Create A Granny Flat

Having an elderly relative living in your home can often benefit the whole family.

The cost of professional care, is becoming beyond the reach of many and - for the older person - living with an extended family can provide security, continued interest and the best possible care. Of course, it is possible that the accommodation of an older member of a different generation within the home could potentially be fraught, but with good planning and a little care and consideration this should not prove to be too disruptive.

If you are thinking of extending, extensions not exceeding between 50 cubic metres and 70 cubic metres (depending on local regulations), no higher than 4m and not within 2m of a property’s boundary do not need planning permission. However, they must be within the permitted development of a property’s original boundaries, which means any previous extensions should be taken into account.

The space you create for your senior relative will ideally be at ground level, so as to minimize difficult journeys, and it should, if possible, allow space for more than just sleeping. Make a large window with an interesting view a focal point. The provision of areas for relaxing, bathing, cooking and dining will allow the older person to remain active and, to a degree, independent from the rest of the household. By dividing these areas of activity (by employing screens, or curtains, so that they can appreciate the changes in their day) they will be able to entertain without private areas being on view.

Designing a room for an elderly person is best done by placing yourself in that person’s shoes and by thinking through how to compensate for the possible limitations imposed upon their lifestyle. It is best to plan for days when the person’s capacities may be reduced. Some of the more obvious provisions are a comfortable, easy-to-get-out of chair for the occupant and seating for guests; bright lighting to help cope with failing sight; wall and ceiling-fixed lights, plus a wellweighed table and floor standing lamps; a bedside switch is helpful and, to highlight any changes in floor level, perhaps also consider positioning sockets and switches nearer to hand height. The room decoration could be in a familiar style – traditional - and the incorporation of existing possessions will help to make them feel at home and invite them to make further decoration choices.

Older people generally require warmer temperatures, so it is imperative that central-heating radiators need to be easily controlled. Storage should be at an easily accessed level and with ease of openings; all sharp corners should be eliminated and any electrical cables that could be tripped over removed - and a smoke alarm supplied.

In the bathroom, grab rails and mixer taps will help avoid extremes of water temperature; curtains on a corded track, operated from the side, will ease opening and closing; non-slip flooring and well-attached loose coverings and a fitted carpet of the type that can be easily cleaned, are also advised.

Written by Deborah Shaw of Panacea Designs, architectural services and interior design; www.panaceadesigns.co.uk 07960 757893