Accessory Apartment
An accessory apartment is created when a single-family home is modified to include a complete, private apartment, with its own entrance. A garage, a basement, or a section of the main part of the home might be converted to include the apartment, or a newly constructed apartment might be added onto the home. An older person might convert part of her home into an apartment for use by another older or younger person; or, a younger individual or family member might convert part of their home into an apartment for use by an elderly parent or other relative.
Benefits for an older homeowner who modifies his/her home to include an accessory apartment include:
- The emotional security, companionship, and socialization opportunities from living close by to family members;
- A source of added income if the arrangement is for the apartment dweller to pay rent,
- Help with daily tasks, maintenance, and upkeep for the main part of the house if the arrangement is for the apartment dweller to perform these tasks in place of paying rent,
- The privacy of continuing to live in one's own home,
- An option that reflects a major preference of older people to continue living in an age-integrated residential environment.
Benefits when a younger family member incorporates an accessory apartment for use by an elderly relative include:
- Privacy for both the family and the older person,
- Convenience for caregiving family members of living very near to their parent or older relative,
An accessory apartment does not require licensure by the New York State Department of Health because it is the private home of an individual or couple. A resident may purchase all levels of services and care from community services agencies in the same way that people do who are living in traditional houses and apartments.
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