MEDCottage or Granny Pod–Part 2

The actual name for the “granny pod” is MEDCottage and it is a type of mobile residential unit that can be rented on a monthly basis. It can be parked in your backyard, you can connect your water and electricity to the unit and it transforms into an independent room for your elderly relatives. This innovative concept is becoming quite popular all over the country, especially in the state of Virginia where the zoning restrictions have been relaxed for these hi-tech homes by the government, which are expected to be available next year.

The MEDCottage has vinyl siding on the exterior and French doors with a white trim around them, while the interiors are fully equipped with a comfortable suite of rooms, with a kitchen and toilet. In short, the MEDCottage is a complete home in itself with all amenities needed to live a safe, comfortable life and ideal for the elderly.

What makes the MEDCottage even more suitable for the elderly is that inside the unit there is state-of-the-art health monitoring equipment and a lift to take an incapacitated person from the bedroom to the bathroom. There is also a camera installed just a foot above the floor that is adequate to view the person’s feet, so if he/she fell down it would immediately be seen. It has been estimated that falls in the home are one of the primary reasons elderly people have to be taken to hospitals and nursing homes, so having this “Feet Sweep” camera would be a big help in the timely assistance in case of such accidents. In addition to these useful conveniences, the MEDCottage has lighting along the floors that would help the elderly in easy movement around the unit. There are monitoring systems that offer regular updates on the medical status of the occupant, like heart rate and temperature and also provide information about medicine intake and other details.

The thought of relegating your older relative in a separate unit in the backyard may not sit easy with most people, but Rev. Dupin says that it is in line with the independent nature of most Americans. The space of the MEDCottage with the family and yet apart is symbolic of American self-reliance and independence. It is not that we can declare loudly that we do not want our older family members in our home, but neither would they wish to live with us. The MEDCottage is an acceptable alternative where the elderly are near their family but are not stepping on anyone’s feet in the process. It is a wonderful way for the older generation to remain part of the family, enjoy the company of their grandchildren and feel safe and content, without being any sort of a burden on others.

Rev. Dupin does not think that his parents would be living in a “granny pod” but certainly visualizes a future where he might be living in the backyard of one of his children.

 

Call one of elderlaw attorneys at Cohen & Oalican, LLP Boston, Andover and Raynham to see if this fits into your  long term care plan.

Cohen & Oalican answer: Can enrollment in Medicare Part B be delayed without having to pay a higher premium?

Can enrollment in Medicare Part B be delayed without having to pay a higher premium?

Enrollment in Medicare Part B can be delayed without paying a higher premium under certain circumstances. If you or your spouse was employed and had group health plan coverage through the union or your respective employer and therefore did not enroll in Medicare Part B when you were first eligible, you can sign up for it during a Special Enrollment Period. You can sign up for Medicare Part B:

• While you still have health plan coverage provided by your employer or group plan coverage offered by the union, during your period of employment or that of your spouse

• In the eight-month period after the health plan coverage given by your employer or union ends or your employment ends, whichever happens first

The rules for Special Enrollment in Medicare Part B are also applicable if you have any disability and are working, or if you have health plan coverage provided by an employed member of your family. If you enroll for Medicare Plan B during the Special Enrollment Period, the effective date for commencement of coverage differs depending on when you enroll:

1. If you are covered by the group health plan or you enroll in Medicare Part B in the first month after the group health plan coverage ends, the coverage provided by Medicare Part B would begin on the first day of the month of enrollment. If you wish to postpone the coverage, you can designate the starting date to the first day of any of the three months immediately following the enrollment.

2. If you enroll any time during the remaining seven months of the Special Enrollment Period, your coverage under the Medicare Part B will begin the month following your enrollment.
If you are unable to enroll in the Medicare Part B during your Special Enrollment Period, you cannot enroll again until the next General Enrollment Period, which is scheduled on January 1st through March 31st of each year. If you enroll during this period, you may have to make a higher premium payment for the Medicare Part B health coverage, since you had the opportunity to enroll earlier and chose not to.

For more information on enrollment, please contact Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Make sure you will be protected, call Cohen & Oalican, LLP to discuss your Medicaid Plan.