As we age, we can become less and less independent. Usually your mind, body, or both start to give way to the signs of aging. This is what happened to George and Bonnie Miller, with Bonnie’s body and George’s mind starting to deteriorate at the same time.
Their son Schon and his wife Jeannie took it upon themselves to find a home where Schon’s parents could live with them. Initially unsuccessful, the couple made the hard decision of renovating the basement and recreation room in their own home to build an in-law suite for his parents.
This is the story about how a loving son made a place for his aging parents to live out their golden years within his own home.
Renovating the Downstairs
After it was decided to renovate the downstairs of their home, Schon and Jeannie got to work. They started by blowing a hole in the basement wall. Then, they removed everything from the recreation room they had downstairs, including their karaoke machine, pool table, and items in storage.
Keeping His Parents’ Needs in Mind
Next, they turned the whole downstairs into a single-room apartment. They added things that Schon’s aging parents would need, such as bars in the bathroom for them to hold on to, seats for them to sit in the bath, and mats to keep them from slipping and getting hurt. In addition to the ADA rated handicap bathroom, the area includes a living room, kitchenette, and bedroom.
Schon Brings His Parents to Check Out Their New Home
After they were finished renovating, Schon and his wife brought his parents to check out their new home. Schon wanted them to continue to be independent like they were used to, but in close proximity to the rest of their family so they could get help if they needed it. Their reaction to the new in-law suite was priceless.
A Happy Ending
For her part, Schon’s mother was brought to tears. His father on the other hand, was in awe of the amount of work his son put into making a home for his parents within his own home. While Schon showed them around, making sure to bring their attention the elderly-friendly features he installed, his wife Jeannie was brought to tears as she filmed.
Things to Know Before Adding an In-Law Suite
Before adding an in-law suite to your home, make sure to check out your local zoning laws. Many cities might actually not allow additional plumbing or gas lines on a property to a freestanding structure. At the very least, you should check to see what permits you might need before you get started. If you hire a construction company that specializes in these types of dwellings, they can keep you abreast of what is allowed.
In addition, before building an in-law suite in your home, you need to ask what your parents want. If they are like many elderly couples, up to 75 percent according to one study, they might not even want to live with you and your family. They might actually prefer to stay in their original home, if at all possible. And, unless their safety is in question and it is feasible, you should accommodate this request.
Here Is a Sweet Video of the Reveal
Schon and Jeannie’s love for Schon’s parents is evident in the video Jeannie shot of the reveal. Try not to cry as you check out Schon’s parent’s reactions to their son’s love and devotion in this tender video.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
