I promised to care for my mom with Alzheimer's. I'm building a tiny home in our yard instead of choosing a care facility.
Lena Koropey is building a tiny home in her backyard to maintain her independence while continuing to serve as the primary caregiver for her mother, who has Alzheimer's. This arrangement allows her mother to remain in the main house while keeping family support close by.
Why it matters
The story highlights the growing trend of multi-generational living and the use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to address the challenges of elder care.
Lena Koropey, her mother, and dog Lela. Courtesy of Lena Koropey After her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Lena Koropey became responsible for her well-being. She bought a home for herself and her mother and plans to build a tiny home in the backyard. When the tiny home is complete, she plans to move into it and give her mother the main house. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lena Koropey, 48, whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Koropey's mother currently lives with her, but Koropey plans to build an ADU in her backyard and move into it. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 10 years ago, and her condition has gradually progressed. It's definitely getting harder each year.
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