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America is experiencing an aging population, with 22% of people expected to be 65 and older by 2050. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that many East Atlanta families are having conversations about caring for aging parents. Many of these conversations involve whether or not it's a good idea to consider an ADU for aging parents.
At SmartSpaces ADUs, we find that an ADU is one of the best independent living options for seniors. In today's blog, our team explains why families build ADUs for elderly relatives by discussing the benefits of these buildings. So if you’re looking into creating a home for aging parents in your own backyard in East Atlanta, this one’s for you.
A Backyard Home That Balances Privacy and Togetherness
Safety Features Built In From the Start
A Smarter Investment Than Senior Living Costs
A Space That Can Shift as Family Needs Change
The Comfort of Knowing Loved Ones Are Nearby
SmartSpaces ADUs Can Help With Your Aging Parents’ Living Arrangements
Why Build An ADU For Aging Parents? Here Are The Reasons
If you’re already juggling learning how to care for aging parents, you shouldn’t also be stressing about figuring out the best living solution for your loved ones. Fortunately, if you choose to build a senior living ADU in East Atlanta, you won't need to worry nearly as much about where your parents are living.
This is especially true considering there are many types of senior living options when it comes to ADU designs, meaning there is likely an ADU design to match the needs of your aging parents.
So with this in mind, let's have a look at the reasons an ADU for seniors is an excellent idea:
A Backyard Home That Balances Privacy and Togetherness
You don’t have to convince us. We know it isn’t easy finding a balance between being close enough to support an aging parent and giving them independence, while still maintaining your privacy.
We’ve seen firsthand how having your Mom or dad or both move into a spare bedroom quickly starts to feel like a loss of privacy for everyone. However, we’ve also seen that placing parents into assisted living facilities or retirement communities can be a huge regret for families.
That’s why we often propose senior-friendly ADUs in East Atlanta. It offers a middle ground that honors boundaries and closeness while maintaining everyone's privacy and independence.
The right East Atlanta ADU design for aging parents will be fully self-contained. These downsized homes give aging parents a place to cook their own meals, welcome friends and visitors, or enjoy solitude when the mood strikes. And they are also only a few steps away, so if they ever need help or company, you’re close by.
Safety Features Built In From the Start
We won’t deny that older housing stock in East Atlanta has its charm, but we do feel it wasn’t designed with aging in mind. Often, older homes in our area feature narrow staircases, uneven floors, and outdated bathrooms, and these can quickly become obstacles for older individuals.
So, before you decide if East Atlanta ADU construction for elderly living is the way to go for your parents, ask yourself two questions.
One: “Will the older home your parents are living in cost too much to remodel to adapt to aging needs?” and two: “ Are your parents renting and the home doesn’t meet their evolving needs?” Depending on your answers, you’ll know if it might be time to consider a senior living ADU design, and if you decide now it's time, we can help you at SmartSpaces ADUs.
Building an ADU will allow your family to anticipate aging-in-place challenges and create a space that supports mobility and comfort from the outset. Instead of trying to retrofit an older home, an ADU can be designed with wider doorways, single-level layouts, walk-in showers, and improved lighting.
These homes can even include thoughtful touches such as lever-style door handles or kitchen counters set at an accessible height, which make a daily difference. These choices help parents age in place gracefully and help children – you – avoid the constant worry of preventable accidents.
A Smarter Investment Than Senior Living Costs
Unfortunately, the cost of senior care in Atlanta has grown steadily, with assisted living facilities often charging between $4,000 and $6,000 per month. Over the course of a year, this costs up to more than most families can manage comfortably.
With pricing like this, many people find that building an ADU is the better choice. Although an ADU will require a larger upfront commitment, it becomes a long-term asset that isn’t a recurring expense you need to worry about on a monthly basis.
Additionally, many families are coming to see an ADU as not only a way to save money but also as a chance to reinvest in their property. Don’t believe us? You might after you learn that having an ADU in your East Atlanta home's backyard after you learn that it creates rental potential for the future and increases your home's resale value in a competitive market. So, if this reason to build has swayed you, you should look into East Atlanta ADU contractors for aging parents like us at SmartSpaces ADUs.
A Space That Can Shift as Family Needs Change
A family's needs are ever-changing, as you likely know, so it only makes sense that you might allow flexibility and versatility when it comes to building an ADU. If you decide you want an East Atlanta small home for aging parents, you can design the space to fit their needs, but also future needs for your family.
For example, over time, you could use the space as a private apartment for our child returning from college or as a guest house when visitors arrive during the holidays or special family occasions. You could even use the space as an office if you ever decide to work from home.
These are just a few examples of how versatile an ADU can be when it's built by the right team.
This flexibility also means the investment never goes to waste. Even if your parents eventually move out, the ADU continues to provide value.
The Comfort of Knowing Loved Ones Are Nearby
We understand that at the heart of the decision to build an ADU is something more personal than money or property value: the desire for peace of mind. Families like yours want to know their parents are safe and supported, but they also want to respect their independence. An ADU allows both.
Instead of relying on long drives or scheduled visits, support is close at hand. Parents don’t feel cut off from family life, and children can step in quickly if needed. This closeness strengthens bonds while reducing the stress that comes with distance. For many East Atlanta families, the reassurance of proximity is worth creating a senior living space in East Atlanta for their parents.
If you are of the same opinion, you can speak with us at SmartSpaces ADUS. We’re East Atlanta ADU builders for seniors and those of all ages. We have floor plans to suit all needs and can even create something a little more custom if you have your own ideas.
SmartSpaces ADUs Can Help With Your Aging Parents' Living Arrangements
Now we hope you know how an ADU helps aging parents live independently and why more East Atlanta families are choosing to build ADUs. If your interest is piqued and you’re looking to find the perfect ADU for aging parents, you can contact us here.
Our team at SmartSpaces ADUs knows how to design an ADU for elderly parents based on their current needs. We also keep in mind your future needs when designing the space. Our team is also here to answer any questions you may have, including those related to accessory dwelling unit costs, as we understand the importance of making the right decision.
