Accessory Dwelling Units

Sometimes, aging in place is not possible and the correct solution is to move your elderly parents into the home, or provide a living space that is adjacent to your home. The legal and regulatory name for this is an accessory dwelling unit or ADU, but you may have heard this described as a mother-in-law suite, backyard cottage, carriage house, garage apartment, or multigenerational home.

An accessory dwelling unit should be a permanent, fully functional living space added onto a single family home. They should have:

  • Its own entrance
  • A bathroom
  • A kitchen
  • Bedrooms
  • A living area
  • Laundry facilities


Helping Hands Living Solutions has been focused on allowing people to age in place, but at some point there may be a need to move your parents in with your family. The main idea is to keep your family close to offer the support needed, and yet provide the independence and separation of households. One of the primary benefits of multigenerational living is that there are more hands on deck when it comes to navigating life, raising children and taking care of each other. Grandparents can also play a more active role in their grandchildren’s lives, which can benefit all generations.

Helping Hands Living Solutions goal is to provide a solution that allows for complete independence, at a location that allows for the family to be able to provide company and care to each other as conveniently as possible.