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High-Tech ‘Granny Pods’ Allow Elderly Family Members to Live Comfortably in a Backyard Cottage for $125K

Nov. 27, 2012 11:05am Liz Klimas

With 40.3 million people in the United States being age 65 or older in 2010 — a number that is expected to double by 2050 — where to house elderly parents and grandparents who have increasing medical needs but still want to retain their independence might have some families stumped. That’s why a Virginia-based company has developed “granny pods.”

The Washington Post recently featured the “temporary family health-care structures,” which can be located in a family’s backyard. You might be thinking what 88-year-old Viola Baez thought when her family invested in a backyard MedCottage.

Market for High Tech Heathcare Structures that Are Part of a Familys Homestead Growing as the Population Ages

MedCottage (Image: YouTube screenshot)

“You’re throwing me out! You’re sending me out to a doghouse!” Baez said, according to the Post.

Baez might not have initially wanted to reside in the $125,000, high-tech cottage but into it she went.

The company — N2Care — that creates the cottages was started by Rev. Kenneth J. Dupin. The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center helped design them, according to the Post.

“Today, as 78 million Baby Boomers prepare for their senior years – potentially straining nursing homes and government-funded health care programs – we’ve taken a significant step forward in redefining the role of family in healthcare,” Dupin said in a statement earlier this year. “The first placement with a family validates our vision – to develop an alternative model for healthcare.”

Features of the 288-square-foot cottages include electricity and water; a kitchen that has a medication dispenser; and a bedroom for the patient as well as an extra space for caregivers when necessary. But that’s not all the bells and whistles. The website describes further:

Using smart robotic features, it can monitor vital signs, filter the air for contaminants, and communicate with the outside world very easily. Sensors alert caregivers to problems, and medication reminders are provided via computers. Technology also provides entertainment options including music, literature and movies.

Granny Pod features. (Image: N2Care. Bonnie Berkowitz and Alberto Cuadra/The Washington Post)

The Post reported that even the floor is specially designed to be cushioned in case someone falls. They demonstrate this by dropping an egg from a height of 7 feet onto the floor. They then drop it from 5 inches onto a hard surface to prove the egg was real.

Here’s a video tour of a MedCottage:

This also isn’t the only high-tech home care facility for elderly family members. The Post reported the market is growing for similar homesteads:

Several firms have entered the market for auxiliary dwelling units, or ADUs, as they’re known in the building industry. These include FabCab, a Seattle-based company that makes ADUs and full-size homes. Practical Assisted Living Solutions, or PALS, a firm based in Meriden, Conn., makes freestanding modules; and the Home Store, which is headquartered in Whately, Mass., sells modular “in-law” additions called “Elderly Cottage Housing Opportunity” additions.

As for how Baez adjusted to the home she thought was like a dog house, the Post noted that she seems to be adjusting and her family takes it as a good sign that she calls it “my place.”

Read more details about the MedCottage in the Washington Post’s feature here or on its website here. See a slideshow of photos of Baez’s “granny pod” in by the Washington Post here.

(H/T: Daily Mail)

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Comments (154)

Delores at CH WV
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 3:00pm
I need my stove and oven. I love home cooked meals! Where is my radio, tv, and bookshelf for all of my Glenn Beck Books? Where is my sewing machine and hand sewing supplies? Where is my closet for my clothes and family pictures. Where do you store all these memories.

This shed shows a bed in the middle of the biggest room; this looks like an Obama Elderly Home where Granny sleeps all day and has no physical or mental stimulation. Is Granny allowed visitors? Do they join her on the big bed? Granny will surely die within 6 months in this crackerbox house.

Wouldn’t another bedroom suite be built cheaper on the family home on the first floor?

Why is Granny not living with the family? I do. I’m the sitter for the kids, home school educator, cook, housemaid, and etc. The working family has less stress except with Granny’s personal attitude. Granny is the one who would want the extra suite to herself after spending at least 15 hours with the wild, active kids everyday. I bet I know more about video games than the parents living in the home.
Besides, parents brought you into the world and it is payback time! Where is the love in this crackerbox?

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- Tifn8r
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 3:31pm
  I was thinking the same thing, but from another angle.
  
  What parent wants to be put in maximum security? If you need someone to care for you, that involves CARE not technology at a distance.
  
