Making living arrangements for elderly parents is challenging. Should they move into aged care, or would a granny flat-out back be better? There’s plenty to weigh up when deciding between the two. This article will review the pros and cons so you can make the right call for your situation. With care and understanding, we’ll look at critical considerations like independence, cost, and care needs.
Before purchasing, understanding the differences between granny flats, workshops, and studios is essential. Aarons’ Workshops are designed to meet council and building regulations for habitable rooms*. This means it can be transformed to appear as a granny flat, complete with a kitchenette and ensuite. Aarons Studios are not designed to be habitable and do not meet building regulations**. We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide whether aged care or a livable Workshop is the best option for you and your family.
*This applies when following relevant local council regulations. Please ensure you check with your local authority before committing to your purchase.
** See the Building Code of Australia or contact your local authority for the definition of “Habitable.”ff
Benefits of Aged Care
Moving into an aged care facility provides around-the-clock care that can be difficult for families to match at home. At aged care facilities, meals are provided along with assistance for daily living needs. Having nurses and emergency responders available 24/7 provides comfort that urgent needs can be addressed. For elderly relatives requiring medical supervision or complex health issues, the care available at aged care acknowledges our elders’ past and maybe the safest option.
Aged care facilities employ staff to assist residents with showering, dressing, and medication management. Laundry services take care of washing clothes. With all basic needs met by the facility staff, family members are relieved of physical care duties. Building code regulations also ensure aged care facilities meet accessibility standards. Working with government agencies means aged care providers adhere to building codes and regulations for safety.
So, for elderly relatives who need constant care and supervision, an aged care facility may be the right fit. The comprehensive services mean loved ones get professional help while family and friends can focus on providing companionship during visits.
Drawbacks of Aged Care
While aged care facilities provide comprehensive care services, there are also significant drawbacks. One major downside is the loss of independence. Residents have set meals, activities, and bedtime schedules at aged care facilities. They lose the ability to make their own daily choices. This loss of autonomy can be emotionally challenging.
Many elderly people are reluctant to leave their homes and communities to enter aged care. The adjustment to a new environment with unfamiliar routines is challenging. An elderly person’s emotional health should be carefully considered when weighing aged care options.
The costs of aged care can also be prohibitive for some families. Quality varies between aged care facilities, so it’s essential to thoroughly research options. While building codes and government agencies regulate aged care, families should still inspect potential facilities in person. Paying close attention to staffing ratios, cleanliness, and the general mood of residents can help identify the best-aged care choice.
Aged care does restrict independence and requires a significant life transition. Expenses need to be reviewed, and facilities toured before making a selection. So, while aged care provides medical care some families cannot match at home, the drawbacks are very real and should be seriously considered before placing a loved one in a facility.
Establishing a Granny Flat Right
A granny flat can allow an elderly relative to live semi-independently while remaining close to family. However, there are legal considerations when establishing a granny flat right. One option is for the elderly parents to sell their current home and use those funds to build a granny flat on their adult child’s property. This maintains proximity while freeing up money to construct suitable accommodation.
Another approach is to transfer the title of the parent’s home to their adult children. The parents can then live in a granny flat on the property legally belonging to the children. It’s important to consult professionals about tax and legal implications in this scenario.
A joint aged care assessment from Centrelink is advisable when establishing a granny flat right. This will determine what care services and financial assistance can be provided. It also prevents issues with the deprivation rules if the granny flat needs to be vacated within a specific timeframe.
A written agreement between family members is also essential when building a granny flat for an elderly parent. This contract should outline details like:
- Ownership of the granny flat if the property is sold
- Any caregiver expectations for family members
- Payment of utility bills
- Plans if the caregiver dies or becomes seriously ill
Using a lawyer to draft this agreement ensures all issues are addressed, and family rights are protected according to Australian law.
Another critical consideration is gifting rules. Interest will be reassessed on the deprivation grounds if a granny flat is gifted but vacated earlier than anticipated. Consulting a financial advisor helps navigate these regulations.
Checking in with the Australian Department of Human Services website provides valuable resources on legally establishing granny flat rights. Understanding the options and getting professional advice is crucial before constructing a granny flat for an aging loved one.
Aarons Outdoor Living Granny Flat Solution
For families wanting to provide a granny flat option without the hassle of building a permanent structure, Aarons Outdoor Living offers an excellent alternative. Our high-quality workshops can be customized to create comfortable and functional accommodations.
Aarons has over 18 workshop size options ranging from compact to spacious. You can select the footprint that best suits your needs. Custom doors, windows, verandahs and other add-ons allow you to tailor the workspace to your elderly relative’s requirements.
The largest Aarons workshops are designed in compliance with regulations for habitable spaces. When adequately equipped and approved, they can legally include amenities like a kitchenette and bathroom. You get the functionality of a granny flat without the permanence.
Our professional team handles the entire installation process, allowing you to add a granny flat solution to your property conveniently. We oversee all council approvals so you can be sure the build meets codes and regulations.
With quality construction and fixtures, Aarons workshops make ideal granny flats for aging loved ones. Your relative enjoys privacy and independence with the security of family right outside. Our workshops give seniors flexible living arrangements without disrupting their daily lives.
To learn more and get started on your granny flat workshop build, contact Aarons Outdoor Living today. Our team is ready to make this a smooth, stress-free process. We’ll handle everything from design plans to council forms so your new granny flat is set up correctly. Call us to explore how our quality workshops can help your family.
