Home and Living

I lived in Hawaii for several years and it is there that I first came across the idea of a granny unit or ohana house. Only later did I pick up on the idea that this is senior retirement housing at its finest grass roots level.

Now, the idea of the granny unit or ohana house as senior retirement housing is ancient. Before we look at building specifications, let’s look at family makeup.

Generations

In earlier times, families lived together in one house - with often two, three or four generations under one roof. The caring of the elderly fell upon the whole clan and it was not uncommon for grandma to be parked at a table in the kitchen or in a chair sewing. Grandpa might be out on the porch with the grandkids, busying them with useful tasks or fun projects.

Times changed and modern technology took over. We have little time to socialize in a normal family way and the parents and grandparents have been parked elsewhere in homes and so-called senior retirement housing.

Just a reminder – it wasn’t always that way!

Living Space

How much space do people need? In reality, enough room to sleep, bathe and take in a meal. Not to go Spartan here, the idea is to look at the basic needs and see how the past and present might come together to provide for the better good – call it utilitarian benefit.

I like the idea of a smaller house out back. In the early life the post teen might spend a year or so learning home skills before venturing out into the world. A little later, let’s say after marriage, the child returns home and the parents move out back. The utilitarian benefit is that the family homestead remains intact. Grandchildren grow up knowing their grandparents. Parents can rest easy knowing their children are covered – no latchkey needed and the elderly age gracefully and in a loving atmosphere.

These are just possibilities of what senior retirement housing can be, based on some historical data.

Ease of Handling

Not everyone could step into this family living situation overnight. Societal changes happen over time. Zoning ordinances and permit processes that are in place are an expression of the public’s wishes. To change the senior retirement housing system we have to first change the direction of the vehicle, and change begins at home.

Pleasant Journey!