Woman Builds ADU for Mother with Alzheimer's to Avoid Care Facility

Key facts

• Lena Koropey is building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in her backyard for her mother with Alzheimer's.
• The ADU will be approximately 750 square feet with two bedrooms and one bathroom.
• Accessibility features, including ADA compliance, are a priority for the ADU design.
• The estimated construction cost for the ADU is $450,000.
• Koropey plans to move into the ADU, allowing her mother to remain in the main house with her caregiver.

Lena Koropey is constructing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on her property in Mattituck, Long Island, as an alternative to placing her mother, who has Alzheimer's disease, in a care facility. Koropey's mother was diagnosed 10 years ago, and her condition has gradually worsened.

In line with Ukrainian American cultural values emphasizing family care, Koropey oversees her mother's well-being, a role she sees as a continuation of her mother's care for her own grandparents. She purchased a three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch-style home for them in 2020, chosen for its single-story layout and fenced yard, which are beneficial for her mother's mobility and safety. The property's half-acre of land provides the necessary space for the planned ADU.

Koropey has explored various scenarios for her mother's future care, including moving to a different house or using a care facility as a last resort. The decision to build an ADU stems from a desire for her mother to remain in familiar surroundings. The planned ADU will be approximately 750 square feet, featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom, with a strong emphasis on accessibility, including ADA compliance for wheelchair use and caregiver assistance.

This project represents a significant investment, with estimated construction costs around $450,000, or $550 per square foot. Koropey believes the value of maintaining family connection and support on the same property outweighs the expense. She notes that many families are proactively planning for aging parents by creating multi-generational living arrangements or designing homes with separate living quarters for caregivers.