Many Americans face the tough decision of whether or not to put their aging loved ones in nursing homes. With the recent economic crisis and ever-increasing health care costs often make senior home care or assisted living facilities less viable options. An alternative that is growing in popularly is the ‘Mother-in-Law Suite,’ a secondary housing unit or addition to one’s current home for the use of elderly relatives.
The Advantages and Drawbacks of Nursing Home Care
Typically single provider households are the ones that seek out nursing homes because they cannot provide the range of care needed, or because their loved ones simply cannot care for themselves. For those in these situations, nursing homes do have some significant advantages:
Medical Care – Nursing homes are designed to provide medically assisted living environments for their residents. This may be the solution for seniors with debilitating conditions and mental illness.
Covered by Long Term Care Insurance – This may help defer some of the costs that go along with nursing home care and provide some protection for future inheritance, but with only 9% of seniors expected to endure longtime nursing home convalescence, knowing when to invest in such insurance is a murky proposition.
Community-Oriented – Generally good quality homes pride themselves on being community oriented. This means they try to create an atmosphere that provides for the social, recreational, and spiritual needs of their residents. This is especially beneficial for families who are unable to spend a good amount of quality time with their loved ones because of financial reasons or travel expenses.
In short, nursing homes are great for persons in need of long term care and attention that a normal family environment can’t provide on its own. But consider that this year the average cost of a nursing home is $213 per day. By 2030 the amount will have doubled.
Mother-in-Law Suites a Viable Alternative to Long Term Care Facilities
This makes the option of the ‘Mother-in-Law Suite’ much more palatable and viable for many American families for several key reasons:
- It is much more inexpensive and affords a degree of financial security.
- It allows seniors to spend extended time with family as opposed to isolating them in the confines of a nursing home.
- It avoids any unnecessary power struggles or family arguments by allowing the senior a certain degree of freedom and mobility. Most Mother-in-Law suites floor plans come fully equipped with a kitchen, full bath, bedroom, and living and dining area.
- It can increase home value and allow for additional, flexible income via renting or subletting the property.
With health care costs increasing tremendously, the appeal of ‘Mother-in-Law' suites is growing. However, states typically have zoning laws in place that ban multiple dwelling homes, so a ‘Mother-in-Law Suite’ may not be an option.
Choosing Between a Nursing Home and a Mother-in-Law Suite
It is important to consider first and foremost the health of the individuals involved. If your loved one or loved ones need extended medical care then perhaps it would be best to consider an independent living facility, senior home care arrangement, or a nursing home. However, if your loved one has no foreseeable health risks and is unable to live independently, the Mother-in-Law Suite is an option that provides proximity in addition to financial security and independence.
Sources:
Annalisa Burgos, Living with Mom: Pros and cons of mother in law suites. May 8, 2009.
Justin Martin, When to Get Long-Term-Care Insurance. April 29, 2008
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