As our parents, grandparents, and other loved ones grow older, it’s only natural that we want them to live in dignity and in comfort, too. We’d want the same for ourselves, after all. But really, who wants to be “sent to a home.” While there are good old folks homes out there, many can be depressing places to live, all the more so if relatives aren’t able to visit often. Needless to say, they can also be very expensive.
Doctor Kenneth Dupin came up with a brilliant idea. It offers the elderly a way to leave near their families while retaining their independence and dignity. Why not build a small house specially designed for the needs of seniors? He calls it the MEDCottage.
MEDCottages are prefabricated, so they literally just have to be dropped in place in a garden or backyard and then have the utilities hooked up, typically through the main house. Check your local zoning laws first, of course! Just about every senior citizen need has been considered. The houses are equipped with first aid kits, defibrillators, and illuminated floorboards. There’s a well-appointed kitchen that even includes a medicine dispensing machine. The bathroom is senior-friendly, including handles and seating in the shower. The bed is adjustable and the entire house is wheelchair accessible. There are floor-level web cams that allow a relative to make sure everything is okay. These aren’t as intrusive as you might think: you can just see feet and ankles, unless someone has fallen down.
A MEDCottage isn’t for everyone. It doesn’t come with medical professionals, for example! But for seniors who might be sent to a “home” simply for mobility issues, one of these little houses could be a much better option.
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