  How do you teach children to care for others by putting your loved ones in the yard, and watching them on an app on your phone?
  
  Report this comment
- bulletsinthegun
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 5:04pm
  where is my gun safe???????????????????
  
  Report this comment
- stage9
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 5:29pm
  125K????? That’s the price of a new house in some states!
  
  Report this comment
- NHwinter
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 5:50pm
  Delores at CH WV – I agree with you. It is too expensive for such a small place. A room and bathroom built on the home would be much better. To be stuck in the backyard and monitered from a distance is cold. After being a parent and lovingly raising a family, I think people deserve better. Why not just go to a nursing home. At least you would have other people around to enjoy and talk to and activities to join. If you are past that point and are almost bed ridden, who would want to be alone. Bah humbug.
  
  Report this comment
- MontaraMissileMan
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 6:50pm
  “Monitored from a distance”? Okay…
  
  Lighten up, this isn’t anything more than making a backyard apartment for your elderly relative so that they can stay with you, have their own privacy and independence, and a nice place to stay that can keep track of them in case they have an emergency.
  
  It’s actually pretty neat. Yeah sure it’s expensive, but it has tons of useful things that you won’t think about if you built one yourself.
  
  And who said they were confined in there? This is meant for a back yard. They’re only stuck there if you force them to be. Is it really any worse than a Granny Attic? If anything, this is a major improvement over that concept.
  
  Report this comment
- Freelyn
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 6:53pm
  This little “high tech” shed costs more than my house. I think I can build a better one from the local storage shed place, twice the size with all the same technology for a lot, lot less.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Pointy_End
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 6:55pm
  Besides this being a fancy jail – the security camera is what shocked me – how cruel. This looks like a form of elderly abuse. Lets keep granny locked up away from human contact and if the security alarm catches her escaping, go get her and lock her back up.
  
  If granny has dementia and needs a security camera to monitor her, it is time for assistance living, not a fancy jail cell in your back yard.
  
  Report this comment
- Quester55
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 7:54pm
  What a Fantastic Rip-off, These homes would be for $125,000.00! One Match & poof, Nothing but ash remains.
  In an Earth-Quake, Forest Fire, Tornado or Hurricane, These ” Matchbox ” type homes wouldn’t stand a chance!
  Yet, for the same price (or less) a Comfortable two-bedroom, Fully equipped, ” FIRE-PROOF, Nearly indestructible, Dome Home! Log on to ; Monolithic Domes & see what I mean. These Domes are made out of Cement, Re-bar or Basalt woven rods ( Stronger & liter ) than steel & they do not rust.
  A Closed cell Foam is in its core. A Quick Example; a 20 ft. dome in Mich. used less than $250.00 All winter long last year for heating! They had a LP Gas Stove & Furnace. But your usage may be different. This story above Sounds more like a ” Get Rich Scam “, than a real story for caring for the Older generation. Unless the price includes the Purchase of the Land as well.
  
  Report this comment
- Red Meat
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 8:50pm
  I could have a house that is at least twice as large stick built for less. It would have custom everything as well. These sheds are a complete ripoff.
  
  Report this comment
- Kupo
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 8:53pm
  You people are really over-sensationalizing this. I know that if I was an elderly individual being taken care of by my children I would relish the privacy that comes with something like this apartment. You guys act like they’re locked up in prison when that’s simply not the case. They can leave whenever they want and I imagine in most cases would be welcome in the main house at any time. But having something like this gives them the option of retreating away into privacy when they feel like it, to a much closer place than a nursing home that is miles away and a safer place than an apartment that is not tailored to the needs of the elderly like these cottages are.
  
  Get a grip, for crying out loud.
  
  Report this comment
- ChildOfTheKing
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 8:59pm
  We built a suite onto our home for $20k, 15 years ago for my hubby’s Mom. It has a lrg bedroom, full bath, livingroom, own patio door connected to our patio, and a portable kitchen. My motherinlaw was a wonderful person, but passed on 2 yrs ago. We use it now as a guest suite and tv room. Building a POD in the backyard is telling the elderly that you do not want to deal with them…..out of sight, out of mind. This is a terrible way to treat the elderly.
  
  Report this comment
- Kupo
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 9:15pm
  Out of sight out of mind would be putting them in a nursing home.
  
