I didn’t want to send my gran to a care home – so I built her a house in my backyard, she even has her own mini garden

WHEN Patricia Curd lost her husband Peter 37 years ago, she decided to stay in their beloved home. But more than three decades later and now aged 95, the gran could no longer keep up with the cleaning and maintenance of the three-bedroom house. Patricia Curd, 95, snapped with her granddaughter Becky, 28 Credit: Jam Press Instead of living in a care home, Patricia has her own bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living room just 60ft from her family’s front door Credit: Jam Press This is when her son came up with an idea he later proposed to his daughter Becky – a £70,000 annexe built at the bottom of the family garden instead. Now, instead of living in a care home, Patricia has her own bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living room just 60ft from her family’s front door. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! And Becky, 28, says the unusual set-up has brought them even closer, with her popping in two or three times a day for cups of tea, chats and the all-important brandy and sweet treat. The arrangement means Patricia can maintain her independence while Becky and her parents, Chris, 70, and Nicky, 61, are always nearby if she needs them. Becky grew up incredibly close to Patricia, who worked as a hairdresser before later becoming a housekeeper Credit: Jam Press As Becky grew older, their bonding time evolved to include the occasional brandy Credit: Jam Press “It was my dad’s idea,” Becky, from Kent, said. “She lost my grandad 37 years ago and the three bedroom house was becoming too much for her. Grandma was struggling with cleaning and maintenance costs. “Luckily we have a long garden and had the space so we chatted through the idea and she was really excited. Grandma is witty, kind, so grateful for everything we do and sings ‘I’m a lucky lady’ to me most days. “My favourite thing is the peace of mind knowing she’s safe and enjoying life. She’s so content and I’m sure that’s why she’s living so long. Most read in Fabulous “It’s the best decision we ever made.” Becky grew up incredibly close to Patricia, who worked as a hairdresser before later becoming a housekeeper. Her gran would visit the family almost every weekend, with the pair baking, skipping in the garden and doing Becky’s make-up together. As Becky grew older, their bonding time evolved to include the occasional brandy. Becky, who works in the public sector for an energy broker, said: “I think it’s made us even closer. “We’ve always had a really special relationship, but having her living in the garden means I get to see her every day and we have so much more time together. “It’s the little things I love the most like taking her breakfast, sitting having a drink, having a chat or hearing her funny stories. “We’ve created so many little routines and memories that I’ll always treasure, and I feel really lucky to have this time with her.” The annexe took around 12 weeks to build and cost approximately £70,000. When Patricia first moved in, she remained largely independent, cooking, cleaning and looking after herself. But as her health and mobility have declined in recent years, having her just yards away has allowed the family to easily provide more support. Becky said: “Me or my mum will wake grandma up and help her get dressed. We then sort out breakfast which is either porridge or chocolate brioche and of course a cup or tea. “At lunchtime, my dad will take up lunch and tea and then again dinner. “In the evening, one of us will go and spend time with her and help her get ready for bed. Not forgetting the important Brandy and sweet treat. “She used to come down to the house a lot but now her mobility isn’t as good she prefers us to go and see her.” Most importantly for the family, the arrangement has meant Patricia can avoid moving into a care home. Becky said: “The only other option would be a care home, which is something she’s always said she doesn’t want to happen. “Grandma always tells me she wants me to take over her annexe when the time comes, but that I should wait my turn.” Becky now recommends other families consider a similar arrangement if they have the space. She added: “The little everyday moments that make having her next door so special are hearing her tell us how lucky she is, how grateful she is and delivering her nighttime sweet treat and Brandy. “If you have the space, go for it. It’s not for everyone but it means she can enjoy the rest of her days in a familiar environment with her family around her. “This has been invaluable.” Comment now