Lena Koropey bought a home with one goal in mind: to keep her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, close and safe at home rather than in an institution. She plans to build an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, so her mother can age in place with privacy and care. Her decision reflects a rising shift among families weighing costs, safety, and dignity as America’s population grows older.
Her story comes as millions of relatives provide unpaid care for loved ones with dementia. Care facilities remain expensive and often have long waitlists. Many cities now allow small backyard homes, which can keep families together while easing strain on the housing market.
A personal plan shaped by care and cost
“I bought a home so my mother, who has Alzheimer’s, could age in place. I plan to build an ADU instead of sending her to a care facility.”
Koropey’s plan centers on a small, self-contained unit on her property. The space would allow daily oversight while giving her mother privacy and routine. It also places medical and personal support within steps of the main house.
Families face steep financial trade-offs. Memory care can cost many thousands of dollars per month. Home modifications and in-home aides add up, but the total can be lower than long-term facility care. An ADU may carry construction costs, permits, and ongoing maintenance, yet it can be an asset that supports multigenerational living.
Why ADUs are gaining traction
ADUs, also called backyard cottages or in-law suites, are small homes built on the same lot as a primary residence. They can be detached or attached, and often include a kitchen, bathroom, and accessible design. Cities and states have eased zoning rules in recent years to expand housing options and support family caregiving.
- ADUs can keep relatives close while providing separate space.
- Units can be designed for accessibility, including wider doors and step-free entries.
- In some areas, ADUs may be rented to offset costs when not used for family care.
For dementia care, proximity matters. Predictable routines and familiar surroundings can reduce anxiety. A separate unit helps manage noise and schedules, which can be hard in shared spaces.
The caregiving reality for dementia
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of Americans, most of them older adults. Care often spans years and grows more complex over time. Family caregivers manage medications, meals, appointments, and constant safety checks. Many reduce work hours or leave jobs, which affects income and retirement security.
Experts advise families to plan in stages. Early on, simple changes can help, such as grab bars, clear lighting, and labeled cabinets. As the disease progresses, many families add daytime care, respite breaks, or part-time home health aides. An ADU can serve as a flexible hub for these supports.
Design, safety, and legal issues
Design can make or break success. Koropey’s goal is to create a calm and safe space. That often means one-floor living, open paths, and slip-resistant flooring. Visual cues help with orientation. A small kitchen can reduce risks while allowing some independence.
Families also face rules. Local zoning controls size, height, and placement. Permits and inspections take time. Utility hookups can be costly. Some areas require owner occupancy or limit rentals. Clear planning and a detailed budget reduce surprises.
Balancing independence and oversight
Critics worry that home setups can strain caregivers and delay needed professional care. Supporters say ADUs expand choices, keep loved ones near, and lower costs. The right answer varies by family, health status, and local resources.
Many geriatric specialists encourage a team approach. Primary care doctors, social workers, and occupational therapists can guide design and services. Communities may offer caregiver training, respite vouchers, and support groups. These resources help families spot burnout early and adjust plans.
What to watch as ADUs spread
More jurisdictions are updating codes to permit small units on single-family lots. Builders are responding with standardized plans and prefab options that shorten timelines. Insurers and lenders are learning how to underwrite these homes, though rules differ by state and city.
Advocates expect demand to rise as dementia cases increase with aging populations. They say ADUs can ease pressure on overloaded care systems. Others caution that not every property fits, and not every caregiver can manage complex needs at home.
Koropey’s decision captures a growing trend marked by personal resolve and practical limits. Her plan aims to honor her mother’s identity while preparing for changing care needs. Families considering a similar path should check local rules, get multiple cost estimates, and line up medical and respite support early.
The broader test is whether housing policy, health systems, and family plans can align. If they do, more people with dementia may spend their later years at home, with safety, dignity, and a front door of their own.