As of 2010, there were over 2 million Floridians over the age of 70 living in the state. By 2030, the age group between 70 and 80 years old will account for a whopping 55% of our population growth in the state of Florida. As these numbers continue to grow, with them grows the problem of how to care for aging loved ones. If faced with the continuing predicament of how to care for a relative, you know how stressful of a situation it can be. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be inconvenient, expensive with increasing demand, or a poor fit for your loved one’s circumstances or needs. Things can get particularly challenging when taking care of errands or emergencies means traveling a considerable distance.
One solution to this problem worth considering is the idea of installing a small addition to your property in the backyard, lot next door, or even a side yard if space permits. Whether you choose to call it a granny pod, mother-in-law suite, or care cottage, this space will make things much easier for your family. In this case, your loved one will be able to live in peace and comfort while still retaining his or her independence and autonomy and at the same time, you won’t need to give up space in your home in exchange for peace of mind.
This space can function similarly to a hotel suite with a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and added safety features that you can choose to include based on your loved one’s individual needs. Plus, the smaller space will be easier to maneuver and clean with less time and energy while still having all the necessities within reach. While you may want to further customize this space yourself, many companies make additions like these complete with the ability to be connected to existing power, water, and sewer lines.
If you live in a deed restricted area, you might want to verify that this addition will meet your community’s particular regulations as well as local regulations and zoning here in Tallahassee. Determine how much space your loved one will need and what area of the yard will fit best with your home. Also, consider what goals you’d like to make for your loved one’s well-being and care and use this decision to determine what safety features take top priority. If it’s feasible, consider adding features like an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), bathroom safety railings, padded or lit flooring, or cameras for checking on your loved one from a distance in an emergency. These features will bring you peace of mind and allow both you and your relative to maintain your normal routines as usual.
While the costs and steps may seem daunting at first thought, adding a suite to your property ensures that your loved one will be close by and properly cared for in a safe and clean environment. When it comes to making plans for aging family, we often end up in a position with few ideal options and uncertainty as to what to do. These suites offer peace of mind without the costly and painful sacrifice of placing your loved one in a nursing home or other similar facility. As time passes and things get more difficult for our aging relatives, we want to make sure they’re happy, safe, and well cared for. With this solution, we can ensure that there are as many quality years left with our loved ones as possible. 
By Jennifer Stinnett
