Leaving home but keeping garage/work space

[Anonymous]

My parents, turning 80 next year, are nearly ready to downsize. Their house is already fairly small, but they have a lawn and a pool, and it’s getting to be too much to maintain. They’ve hired people to do most of the routine work my dad used to do, but it’s still a lot for them to manage, plus they’re starting to face health challenges. It’s time.

Anyway the issue is that my dad loves to tinker in the garage or in his shed. He does some creative metal work with a small welder. He took apart his motorcycle, repainted it, put it back together. This takes him months to do, a few hours a day, not every day. But it is really important to him.

Is there a way for them to downsize or move into progressive care where he can keep some kind of work space? I mean, they could get an even smaller house without a pool, but I don’t think that will help for more than a year or two, and two moves isn’t realistic for them. They don’t live in the DMV, but I hope that crowdsourcing ideas may help a more focused search in their area.

I’ve thought of seeing if he can park a trailer in the parking lot and run electricity to it. Any other ideas?

[Anonymous]

There are places around here that are adult age restricted communities that have smaller one level houses with garages. Problem there is that you’d have to hire outside help when it’s time, as opposed to them being in a facility. It’s hard for the more active elderly. My moms favorite things are walking outside and gardening. Her life is pretty limited now.

[Anonymous]

Some areas have community "maker spaces" similar to community gardens, but finding them and reserving space can be uncertain. Same for community volunteer projects that involve tools: they exist but it just depends what's nearby and how stable it is. You could ask your local 4-H, scouts, and veterans hall what resources they may know about.

Would he be interested in a shop class at a local school? My mom takes a furniture restoration class at community college.

[Anonymous]

I love that you're trying to make this happen for your Dad. It's very thoughtful and caring.

[Anonymous]

The DMV is so office focused. It’s a relief to even read this problem. I wish I knew of a solution. Have several family members facing similar.