Building a Backyard Tiny House for Elderly Loved Ones: Benefits and Tips

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Building a Backyard Tiny House for Elderly Loved Ones: Benefits and Tips

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As we grow of age, our needs also increase. This goes for every facet of our life, therefore affecting our overall way of living and, ultimately, our homes. One solution that has recently been popular is to build a tiny house in the backyard.

It’s important to know that challenges like mobility issues, low energy, and weak immune systems are common in older people. Therefore, it’s critical that their home can cater to their particular needs. This refers to their comfort and safety, the accessibility of their house, and the location. Addressing these allows elderly people to have the privacy and independence they want while ensuring they are in a safe environment conducive to their condition.

Building a tiny house in the backyard provides elderlies in getting their own home while still being near or in essentially the same plot as their family, who can easily look out for them. It also cuts down on costs, as it is technically just an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU. This means it is not a building of its own but rather a secondary unit in an existing property. The most common term for this structure for elderlies is the granny flat.

Table of Contents

The Benefits of a Backyard Tiny House for Elderlies
The Design and Construction of a Backyard Tiny House for Elderlies
The Impact of Backyard Tiny Houses on the Quality of Life of Elderlies

The Benefits of a Backyard Tiny House for Elderlies

As previously discussed, a tiny backyard house benefits elderlies as their families can be near them. In the unfortunate case that they do not feel well and require help, having people who can immediately attend to them makes a significant difference.

Another benefit brought up is the cost-effectiveness of a tiny house in the backyard. Since there is no need to buy land for this structure, the homeowners can reduce the costs. Traveling from the elderly’s home to that of their family will also no longer require additional expenses for transportation.

MODERN RANCH IN HUTTO

Besides these, one of the most notable benefits of a tiny backyard house for those of old age is its ability for customization. Since the homeowner is free to design the home as they like, they can add features intended to enhance the elderly’s safety and comfort. It may even be possible to control environmental factors affecting their health and daily life, such as noise, temperature, and lighting.

The Design and Construction of a Backyard Tiny House for Elderlies

As mentioned, a tiny backyard home is not only beneficial because of its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. If you are designing a small house for elderlies, you might as well add features for their convenience and safety. Here are some of them.

Lighting

One of the most critical points to note for a tiny backyard house is the lighting. Since most elderlies have a problem with sight, you must provide adequate illumination. This is not only for them to see well but also to prevent accidents like falling. Pay special attention to areas of the house like the stairways, bathroom, and reading area. However, it goes without saying that every corner of the home must be well-lit.

Doorways

Unlike in traditional homes, doorways in elderly houses should be a bit different. First is the threshold, which should be leveled with no step-up, as this can cause accidents. The width should also be at least 3.5 feet, enough to fit a walker or a wheelchair. This should be applied regardless if the elderly staying uses these or not, as it may become a design problem in the long run.

Flooring

Slippery floors are dangerous for everyone, but even more so for older people. Therefore, keep this in mind while designing a tiny backyard house. Specifically, you may want to go for floor tiles that are non-slip and use only non-skid bathroom mats while you are at it.

Grab Bars and Handrails

It is recommended for the tiny house for elderlies to be single-level as staircases can be risky. However, in instances where the building was already constructed and is only being renovated, make sure to install handrails or grab bars. This is primarily for older people with mobility issues who may need support while walking. Although the stairway is prioritized, this should be installed in many areas around the house. This includes the hallways, bathrooms, and kitchen.

The Impact of Backyard Tiny Houses on the Quality of Life of Elderlies

What backyard tiny homes can provide that family homes cannot is independence. Although traditional elderly homes may give them that privacy, it robs them of social interaction. However, with a tiny house in the backyard, elderlies can live in a separate unit so they can still feel their independence, while at the same time, they are on the same property as their family so they do not feel isolated.
People of old age need to have their independence. This includes maintaining autonomy or having the control to make their own decisions, and living well on their own gives them satisfaction and self-respect. It is also conducive to their physical and mental health as they go around and stay active by themselves while still feeling loved and cared about as their family is close to them.
Finally, while it is more like a financial challenge rather than a concern for the quality of life of the elderly, backyard tiny homes are also more affordable. For old people who may only rely only on their retirement funds and their family, it is practical to be wise about the expenses. With a tiny house in a backyard, elderlies are given everything they need without compromising on other features, as the total costs would not amount to building a traditional home just for them.

If there is an elderly in your family, and you are considering getting them a place of their own, a tiny backyard house is a great idea. This should be done if you have a lot that has extra space, as it is an ADU. Granny flats may not be conventional, but more and more people are starting to adopt this type of structure for its many benefits discussed above. If this piqued your interest, you might want to check out more about tiny homes in the backyard at Small House Solutions.

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