As our population ages and prices for senior and assisted living skyrocket, the need for alternative housing solutions is ever-growing.

Multigenerational housing provides a unique opportunity for those seeking to care for parents or family members while allowing both parties to retain their independence. This trend has become so popular across the United States that The Pew Research Center estimates that nearly 64 million people, or 20% of the American population, lives in a multigenerational household, representing a broad variety of demographics. A multigenerational household is defined as a home that contains two or more generations of individuals, not including teenagers or young children. Most commonly, a multigenerational home consists of adult children caring for an aging parent or other extended family member. This is especially appealing for several reasons for both parents and families, not the least of which being economic impact. The prices for assisted living facilities and nursing homes have drastically increased in recent years. According to Genworth Financial, community and assisted living facilities in 2019 cost over $4,000 per month on average, or $48,000 per year. They have additionally estimated that “semi-private rooms” and “private rooms” in nursing homes more than double that figure. This can become a major financial barrier for many families as it does not account for additional needs, such as medications.

However, the benefits of moving to a multigenerational household are far beyond monetary. Many seniors often struggle with the idea of losing their independence when they feel they are being forced from their homes, some even preferring isolation to the thought of no longer being able to care for themselves. Most notably, this solution provides them with built-in opportunities for socialization. As people age, their community often dwindles. And if transportation or mobility is an area of strain for the parent, it is far less likely that they will have the opportunity to meet new people or see their families as often as they would like. But by living in close proximity to their families, parents are immersed in an entirely new community, often one they did not know was in their own backyard. They are more likely to spend quality time with friends, their children, and grandchildren solely by a change of address.

The multigenerational home design may look different for each individual family, but the vision remains the same: establishing an environment that cohesively blends the needs of both generations while fostering a sense of independence and privacy within a single home. As many as 41% of Americans buying homes today are considering accommodating an elderly parent or adult child. And if the housing market in your area does not have a wide range of options, you may end up forfeiting priorities in favor of cost or space.

Aging “in place,” or growing older at home, is an option that isn’t feasible for all seniors. Mobility, transportation, and health concerns are all factors we’d like to forget but simply cannot ignore. However, when the time for this critical conversation inevitably arrives, often the first protest is, “no other place will feel like home.”

Southern Coastal Homes is addressing this need with their clients by designing custom homes that allow families to care for one another in their later years. They work closely with each individual client to evaluate their unique and special requirements while optimizing the design of a custom home to suit their lifestyle. Many people desire for their main living space and master bedroom, or sometimes all the bedrooms, to be easily accessible on one floor. The home may be designed to add accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps, wheelchair lifts or elevators to a home years before they might be required, in anticipation of a parent moving in, or physical limitations they may personally expect to experience in the future.

Owners Scott and Anne Middleton are committed to custom building homes that meet the needs of each individual family while seamlessly integrating style and accessibility. Anne says, ‘Scott and I know and understand fully that family is everything. This is true for us and for our clients. There are many we’ve worked with so closely that they have become like family themselves. We know that caring for loved ones is of the utmost concern and more and more people are looking to design spaces that satisfy this need. We understand that these types of needs are often the reason clients choose to build a custom home. It allows them to include everything that want as well as to include what is needed to function as a family unit. We put our clients first through prioritizing how they want their home to “live” and making that a reality.’

Home designs can range from a standalone structure to a private suite separate from the master that includes an ample bedroom, accessible bathroom, a generous sitting area and kitchenette. This arrangement ensures the privacy and comfort for all while sharing the same residence.

While transitioning to a multigenerational household can be daunting to many, Southern Coastal Homes has a demonstrated history in providing support to those seeking to care for their families in a way that is both luxurious and affordable. Their team is fully dedicated to providing support for their clients through all stages of the process.

Southern Coastal Homes is an award winning, full service custom home builder located in the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry, building unique, customer-inspired homes in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Okatie. From concept to completion, they will listen and meet your every need with unmatched personal service, professionalism and commitment.