APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The “Granny Pod” movement has arrived in the Fox Valley.
These small, modular homes have become an alternative to assisted living facilities, and they fit right in your backyard.
Seniors First Remodeling in Appleton says it’s the first to bring this concept to the Midwest.
The Linked Living Home is a modified version of what’s been referred to as a Granny Pod, with one small difference.
“It’s all about enabling family living, in a way that brings families together,” Seniors First Remodeling project manager Greg Cops said.
The standard Linked Living Home includes a bedroom, living room and bathroom.
Unlike Granny Pods, Bob Jakel, City of Kaukauna director of planning and community development, tells FOX 11 the ten by 14-foot dwelling is attached to the home to better fit the Midwest and many of its zoning laws.
“These facilities have to be properly built and inspected prior to being placed on-site. They have to be placed on a full footing to match that of the house, and also they have to meet setback requirements for zoning, depending upon what community you reside in.”
Seniors First Remodeling will build the home and deliver it to you, once zoning requirements are met.
“You can put them in your lawn, however, you like to best fit your lawn, but there’s also an opportunity for some customization.”
Cops tells FOX 11 it keeps seniors close enough for the family to care for them while allowing them to feel more independent.
“A lot of the seniors, they want independence, and this I think is going to allow them to have that independent time, yet able to live with the family, as well. So, they kinda get the best of both, I think.”
And, Cops says, at a lower price than many other care facilities.
With nursing homes and assisted living facilities, you can expect to pay over $100,000 a year. With the Linked Living Home, you come out of pocket about $73,000.
“It is resellable later on, so it’s not as if you’re renting, so you’re actually putting money toward something.”
Jakel says people oftentimes even turn them into sheds, offices or storage units.
“If you can space them and meet the zoning, they’re a nice unit.”
Granny Pod critics say the units aren’t one-size fits all solution.
Experts say it can be hard for families to provide the kind of around-the-clock medical care some seniors may need, especially those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
