Author: MJT
Senior Retirement Housing AKA Granny Unit Or Ohana House
I lived in Hawaii
for several years and it is there that I first came across the idea of a granny
unit or ohana house. Only later did I
pick up on the idea that this is senior retirement housing at its finest grass
roots level.
Now, the idea of the granny unit or ohana house as senior
retirement housing is ancient. Before we
look at building specifications, let’s look at family makeup.
Generations
In earlier times, families lived together in one house -
with often two, three or four generations under one roof. The caring of the elderly fell upon the whole
clan and it was not uncommon for grandma to be parked at a table in the kitchen
or in a chair sewing. Grandpa might be
out on the porch with the grandkids, busying them with useful tasks or fun
projects.
Times changed and modern technology took over. We have little time to socialize in a normal
family way and the parents and grandparents have been parked elsewhere in homes
and so-called senior retirement housing.
Just a reminder – it wasn’t always that way!
Living Space
How much space do people need? In reality, enough room to sleep, bathe and
take in a meal. Not to go Spartan here,
the idea is to look at the basic needs and see how the past and present might
come together to provide for the better good – call it utilitarian benefit.
I like the idea of a smaller house out back. In the early life the post teen might spend a
year or so learning home skills before venturing out into the world. A little
later, let’s say after marriage, the child returns home and the parents move
out back. The utilitarian benefit is
that the family homestead remains intact.
Grandchildren grow up knowing their grandparents. Parents can rest easy knowing their children
are covered – no latchkey needed and the elderly age gracefully and in a loving
atmosphere.
These are just possibilities of what senior retirement
housing can be, based on some historical data.
Ease Of Handling
Not everyone could step into this family living situation
overnight. Societal changes happen over
time. Zoning ordinances and permit
processes that are in place are an expression of the public’s wishes. To change the senior retirement housing
system we have to first change the direction of the vehicle, and change begins
at home.
Pleasant Journey!
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