  Report this comment
- The Giver
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 9:27pm
  Delores, the love is probably frozen in the freezer and comes out at predetermined times! This looks like a church and is so high tech it feels sterile. As a retired nurse, I can tell you that getting rid of area rugs and having proper lighting is one of the best ways to prevent tripping and falls. You want to provide privacy, but a room with their own door is enough. You need to monitor the meds, not a machine that could go bonkers. You can get a Hoyer lift to help family members in and out of bed to a chair if they can’t help at all (get instructions on how to use it- it is hydraulic). Imagine the local laws if this is considered a medical unit? Home with the family is the best place for grandma and grandpa. My mother took care of her mom while my sister and I were young ones and the experience was priceless. You learn to value old age and the wisdom of the years. This pod at least brings the grandparents nearer to your home.
  
  Report this comment
- crazyrightwingmom
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 10:40pm
  This is a little too much like a shed with no close companionship!
  When trying to care for my mother, I wished for an invention that help me lift her and transport her to the toilet, wheelchair…perhaps a track on the ceiling with a chair or something. But of course, keep her in our home!!
  
  Report this comment
- cosmic dogma
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:16pm
  Being raised in a home filled with Grandparents and Great Grandparents, I find it sad that more families don’t utilize and treasure older family members. Plus, there is always a bit of drama and gossip, and built in babysitting. I have loving memories of my Great Grandfather, a kind and gentle soul. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa, Love you.
  
  Report this comment
- Thatsitivehadenough
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 3:23am
  I totally agree with you. That ******* box looked awful to me. And I also agree about grandparents living with the family. They do it in Europe and it’s considered normal. Americans were not taught how to care for aging parents. Just what you said about home schooling makes it worth anything. Grandparents today are probably the best generation to teach children life skills.
  
  Report this comment
- Karena
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:39am
  SSHHHH… Don’t tell anyone. This is just the decoy with a secret elevator down to the 3,500sq. ft. house with all the room you need for my gun safe, my sewing machines and suplies, food storage and my library to rival Belle’s given her by the Beast.
  
  Report this comment
Karama
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 2:58pm
That thing costs more than my actual house and my house is huge. O.o

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- angroehl
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 3:20pm
  Same thing I was thinking.
  
  Report this comment
- TAXEVERYONE
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 10:04pm
  Agreed, cost is much more than it should be for the size.
  Freddie and Fannie must be involved.
  
  Report this comment
- SUNTZU
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:22am
  Good thing we got Obamacare
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:25am
  I have one of these. Except we call it a “shed”. And it only cost me $80 at Home Depot. Pop in a space heater and a camping propane stove and sleeping bag and badda bing, welcome home Grandma, all for under $250.
  
  :)
  
  Report this comment
nonofmybiznez
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 2:50pm
We built a 1200 sf guest house for my mother for $100,000 and she loves being close to us. She has everything she needs and we have a puppy sitter when we go away. Its nice to have her close but not too close. We share dinner every weekend and shopping. By the way, make it legal by signing a life lease that allows them to stay there even if you divorce or die. They need peace of mind and know they will have roots.

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- Patlearon
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:51am
  What’s the point of roots when the tree is dying?
  
  Report this comment
- Chet Hempstead
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:39am
  Where did you find a puppy sitter willing to take care of your mother along with your dog?
  
  Report this comment
- Troll Patrol
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:27pm
  @ Chet Hempstead
  
  Troll Patrol is advising readers to ignore you!
  
  Troll: one who posts a deliberately provocative, false or misleading comment with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument.
  
  Tempus fugit.
  
  Report this comment
MignonMallon
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 2:39pm
Memo to Marketing:
It’s a wonderful idea that is completely undermined by the disrespectful name. I can definately see the benefit of having one for myself one day, my parent or grandparents. However, if it’s sold as a “Granny Pod” it reflects a demeaning attitude toward my loved one’s that is not in line with my values. “Senior Suites” is a conceptual name that sounds more honorable. Think about it.

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Rank
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 1:53pm
Quit your job. Give all you money to your kids. Go on Welfare, and let the government (TAXPAYERS)pay for your home, healthcare, food, phone, TV (with cable) and live it up. After all, isn’t that what 50+% of the people voted for?

