Accessory Dwelling Units for Aging in Place

It is important to consider whether the ADU will be used now – or potentially in the future – as a residence for a family member who has mobility challenges or an aging parent. Individuals with mobility or chronic illnesses may need help with “activities of daily living” such as bathing or dressing – or – “instrumental activities of daily living” such as managing medications or meal preparation.  Incorporating “aging in place” or “universal design standards” in the original building design is typically more economical than retrofitting these features into an ADU at a later date.

Universal Design features

Universal design features focus on making homes and environments safe, navigable and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.  A search for “home-fit guide” or “universal design” or “aging in place features” will provide an overview of common universal design features, such as:

• Zero-entry door (no steps to house)
• Zero-entry shower
• Non-slip flooring
• Levered handles on doors and faucets
• Light switches that are accessible from a wheelchair
• Good lighting

ADUs are a solution to families who wish to care for their aging parents or relatives with physical or cognitive health issues. This proximity to family provides caregivers with a sense of security and the ability to provide accessible care, while at the same time providing a sense of independence for the family member. This multigenerational approach may replace or delay the need for more structured assistive residential options such as assisted living or skilled nursing facility.  

Emotional benefits

• Separate living space
• Quality of life / sense of independence
• Sense of security
  
  

Health benefits

• Physical activity
• Mental health
• Access to health care
  
  

Social benefits

• Close to family / social interaction
• Intergenerational relationships

Families that are considering building an ADU to provide supportive housing for a family member that can no longer live safely alone, should conduct a “cost analysis” that compares the cost of building an ADU with the cost of an assisted living or nursing home. Considerations should include ADU construction costs, on-going ADU costs such as homeowners insurance and increase in property maintenance, and the reoccurring cost of either an assisted living facility or nursing home.

• Construction costs (one-time allocations) – Each ADU has different line-item costs that will vary based on the property characteristics, type of ADU being constructed and more. However, an internet search for “complete ADU development cost breakdown” can provide a list of typical items that should be factored into your cost estimates for building an ADU. 
  • ADU design and planning costs (i.e., architectural drawings, engineering calculations, energy calculations, land surveys)
  • City fees association with construction (i.e., plan reviews, utility fees, building fees and impact fees)
  • Labor and material costs (for interior and exterior)
  • Appliances and furniture costs
  • Landscaping costs
• On-going costs
  • Property taxes
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Utility costs
  • Maintenance costs

• An internet search for “annual cost of care survey” should provide an estimate for reoccurring costs associated with an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility. Note: Some care comparisons for assisted living facilities may not factor in costs associated with higher levels of care
• Annual cost of a skilled nursing home or assisted living facility
• Additional level of care costs