Though it’s become increasingly popular in the past decade or so, multigenerational living is hardly a new concept. Families have been sticking together and coming up with creative coliving solutions since the dawn of humanity. Here are four reasons why:

1. It’s a major money saver 

Say you have an aging parent or parents in need of extra support – maybe they’re starting to struggle with mobility or their memory isn’t what it used to be. In the United States, the average cost of a private room in a nursing home is over $8,000 per month, or $275 a day. That adds up to around $100,000 per year – a number that’s projected to grow to $120,000 by the year 2028.

That means that in just one year, the cost of putting your loved one in a nursing home surpasses the base price of one of our Home Care Cottages by $40,000!

A granddad and grandaughter spending quality time together by the pool.

2. Elder care, personalized 

We all know the stereotype of the unappealing assisted living facility – sterile environments, limited entertainment options, impersonal nurses, hospital food.

Though many facilities are working hard to distance themselves from these unfortunate clichés, many still struggle to provide an option that makes their residents feel valued as individuals.

In multigenerational households, care-taking can be communal. Whether it’s done entirely by family members or you opt for more of a hybrid situation (receiving help from family as well as a nurse or aid), your care is personalized.

Not to mention you have the freedom to choose your space, your food, and your activities!

3. An investment in the future

For many families, bringing more members into the household requires at least some renovation on the main house. You might also consider building an addition or accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

For example, if you choose to build a Home Care Cottage on your property in Sonoma County or Santa Clara County, you can re-qualify your little house.

If the first occupant was the grandmother of the family and she has passed away, her children might be approaching retirement and choose to move into the little house with a doctor’s note while their children move into the main house and provide care.

If a family member passes away and your ADU or Home Care Cottage becomes vacant, renting the space can create an extra source of income with minimal upkeep.

Our little homes can also be resold, typically for just 25% less than the original purchase price.

A little house during the construction phase

4. Keeping the family close 

While cost and flexibility are major advantages to having the family under one roof, the number one reason is quality time. For most of our clients, the most impactful benefit of multigenerational living is that it allows them to keep their loved ones close by.

Especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered our ability to travel freely and safely, multigenerational living allows you to keep the family together without sacrificing the safety and independence of all.

In the words of Robin Bernardini, a Little House customer who chose to build a Home Care Cottage for her mom: “It’s overwhelmingly beautiful to see my mother blossom and be happy and to get to know her. I’ve learned more about my mom in the last six months than the last 40 years. My heart is very full for her… Don’t waste time, life is precious. Enjoy your family.”