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- Ghandi was a Republican
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 2:27pm
  Agreed.. obama wants to tax inheritance anyway. Dole it out to your kids, but save a good bit in Gold to liquidate later. This way the taxpayer at least gets something back for all they paid into social programs. Those that live on various programs as a life choice will just have to SHARE! They voted for this, they may have to re-distribute some of their program money. “Fair share”
  
  Report this comment
- oldsoldier10
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 2:28pm
  I’m with you let it burn! I have been purchasing dehydrated food, guns, and ammo. God and Guns! Let the +50% that voted to let the country go bankrupt get what they voted for and let them drive the bus of the financial cliff! LET IT BURN! To HELL With RINO Compromising McCain and Graham these two RINO’s have no balls and should be driven from Washington!
  
  Report this comment
- bulletsinthegun
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 5:07pm
  I am 61, a Vet and have no us for Nobama and his Ideals. Lock and load my young brothers
  
  Report this comment
billindallas
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 1:40pm
You could build a Katrina Cottage for about $60K and then outfit it with the bells and whistles. Those have a nicer look and floor plan, too.

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Comcast3
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 1:19pm
125K for a furnished, plumbed and wired, shed??? A crib this size could be built—exactly the same for 60K…tops (this includes running utility lines). Must have hired union workers.

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- gsplgtr
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:02pm
  Comcast, no kidding! I was going to say for an additional 40K they could buy my 2000 square foot home with 4 BR and 2 1/2 baths and all the storage you need.
  
  Report this comment
independentvoteril
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 1:08pm
OK well it would cost MORE than I PAID for my house 7 years ago,,, by 20k…would have LOVED for my mother to live out in back (we have a huge yard).. and talked about getting a small mobile home for her and my step dad.. and the cost was MUCH cheaper than 125K..

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myptofvu
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:14pm
I’m all into the small space idea. If you want a lot of space thats fine I’m just saying I lived in a small 5th wheel for a while and learned that you really dont need as much space as you think and the bigger the space the more time you spend cleaning it. I could do a major cleaning in 1 hour. That frees up a lot of time.

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- BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:17pm
  My husband, myself, our three kids, two dogs and one cat lived in our 24ft RV (no slideouts) for 6 months back in 2010. It was the easiest cleaning I ever had to do and I kind of miss it now that we live in our 2400 sqft house that we are buying (for less than these Pods, I might add). We lived in Kuwait for 2 yrs in 2006-2008 and were put up in a mini mansion 6000 sqft and 9 bathrooms. So we have lived at both ends of the spectrum and I think I was most happiest living in the RV.
  
  Report this comment
Margyt
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:13pm
Compared with retirement facilities of all varieties, this isn’t outrageous. Having private living space on nice property right beside people who actually care about you is better than a lot of other options.

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- loriann12
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:52pm
  I would love this for my handicapped adult son. He would have his own “space” but not be too far away from me to take care of him.
  
  Report this comment
- Chet Hempstead
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:41am
  And you can repurpose it later when your loved one no longer needs a living space. When the time comes, just paint it gray load it on a flatbed, and move it to the cemetery.
  
  Report this comment
RodT82721
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:10pm
Only $470.00 per sq foot!

Just goes to proof that health care isn’t free, or getting any cheaper.

By the way a 30 foot RV, for about $75,000 new, has 240 sq feet of living space and all the same amenities with the added benefit of moving it to a hospital parking lot, if needed.
I’ll bet even the taxes would be less, and Granny can travel too.

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- Tractorboy
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:18pm
  I don’t understand all this? I thought Obama wants to put old ladys down with a pill……like getting rid of old cats?
  
  Report this comment
- naughtycal
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:21pm
  The building cost for this pod 434.03. per sq ft not counting permits and cost to hook up to infrastructure…..
  You could build something twice the size at 25% of the cost using you local contractors.
  
  Report this comment
RaydocX
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:02pm
uhm… unless i am misreading here, no one is locking g’ma or g’pa away in these…
frankly, my parents would be horrified at the prospect of being at my home all the time, feeling they were in the way or inhibiting things. I see no real concern with them having a space totally their own, but in such proximity that they can be part of the family, as well.

i agree the cost is outrageous, but the inclusion of technology to keep an eye on our more frail older family member is not ridiculous, and unless Blazers are considering locking their parents in and observing them like zoo animals through the French doors, i think cost more than concept is what is beyond the pale, here.

