Ideas for turning small master bedroom into tiny apartment

Pat Graham
by Pat Graham
My elderly mom moving in with me. My home is small so I would like to turn master bedroom and bath into tiny apartment. She uses a walker.

  5 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 19, 2018

    Make it open plan, so she only few things to negotiate. Bed=Chair=Table etc..

  • Kathy Kathy on Feb 19, 2018

    You may need to widen the doorway and put in handrail in the bathroom. Remove throw or scatter rugs as they are fall hazards. I would take a corner of the room and put in a small frig and microwave. I would also do a coffee (tea) station for her.

  • Imjhale Imjhale on Feb 19, 2018

    I'm guessing you don't want to tear down walls (?), that hould get pricey and be an issue with code enforcement. That said, I agree w/ above and add a few. Set up some 'zones' so she isn't living in her bedroom, set up shelving etc to display keepsakes, armoire can become mini kitchen cabinets, mounted self stick hooks for dish towel etc.; inexpensive wall shelf with board mounted to studs and with hooks can provide extra hanging space - paint to match. shedon't forget trash can hour kitchen and she might need help with remembering to take out trash/avoid pests. Have some long discussions to avoid pitfalls - will she babysit?, help clean? if able. Include her in meals but state if it will be nightly or whatever sis your lifestyle. Watch for signs of depression and loneliness. Post again when you hit specific problems and challenges. Good luck! Take care of yourself too!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Feb 19, 2018

    Is there a bathtub in the bathroom or a shower? Have sturdy proper grab bars installed definitely in the tub, and near the toilet area. Remote control for the ceiling fan, if there is one, and ceiling light so that either can be operated from a stationary position. Timer switch on the bathroom fan. Dimmer/on/off hand operated switch on the bedside lamp.

  • Sassy Sassy on Feb 20, 2018

    You will need to get a permit to put a kitchen in there...probably smarter to not have a kitchen there so she doesn't have to deal with food (that draws pests) and heat in a "soft" environment (rug, curtains, blankets?). Maybe just a coffee/tea station with a single cup maker would be safer. Please do include her in all meals with the family and in as much of your life as possible to avoid depression. Put a smaller (twin is perfect) bed against one wall (make sure it is low enough that she can easily get in and out of it) and create a sitting area in another corner with a TV, comfy chair and love seat, table and good lighting - tap on/off on the base is nice or add a toggle switch that can sit on the table top. Use as much of her furniture and decor as possible to make her feel comfortable, just keep it minimal so she isn't going through an obstacle course to get to the bathroom at night. Night lights in the room and bathroom will also help her. Enjoy this time with her!!