If there’s one thing we know more than anything else right now at iHus it’s that Christmas means family. No matter what is happening in the world around us, coming together at Christmas to celebrate is one thing that will always remain the main focus of the festive season!
Being a family-led team, we understand the bond that is needed to make a success of all the projects we undertake and we put this bond at the core of everything we do. After all, it’s our duty to help keep families together.
That’s exactly what our iHus Annexes do. Our builds provide a solution for living at a number of stages in life, whether that is for an older generation who perhaps needs a little help but still wishes to remain somewhat independent, or to benefit a younger family member taking their first step of independence away from the family home.
We have previously looked at intergenerational family homes and the benefits they can bring to our lives, but with Christmas just around the corner, we wanted to share what we believe brings families together.
Being Close Together
We live in a world where technology allows us to see one another instantly with a click of a button, we can be virtually transported to the other side of the planet. However, nothing beats being together physically in the same room. Being able to be part of the conversation and see everything that is happening in the room, feeling the joy as we celebrate. Being able to hold our loved ones.
This is the same throughout all stages of our lives. Unfortunately as we age, we often can’t look after ourselves as we once did and we need someone around to help out. Without family being nearby to care, this can often result in a care home which in some cases simply isn’t wanted or needed.
Alternative living solutions as an option such as iHus annexes prevent the need for this drastic step. An annexe build in the garden of a loved one brings a family together while maintaining independence. Everyone benefits here as we get to spend more time with our loved ones close by.
Being There When Needed
Annexe living is becoming increasingly popular amongst the younger generation for a number of reasons. How often have your children felt it was time to move out yet the requirements to get onto the housing ladder in today’s market means it can’t happen?
It may be that you have children with additional support needs who yearn for independence yet would benefit from a helping hand close by.
An iHus Annexe could be the perfect solution; providing the well needed space for older children to “fly the nest” and gain their own independence, whilst having the security of knowing you’re nearby if needed.
How Have Other Families Benefited From iHus Annexes
The Haughton’s opted for Wheatley Extra Plus Two Bedroom Annexe built by iHus in their garden. Mrs Haughton lived some distance from her daughter prior to the annexe being built. It meant not being close to her granddaughter and being isolated on her own.
Jen, Mrs Haughton’s daughter, said:
“When I was pregnant, having my mum who could only see my daughter via facetime just didn’t feel right. My mum’s also got a disability so we thought if she ever needed that support in the future, we were close by. It’s lovely that we can see each other every day, my daughter can run across from the house but you’ve got that independence”
Mrs Haughton said “I am very happy! It was definitely the best thing for me. It has been absolutely fabulous. The best decision I have ever made.”
They are not alone.
In Autumn 2020 Wendy Hamm and her family approached iHus as they were contemplating an annexe build in their back garden to house Wendy’s mother. Wendy’s mother Jane, 82, was living over an hour’s drive away from the family. Wendy’s day to day responsibilities meant that visits to Jane were a lot less frequent than they would have wished.
Wendy said: “Having the annexe has made things very easy for us, we’re able to come and help whenever we need to for ten mins here and there. Mum can have her complete independence and we do too, but the ability to be there for one another when we need it is fantastic, it’s amazing!”
Keeping Families Together
Families being close together makes day to day experiences extra special. Whether it is an event filled time of the year like Christmas, or all year round. What matters is being there for each other; and that’s why we do what we do.
Why not use this festive season to have a conversation with a loved one about the possibilities of annexe living?
Speak to a member of the iHus team to see how your family can benefit from an iHus annexe. We’ve helped over 200 families so far and we’re ready to help you with your own annexe solution.