For my family, though, when/ if the time comes, if space if available, there won’t be need for a ‘step-mother house’ as they were called once upon a time. of course, given the changes approaching the nation with Ocare and Tax changes, it may be the whole family in one of these, struggling to make the payments, while somebody fat on Government handouts enjoys our home, ‘liberated’ from the 1%…

and remember, that 1% includes far more of you than Barack wants you to remember… 3 million Americans at a minimum.

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- naughtycal
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:15pm
  The building cost for this pod 434.03. not counting permits and cost to hook up to infrastructure…..
  You could build something twice the size at 25% of the cost using you local contractors.
  
  Report this comment
Back To Reality
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:00pm
Sooooo, the who thing is essentially a medical device. Is it covered by Obamacare?

Our lord and savior should consider covering it, because then he could add the 3.5% Affordable Care Act medical device tax to it…and make those mean and evil rich aholes pay for it.

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Dougral Supports Israel
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:59am
Where I live you can buy a 1500 sq foot home with a garage and yard for $125K. Granny pods are way overpriced.

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- Jenny Lind
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:59pm
  Where do you live? I’m looking for a safe, inexpensive home.
  
  Report this comment
- normalmom
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 1:13pm
  My house is three like 3400sq ft and we spent 150,000 on it. I couldn’t even imagine spending that much on something so small. Not to mention you would need to have a huge yard.
  
  Report this comment
sizzlinsexybeckster
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:57am
….oops, I guess you can scratch my prior comment, I had plum forgot – our lovely new Obamacare has plans of ridding the nursing homes and retirement communities – by euthanizing the old people “for the greater good of the earth” and putting all those places out of business, leaving more unemployed. You can’t live in the dark any longer people, you know that’s their plan. “It’s the old people’s flu shot – yeah.. a flu shot… come and get your flu shots old timers! It’s the requirement for the new healthcare system…ha ha ha…” Our government is sneaky and naughty.

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- BetsyRoss1513
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:30am
  link?
  
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Wornout
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:52am
My entire house, with a full basement, was only $132K.

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- NovemberTwentyseven
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:02pm
  What an industry growing old has become. Read fresh Political comentary at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com/
  
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sizzlinsexybeckster
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:50am
That is just a big dog house for Grandma!!! Sigh. If she falls you won’t be there to help her up. This is really lame…. we are looking to hopefully get a storage shed for the backyard bigger than this for the lawn mover and lawn chairs, etc. If you actually care about your Grandparents, you will empty one of the storage units in your own home and replace it with a nice bedroom for your Grandma OR Grandpa. This is really silly and dumb. I bet snobby rich people will buy this and forget Grandma is back there and forget to feed her. Out of sight out of mind. And they will forget to replace the batteries in her walkie talkie so she will have no way of contact. She will lay there and die. This is just utterly rude. Do what the Chinese people do… they live all together in a house. The Grandparents have their own bedroom (since it was their original house they bought a billion years ago and is PAID FOR) , their kids who are grown up are now married and live in a bedroom or reorganized the basement like an apartment and then their Grandkids have a bedroom. People now have way too many bedrooms all filled with storage crap and have 10 billion bathrooms. They never seem to appreciate anything. TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY!!!!!! Don’t shove Grandma into the dog’s shed. Geez oh man…. sigh…. Sure she can occasionally be stinky, just buy her some Massengil… a Christmas gift idea.

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- Wornout
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:55am
  Thank you! My Grandma lived with us for a while and it was great. It created a bond that we otherwise would not have had.
  
  Report this comment
- SocialistSlayer
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:03pm
  It beats $75,000 – 100,000 per year for Nursing Homes !
  
  Report this comment
- myptofvu
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:08pm
  If you get one of those electric fences and collar you can let them roam around the yard without worrying about them straying.
  
  Report this comment
- Kupo
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 9:14pm
  My grandparents would never want to live in the house proper because they would feel like they were getting in the way. Something like this is perfect to allow them some privacy when they feel like it.
  
