Although “aging in place” may be the preferred option for seniors, declining health and physical limitations often preclude this option. But an assisted living facility doesn’t always need to be the next step for your aging parents.
The “transitional home” phenomenon is a growing trend in senior housing. It’s essentially a more affordable alternative to assisted living in the form of a small structure erected in the backyard of adult children or other primary caregivers, complete with all the amenities aging parents might need. Known more broadly as “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs), this happy compromise allows seniors to maintain their independence, while their children are still on hand to keep an eye on them.
It turns out there are quite a few of these ADUs, or “granny pod”-type products on the market, such as the “pre-fabricated and kit-built environmentally-friendly homes and accessory dwelling units” by FabCab; the Inspired In-Law Cottage by Larson Shores Architects; and the Practical Assisted Living Structures by Rockfall Company LLC, which has already constructed 10 of its units in the Northeast, according to The New York Times.
AGE of Central Texas Blog 
That is a great article! Reminds me of another I read no long ago called MEDCottage (www.medcottage.com) seems to be the same basic concept, and I think it’s a wonderful alternative!