Whatever their approach, people who choose to house parents near like-aged residents can expect to find builders like Branden Lowder willing to help. He estimates that about 60 percent of the three dozen Casita homes sold during the past few years have gone to buyers wanting to house aging relatives. They're getting ready for the fact that someday, they're going to have to take care of mom or dad, or both. They may be able to expand their existing properties. Second mortgages, government loan programs such as Title One , and other financing options can assist with the bill for an in-law suite.
Owners can subdivide a house into wings as well.
Regardless, all of these approaches to housing aging parents require a significant amount of preparation, both financial and emotional, experts say. That's why children need to evaluate their own plans, along with their parents' needs, as soon as possible. Taking care of your parents is wonderful, but you've got to realize the impact on your life, too. You can't get away. You can't take vacation.