  Report this comment
pamela kay
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:44am
Wow a whole 288 sq. ft. Only 125,000 dollars? A med machine too? Would the fancy gadgets be considered medical equipment that would be taxed? Not much walking space, kinda like solitary confinement. So if you are elderly, ill, and unable to care for yourself, this is just for you. Wow! So when Granny croaks what is the resale value for the idiots that bought this to begin with? This is the reward for our senior citizens that have worked all of their lives? It is obviously for those who have earned a living because of the cost. So if you can’t afford it then where do you go? Either way, the elderly are screwed.

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merchantsailor
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:39am
I actually drive by the sales model most everyday, yes they are built right here in Roanoke VA which by the way is a right to work state. 125K is way to much But once competition is introduced the cost “should” come down. Just wait til the guvmint figures out that they can get involved and require this and that and tax it to death just sayin…………

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- COFemale
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:04pm
  I am sure the price tag is due to all the extra equipment. I calculated it to be 434 per sq ft. They might sell a stripped down version for less as not all elderly people need all that equipment. However, you must calculate in the cost if you had to buy it later versus already with this unit.
  
  This is a great idea. Not all families have a home in which grandma/grandpa can live and the other alternative is a nursing home which cost $2000 per month; I know my parents were in a nursing home until their death where my brother lives.
  
  If you bought this vs pay 2000 a month to a nursing home, you’d would pay for the pod in 5 years. If you financed for 15 years the pod and used the grandparents SS to pay for financing, they would pay around 1120.00 per month. If you financed the pod for 30 years you’d pay 800 a month. Once grandma/grandpa kicked the bucket, you could use the home as guest quarters or turn it into something else. Or sell your home to a child and move into the home when you get old.
  
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- vamom2
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 4:51pm
  Hold on there Merchantsailor…”you didn’t build that” here in Roanoke!(from one Roanoker to another:)) See this on my daily drive as well!
  
  Report this comment
DZ-015
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:32am
Somebody plans to get rich off selling these. Why not buy a large RV instead?

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- Dismayed Veteran
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:06pm
  An RV works for an elder who doesn’t need much care. My 96 year old mother-in-law lived with us. For the last 3 years of her life she needed what is called an assisted lift. This means a gate belt is sinched around the waist and a caregiver helps them stand. This involves lifting an almost inert weight. In the last 2 years of her life, she required a two-person lift. Lifting an inert 140 lb person is not easy. Making sure they don’t fall between the chair and the toilet is work. Lower 140 lb person on to and off a toilet seat is not easy.
  
  Report this comment
JoeInMaine
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:26am
Blah Blah all you Glenn Beck fans and The Blaze readers are RACIST HOMOPHOBES! I used to love conservatives but everytime I log on to (enter site name here) it pushes me into the loving arms of Progressive Liberalism! I was going to vote for Romney, but then read a comment here (enter site name here) and realized I just can’t support your Nazi-inspired hate speech so of course I voted for my Lord and Savior, ah, I mean Barack Obama.

Sarc/off
(Sorry. Couldn’t resist a quick Troll impression… Hey we all need a couple of more laughs a day, right? Carry on!)

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- FISH_BONE
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:36am
  I once knew a bearded lady in Kezar Falls. Do you know her?
  
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- Obama Snake Oil Co
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:47am
  I hope this helps with your sensitivity training…..plus its a real hoot!
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VyRwrrggxok
  
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drphil69
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:25am
That med dispenser is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

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kindling
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:23am
Maybe it is because it is equipprf for the special needs of the elderly, but it seems a good mobile home would be cheaper. Now we need to come up with something for the adult kids that will not move out….make it look like a dog house though.

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- COFemale
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:48am
  The object is to keep them from burning down the house. Many elderly lose their life from forgetting things on the stove and things catch on fire. Better to keep them limited with only the necessities they need. A mobile home would be too big for them to clean. Use your noggin.
  
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scherzophrenic
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:17am
I live in a townhouse that is worth 130k. This doesn’t sound like a value at all.

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- JoeInMaine
  Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:28am
  I think, like anything, the more of these units are built, the lower the cost. The more competition that pops up, the lower the costs will be. Early adopters always get fleeced.
  
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JULIKINS209
Posted on November 27, 2012 at 11:16am
$125,000 ? Seams a bit steep for a 266 square ft cottage. Even if it does have all the gadgets.

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