Granny-Pods Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?

N2Care has created what they claim to be the "latest" in elder care. More correctly called the MEDCottage, these shed-like structures are placed in a backyard for those folks with a medical need as determined by a physician. As per the website, "The MEDcottage is a state-of-the-art mobile medical temporary home for persons with special needs or disabilities".

Still in it's infancy, the Salem, Virginia based company sees these modular structures as an alternative to a nursing home or assisted living facility. The pods are fitted with items such as automatic pill dispensers, special floor lighting and monitoring technologies such as water levels in sinks and tubs, temperature controls and room oxygen.

Questions arise with regards to zoning and HOA's with regards to these structures. By adding a MEDcottage, does the single family dwelling become a multi-family residence? What is the added drain on the utilities feeding the primary residence? N2Care addresses some of these issues by stating that the MEDcottage should be protected by the American's with Disabilities Act:

• "Although some local rules, such as zoning codes, may purport to forbid the use of facilities such as the MEDcottage, the Fair Housing Act provides that a locality may be committing impermissible discrimination against disabled persons if it does not make a reasonable accommodation in the application of its zoning code when such accommodation is necessary in order to give the disabled person an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. N2Care believes that in many cases, disabled persons who are living with their caregivers will be able to demonstrate that use of the MEDcottage is necessary in order for them to use and enjoy the adjacent primary home in which their caregiver lives."

What are your thoughts on these? While they encourage "aging in place", how do the structures impact home values? How are they deeded and regulated?