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3 Questions To Ask When Buying A Tiny Home For Your Elderly Parent

by Elaine Ryan

More and more aging senior citizens are deciding against staying in a nursing home or an assisted living facility as long as they have the ability to do so, and tiny homes make an ideal setting for an older adult who does not need a lot of space. It is not uncommon for children with aging parents to step in and help with finding a tiny house for their relative. Buying a tiny home for your aging parent should be a decision that takes some careful consideration because as it is with a traditionally sized home, not every home will work out for every individual. Take a look at three questions you should know the answers to before you and your elderly loved one make a decision about a certain home.  

Does your loved one have accessibility issues?

Even tiny homes can have multiple stories, inset flooring sections, and other features that would not be ideal for a person with accessibility issues. Before you invest in a tiny home, think about the accessibility issues your parent has now and what they may have to deal with down the road. Features that could be deemed a good fit would include things like:

  • wider doorways 
  • single-story construction
  • large enough kitchen for a wheelchair or walker
  • substantial bathroom space

Are there restrictions involved that could cause problems?

One of the most logical solutions when you have an aging parent is to place their tiny home on your property or on property close by to make things easier. However, when buying a tiny home, you also have to keep in mind that some properties do have home-size restrictions. Plus, tiny homes are usually mobile because they have wheels beneath to move them. Therefore, they could be viewed as a mobile home, which may also be restricted. 

Does the tiny home have enough space for two?

Even though your loved one may essentially live alone, there may come a time when you have to be there inside the house to help out or hire an in-home care agent who can help. While most tiny homes are equipped to handle at least two people, some are incredibly small, which would make it illogical for an elderly individual who has to have help with things like getting into bed, taking a shower, or getting to the toilet. Look for a tiny home that is small, but has enough space inside for two people to move around together if necessary. 

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