If you are moving an elderly relative into your home, you’ll probably want it to be as comfortable as possible. Granny pods are ideal if you want your relative close by, but you also want them to be independent.
Many people have granny pods in their yard or attached to their homes. No matter where yours is, you can make it more homey. Here’s how:
Let Your Relative Choose The Decor
One of the best things that you can do is to let your relative choose the decor. You might think that you know what they’d like, but it’s always best to ask. Your relative might want their granny pod to be decorated in the same way as their current home. Alternatively, they may want it completely different.
Make Sure They’re Safe
You naturally want your relative to be safe in their granny pod. The good news is that this is relatively easy to do. In addition to installing the best medical alert system, you could also install:
- A video door bell
- Security lighting
- An accessible bathroom
- A safe kitchen
Knowing that your relative is safe can give you peace of mind. It can also help your relative to get more enjoyment out of living in their new home.
Your relative will know that help is available, should they need it. This is priceless.
Put Up Photographs
A lot of people love to have their homes filled with photographs. They could be photos of their family, husband/wife, friends, and vacation photos.
Adding photographs here and there adds a very personal touch. It can make a granny pod feel much more like a home.
Consider putting up photographs in every room, if that’s what your relative wants.
It can be tempting to buy those we love brand new furniture. However, a granny pod will feel more homey if it’s full of recognizable furniture.
Give Them A Garden
Some people love nothing more than to spend time in their garden. If your relative is the same, give them a garden.
They may not need a lot of space. However, letting them plant some flowers, fruits, and vegetables in a small area could be enough.
Bring In Their Furniture
A very easy way to make a granny pod more homey is to bring in furniture. This is furniture that your relative already has in their home. You could bring in their:
- Favorite chairs
- Dining table
- Cabinets
- Desk
- Bed
- Bedside table
- Sofa
- Wardrobe
- and anything else they want
When you bring your relative’s furniture into their home, it automatically relaxes them. They may not feel as though they’re somewhere very strange.
Think about when you last moved house. Chances are, you took some furniture from your old home with you. It may have felt a little odd seeing your furniture elsewhere. However, you may have settled in quicker than you otherwise would.
Make The Bathroom Safe
While installing a new bathroom may not make your relative feel more at home, it can make them feel safer. Everyone wants to feel safe. You can do this by:
- Adding grab bar to the side of the bath tub
- Installing more grab bars on each side of the toilet
- Considering converting the bath to a walk-in shower
- Ensuring there’s enough space for a wheelchair
- Adding emergency pull cords
- Making sure the door is wide enough for a wheelchair
- Installing non-slip flooring in the bathroom
- Adding a chair so your relative can sit when they wash at the sink
All of the above touches can help the bathroom to be much safer. A safer bathroom is a pleasant place to be.
Make The Kitchen Safe
Everyone needs to feel safe in their kitchen, even if they don’t cook. Consider installing grab bars here and there. Make sure there’s plenty of space for a wheelchair.
You may also want to place the microwave on the counter top so it’s easier to reach. Many homes have a microwave above the stove. Moving it down, however, can make life easier.
Another consideration is the cutlery and implements that your relative will use. If they have arthritis, you may want to buy them cutlery that they can hold easily.
Making The Entrance Safer
The granny pod’s main entrance needs to be safe enough to get in and out of. Consider replacing steps with a ramp. Make sure there’s plenty of space for a wheelchair to maneuver. You should also add extra outdoor lights so your relative can see where they’re walking.
Consider doing the same to the home’s back entrance. The safer both entrances are, the safer your relative will feel about using them.
Working On The Entrance To Your Home
If the granny pod is not attached to your home, you should:
- Make the entrance accessible
- Add extra lighting if it will help
- Install a ramp if you need to
Your relative might want to visit you from time to time.
Ensure that the entrance to your home is just as accessible as the entrance to theirs.
Ensure There’s Enough Space To Move
No matter how large or small the granny pod is, there should be enough space to move. Our mobility starts to decline as we age. However, when there’s enough space to move, there can be fewer incidences of falls.
Try not to let any room become cluttered. There should be plenty of storage and not too much furniture in each room.
Ideally, there will be enough space in each room for a wheelchair and someone to push it.
It is possible for you to make your granny pod more homey. Whether you intend to let a relative live there or you’re living there, it can be a nice place to live.
Use the above tips to help you make your granny pod more homey so it can be enjoyed every day.
Great ideas!