like them.

You may also be interested in these related OurParents posts:

• MedCottages Hit the Market: Backyard “Granny Pods” Available in Virginia
• In-Law Cottage: Alternative to a Crowded Home
• DIY Backyard Suite for an Elderly Parent
• Mobile Homes for Caregivers: 120 Square Feet of Privacy
• Tips to Make a Small In-Law Suite Feel More Spacious

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.