Are you looking for an alternative to aged care or over 50s resorts?
Many Australian families have been looking for ways to keep their parents safe & happy during COVID-19, especially with how it’s affecting aged care homes.
There have been at least 16,000 confirmed cases* of COVID-19 among people living in government-subsidised aged care facilities across Australia. Tragically, more than 1500 of those have resulted in death.
Meanwhile, the popularity of aged care resort units has risen, with the idea of over 50s resort living an attractive option for many. Unfortunately one of these units can cost anywhere between $600-900,000, and you don’t get to keep the land in your name.
So how can ageing Aussies live comfortably and independently, while still ensuring they keep their hard earned wealth withing their family unit?
Invest In A Luxury Granny Flat
There has been a surge in the number families opting to bring their parents onto their properties in their own customised small homes. They include Queensland mother and daughter Anne and Danielle.
When it came to deciding the next best step in life, Anne definitely wasn’t going to live in an aged care home. Meanwhile, her daughter Danielle wanted to look after her mother as she was getting older.
They found Funky Little Shack, and loved the idea of adding a granny flat to Danielle’s backyard – a great alternative to aged care.
Creating privacy and independence for the pair was just as crucial as maintaining that loving family connection. So we designed a beach-style granny flat to complement the style of the existing home. We then built a connecting deck between the homes where the pair could come together.
If you want to check out what we did with this Funky Little Shack, head here.
Financial Benefits Beyond
Aged care is expensive. Residents can end up paying upwards of $300,000+, plus most of their pension. While a unit in an over 50s resort can reach over $600,000, but the land still isn’t in your family’s name.
Thankfully, with a granny flat you can keep your pension, spend it how you wish, invest in your family long-term, and build a luxury small home for yourself.
With two separate homes on one property, this lifestyle is perfect for anyone looking to support loved ones while maintaining wealth within the family unit. It gives people independence and privacy, as well as an opportunity to strengthen relationships.
History shows that property appreciates in value over time, and is a great way to hold wealth. Pooling resources together will help your family unit as a whole. Adding a contemporary designed small home to your backyard can add real value to your property and lifestyle.
Custom Designed To Your Needs
Rather than buying a cookie-cutter granny flat or transportable home, find a designer or builder willing to customise. If you’re building a small home for an ageing loved one, accessibility should be priority number one.
Make sure all rooms are wheelchair or walker accessible. Drawers and cupboards should be easy to pull, and shelves easy to reach. The shower or bath should also be designed for ease of entry and exit.
With Funky Little Shack you can be guaranteed your needs and desires will be achieved. All of our creations can be fully customised, and are designed to complement the style of your existing home.
They’re contemporary designs; open plan with high/raked ceilings, expansive decks, lots of natural sunlight and cross breezes.
In addition, organisations like Anglicare and Blue Care provide support for the aged in their own homes. This includes occupational health, meal preparation, assistance with self-care and house cleaning. Your GP can provide a medical assessment on the care required while living at home.
It’s all about providing a smarter, cheaper and sustainable alternative to aged care living. If you’d like further information on anything covered here, please contact us.
You can contact Funky Little Shack on 1300 377 744 or email us at info@funkylittleshack.com.au. If you’d like to know more about your specific property book a phone call, click here today.
* Statistics sourced from the Australian Federal Government Department of Health found here.