Cute 'granny pods' allow elderly family members to live in backyard cottages

The granny pods, a one of a kind tiny home intended to be in a backyard, have everything a senior citizen needs to live a happy and comfortable life in their very own space near family.

Granny pod, also known as MEDCottage, is a mobile, modular medical dwelling designed to be temporarily placed on a caregiver's property for rehabilitation and extended care, according to the product's website.

Jane Baldwin, 67, a retiree who moved into a granny pod in California to be closer to her family, has no regrets about her decision.

A state-of-the-art hospital room, Granny Pod is equipped with remote monitoring "so caregivers and family members have peace of mind knowing they are providing the best possible care."

The website adds: "Close proximity is so important when keeping family engaged in our life. This solution provides a beautiful dwelling close to the people we love."

Granny Pods, which cost $85,000 to $125,000, are also available to rent for $750/month. Its average size is 12 by 14 feet.

The MEDCottage Classic, which is only currently available in Virginia, comes with a bedroom, kitchenette/living area, and a full bath.

One may also avail themselves of two smaller options: the Living ROO and the Mother Ship.

The Living ROO fits in a garage, and can still allow your parent to have their own window and private area.

The Mother Ship can go on an RV flatbed. It can also be rented at a lesser cost and is fitted for rehab care.

"We are focused on designing real solutions that encourage families to participate in caregiving while preserving one's privacy," states the product's website.

A nursing home is the most expensive options for seniors, according to HowMuch.Net. It is followed by full-time home health care, and then an assisted living facility.

In Alaska, considered the most expensive state, the average cost for nursing homes is whopping $24,000 per month.

There are 15,600 nursing homes, with 1.7 million licensed beds, in the United States as of 2014, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

These nursing homes were home to 1.4 million residents.

Assisted living in the United States, meanwhile, costs $3,628 on average.

Jane Baldwin, 67, a retiree who moved into a granny pod in California to be closer to her family, has no regrets about her decision.

“I am in love with it,” she said. “I can foresee living here until I’m dead.”