As we enter a new era, it’s important to reflect on how we care for each generation—especially our aging parents and grandparents. In our region alone, there are over 1 million baby boomers aged 65 and older. By 2030, every baby boomer will be over the age of 65, meaning retirement—and the need for supportive housing—will soon touch nearly every family.
At a high level, we’ve found three primary paths older adults typically take:
- Aging in place by modifying their current home
- Building an ADU or DADU on a family member’s property and embracing multigenerational living
- Moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we advocate for aging in place or downsizing in style with an ADU or DADU. Here’s why:
1. The Financial Case for ADUs
The cost of assisted living in Washington is significant:
- $6,975/month – average assisted living facility
- $12,714/month – nursing home (semi-private room)
- $13,840/month – nursing home (private room)
(Source: CareScout)
Compare that to a DADU: a one-time construction investment ranging from $188,000–$300,000, depending on scope and design. Over time, that investment pays for itself—especially for families planning to provide care directly or share space.
Plus, DADUs can dramatically increase your properties overall value. Many of our past clients have also seen an average 10% monthly ROI when renting out their DADUs.
2. Preserving Autonomy
Both aging in place and DADU living allow seniors to maintain independence. They have their own space—kitchen, bathroom, yard, and living area—while still being just steps away from family support if needed. It’s a blend of privacy and peace of mind that assisted living communities often struggle to match.
3. Emotional and Family Well-Being
There’s unmatched joy in multigenerational living—and we know it well! Imagine grandparents seeing their grandkids every day, shared family meals, spontaneous visits, and a culture of care that’s built into daily life—not scheduled into visiting hours.
These moments strengthen bonds, reduce isolation, and promote mental and emotional health for everyone involved. It’s not just about aging—it’s about flourishing together.
See more from this multigenerational living ADU we created for a sweet family in Puyallup.
If you’re considering how best to care for your loved ones during this next season, we’d love to talk more about how ADUs and DADUs can fit into your family’s future.
Stay tuned for our next newsletter that will detail out specific things to keep in mind when building or remodeling a home for aging in place.