As you might already know, we’re always looking at ways seniors can enjoy their independence for as long as possible—hopefully for their whole lives.  Something came across our desk this week that we thought was interesting.  This article, in the Washington Post, features the “MedCottage,” a portable dwelling for elder residence.  While the name leaves a bit to be desired, the concept is a great update to an old tradition: the in-law apartment.

MedCottage thinks of itself as “family managed healthcare,” believing that the trend toward medical treatment at skilled nursing facilities and so forth is not in the best interest of elder citizens.  The cottage is self-contained and small enough to be easily maintained.  It’s meant to go right on the grounds of a relative’s property.  AARP supports the concept wholeheartedly.  It calls this kind of housing “accessory dwelling units”  (here’s their fact sheet on the subject) and says that the biggest barrier to widespread adoption is local zoning laws that often outlaw the structures.  Virginia, where MedCottage’s parent company is located, has already got legislation that overrules local zoning laws to allow these buildings with a doctor’s order.

The cottage is not just for housing though, it is wired with all the medical accoutrements needed to care for its occupant.  The Post says the 4-foot prototype is “filled with biometric technology that would allow a family and healthcare providers to monitor the condition of an aging or disabled relative.  The cottage contains air-filtration systems, video links, devices that allow the remote monitoring of vital signs and sensors that could detect an occupant’s fall.”  So, the MedCottage might be a fitting name after all.

The MedCottage is not the only contender in this space.  Author Fredrick Kunkle spoke with AARP about where MedCottage stands with respect to its competitors.  “Nancy Thompson, a spokeswoman for AARP, said the MedCottage has some of the features the organization advocates in accessory dwelling units, but not all of the universal design features that could be useful for people of all ages. She said it’s a step in the right direction for accessory dwelling units. Other companies seeking to make similar structures are Seattle-based FabCab (whose name comes from Fabulous Cabin), and San Francisco-based Larson Shores Architects, which designs what it calls “Architectural Solutions for the Aging Population,” or ASAP, and its “Inspired In-Law” dwellings.”

While we do not offer MedCottages, we do offer a host of supplies to make your own home a comfortable dwelling for your loved ones.  From accessible kitchens to shower pans to shower seats, we have you covered!