Becky Curd, 28, decided against placing her 95-year-old grandmother, Patricia Curd, into a care home. Instead, Curd commissioned a £70,000 annexe in the family's garden for Patricia.
The annexe provides Patricia with her own bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and living room, situated approximately 60 feet from the main house. This arrangement allows Patricia to maintain her independence while remaining close to her family, including Curd and her parents, Chris and Nicky.
Patricia had been living alone in a three-bedroom house since the death of her husband 37 years prior. The upkeep of the larger home had become challenging for her. The idea for the annexe originated from Curd's father, and the construction took about 12 weeks.
Curd stated that the proximity offers her peace of mind, knowing her grandmother is safe and enjoying her life. She described their relationship as particularly close, with Patricia, a former hairdresser and housekeeper, having been a frequent visitor during Curd's childhood. The annexe has facilitated more frequent interaction, allowing for daily visits, shared meals, and conversations.
Initially, Patricia was able to live independently in the new dwelling. However, as her health and mobility have declined, the nearby family has been able to provide increased support, assisting with daily routines such as dressing, meals, and bedtime preparation. Curd also noted that Patricia enjoys a daily brandy and sweet treat.
Curd believes this setup has allowed Patricia to avoid a care home, an option Patricia had always expressed a desire to avoid. She recommended that other families with available space consider similar arrangements to keep elderly relatives in a familiar environment with family nearby.