Millions of American households, approximately thirty million, are responsible for caring for adults aged fifty and older. Personally, I am currently fulfilling this role for my parent with the help of two other family members, a situation familiar to many of you. The likelihood is that you may find yourself in a similar position in the near future if you haven’t already.
Are you experiencing stress in this caregiving role? Do you find it preferable to placing your elderly loved ones in a care facility?
The evidence suggests that it is indeed a challenging responsibility. Not everyone can meet the needs of their aging parents to the fullest extent, and regrettably, some individuals may opt for nursing homes right away.
Nursing Home and Senior Statistics
1. Over 40% of nursing home residents report abuse, with more than 90% experiencing incidents of neglect.
2. A 2010 study revealed that up to half of all nursing home caregivers admit to elderly abuse and neglect.
3. Half of Certified Nursing Assistants admit to verbally abusing, yelling at, and using foul language with senior residents.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2014 indicates that the U.S. has around 1.7 million licensed beds in 15,600 nursing homes. Considering that one in five Americans, or seventy million people, will be older than sixty-five by 2030, it becomes apparent that the number of seniors is growing faster than the facilities and resources available to them.
According to a 2015 AARP survey, 90% of seniors prefer aging in their own homes, with only 4% expressing a preference to move in with relatives. However, the feasibility of this choice depends on their health status and the features of the homes they can reside in.
Seniors highly value safety features such as widened doorways (65%), emergency alert systems (79%), bathroom grab bars (79%), and non-slip floors (80%). Unfortunately, most senior homes lack these safety features.
Introducing MEDCottage, the innovator behind “Granny Pods.”
Why Choose “Granny Pods”?
MEDCottage, founded by Reverend Kenneth Dupin, addresses the limited options seniors have for spending their golden years. When living alone becomes more risky than advantageous, Reverend Dupin devised a two-pronged solution:
1. Seniors can maintain dignity and autonomy for as long as possible.
2. Families can care for their parents efficiently and practically, keeping them close without incurring exorbitant costs.
What Are “Granny Pods”?
Granny Pods, created by MEDCottage, are movable, temporary buildings designed to provide a safe and love-filled environment for your aging parents’ final years. Available in three varieties—Cottage, Classic, and Grand—they are approximately twelve by twenty-four feet and connect to existing plumbing and electrical systems on the property.
Described by Country Living magazine as “a bungalow from the outside, and a nice hotel suite on the inside,” Granny Pods include a bed, living room space, kitchenette, and bathroom. These senior-friendly homes can be customized to meet the specific needs of the individual, incorporating safety features like pill dispensers, webcams, cushioned flooring, and vital sign monitors that alert caregivers to any issues.
While the concept sounds appealing, the question arises: What is the total cost?
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that the average cost of private and semi-private rooms for long-term care could range from $205 to $230 per day, or $6,235 to $6,965 per month.
