Multi-Generational Housing: New Life for An Old Idea
Category: Retirement Real Estate
August 11, 2018 — For most of human history the most common housing model was for multi-generations to live under the same roof. In a typical scenario a widowed grandfather or grandmother would be living in a home with one of their married children, along with the children of that union. The generations chipped in to support the others – whether it was cooking, childcare, or financial – and typically enjoyed the benefit of living close together. The phenomenon became much less common in the 20th century. The advent of Social Security and financial independence of the elderly was probably one reason, and as nursing homes and assisted living became more common,
Comments on "Multi-Generational Housing: New Life for An Old Idea"
Ashley Hoober says:
Looking into living with our children and grandchildren for cultural reasons! will certainly share this post with them
Daryl says:
I wish our municipality allowed an additional tiny home or “ohana unit” on our lots strictly for extended families. It would solve the temporary returning adult child, widowed grandma situations. Everybody here has a giant shed in their backyard, a tiny house isn’t much larger.
Jennifer says:
The Amish call it a "Daudy House". It is a small house on the property, sometimes attached to the main house, often not, for the older generation to move into as they age up. It works for them.
Admin says:
We just saw a nifty article on this phenomenon, specifically on prefab "accessory dwelling units". The designer Yves Behar says they are catching on for many reasons. For one, prefab units can be dropped onto a site with minimum disruption and installed in a day. Built at a factory, they can be customized from a variety of styles to fit the needs of the people who are going to live in them. See " A Fix for the Housing Shortage May Sit in Your Backyard"
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/31/realestate/yes-in-your-backyard.html
Admin says:
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are another great way for for multiple generations to live on the same property. California actually encourages them as a way to solve their housing shortage. Usually about 800 sq. ft., they are small but practical. See https://www.nextavenue.org/accessory-dwelling-unit-help-aging-parent/