Gold Coast aged care: Inside new luxury granny flats

One shocking fear is prompting more and more local families to consider moving granny into the back yard rather than retirement villages.

HORROR stories of abuse in aged care homes have prompted local families to consider moving granny to the back yard according to one local designer.

Founder and chief designer at Funky Little Shack, Mel Miller has been creating ‘luxury’ granny flats on the Gold Coast for families who have opted against aged care.

Home designer Mel Miller and Ellen Ball at her Helensvale home. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Supplying small homes under $200,000, Ms Miller said she has seen a significant increase in demand since the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, with at least 14 orders for 2020.

“My clients talk about their fears going into an aged care home – it's a real issue,” she said.

For Helensvale resident Ellen Ball, moving into her son’s garden was a no-brainer.

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Home designer Mel Miller and Ellen Ball at her Helensvale ‘granny flat’. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“I had lived in Africa for 40 years and moved to the country to be with my family, but when I lived in an apartment at Runaway Bay we only really saw each other on the weekend,” Ms Ball said.

“There was no way I was staying in a home, so my son came up with the bright idea of a granny flat.”

Originally the 75 year old said she was a little hesitant.

“I pictured just a room with a bed in it, but this isn’t a granny flat, it is a granny flat deluxe.”

Her miniature home comes with two bedrooms and a loungeroom and “all the mod cons”.

“So many people out there in the same position where you want to be with family but don’t want to be a burden – this way I get the best of both.”

Inside one of the Gold Coast’s ‘luxury’ granny flats. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I think we all feel young on the inside but on the outside we are getting there so its nice to have everyone close.

“I have my privacy but can also have my grandchildren over for supper when they want.”

“Everyone should be doing it, if you have the space.”

Funky Little Shacks can also include wheelchair accessibility and disability support, and are within council guidelines for secondary dwellings.

Ellen Ball’s Helensvale home. Picture: Jerad Williams