| There is a bulge in the population of the United | | | | law] may not even allow for the use of these units. |
| States and it is moving into the elderly age range. As | | | | If you live in one of the many gated communities |
| it does, the issue of finding senior housing options has | | | | that have popped up everywhere, I can guarantee |
| become one getting much attention. ECHO housing | | | | you that such units will not be allowed per the |
| has been suggested as one option, but it can be the | | | | community regulations. |
| cause of a lot of problems. | | | | The second issue to consider is the unit itself. There |
| So, the first question to deal with is what exactly is | | | | are some decent ones, but many are so tiny that it |
| ECHO housing? ECHO stands for Elder Cottage | | | | is hard to imagine living in them. They can run from |
| Housing Opportunities. Put in terms you and I can | | | | 400 to 800 square feet on average although you can |
| understand, it refers to a small housing compartment | | | | obviously go with larger ones if you want to pay the |
| for seniors. The idea behind ECHO is that a family can | | | | money. Regardless, they are basically a spot to sleep |
| get an ECHO unit and put it in the backyard of their | | | | in and not much more. The idea that a parent might |
| house. Their senior parents can then live in the | | | | stay in during the day is not very realistic. As such, |
| cottage. This affords everyone some privacy while | | | | you can expect them to be in your home day in and |
| allowing for daily interaction. | | | | day out. |
| All and all, ECHO housing sounds like an interesting | | | | Finally, the hardest issue with considering the ECHO |
| concept at first glance. It may ultimately turn out to | | | | option is the state of the senior who will live there. |
| be a hugely popular choice for many families with | | | | What kind of help do they need with their daily lives? |
| aging parents. Currently, the ECHO option is often full | | | | There are more than a few horror stories about |
| of more problems than the solutions it provides. Let's | | | | parents expecting their kids to wait on them hand |
| take a closer look. | | | | and foot once they move into the yard. You owe |
| The first issue to consider is the fact others might | | | | your parents big for having and raising you, but that |
| not be to keen on you slapping up in your yard what | | | | does not mean you have to set aside your life for |
| for all description is a mobile home. The neighbors | | | | them. Before you take the ECHO step, make sure |
| tend to get touchy about the impact on home values | | | | everyone is in agreement on how things will work. |
| and such. The residential zoning for your area [the | | | | |