When one reaches a “certain age” you began to think about downsizing and what would be the most prudent next move. I’ve seen a lot of articles about pods that could be added to a dwelling, just like hooking up an RV. In essence, it’s a portable high-tech dwelling that could be trucked to a family’s back yard and used to shelter a loved one in need of special care. Here’s an illustration of the features a portable high-tech dwelling might include.
The Washington Post had such an article and even conducted a poll to determine acceptance and usage.
Although the majority of those voting were in favor of the Granny Pod, here are replies from some readers who did not agree. All voiced very real concerns.
“It’s like putting a loved one in a well appointed dog house. Speaking of which, where would one take meals? There’s no kitchen table, no living space. It’s a pretty jail on a concrete slab.”
“It’s a compassionate and thoughtful idea but I think its applicability would be very limited. If a relative needed to be that close to me and were confined to bed most of the day they would also need closer monitoring than a granny cam. I would either make room for them in my home or find a suitable facility close by. Luckily I live in a community where those resources are available.”
“I don’t see room for mobility appliances. I would want a direct path from kitchen to bathroom. Where is the comfy armchair and tv and/or computer? A glass door to invite intruders, and tiny other windows, yeah, it’s a jail.”
America’s elderly population will double in just 10 years as increasing baby boomers hit retirement age. However, many older people prefer to live in their own homes or with loved ones rather than in retirement communities or nursing homes.
Think I’ll try to stay put for as long as practical. Biggest problem would be deciding what to take and what to get rid of. I know one thing for certain. I’d be using Casart as an easy quick way to personalize my space, whatever size it may be!
On a personal note-where in the world am I today? Thailand. What am I seeing? Lots of temples.
What am I missing back home? Preparations for Mardi Gras: purple, green and gold decorations everywhere, King Cake parties, parades and die-cut invitations to carnival balls and probably the full bloom of spring.
But I’ll enjoy all of that again next year.
– Lorre Lei
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