HB 1307, “Zoning Provisions for Temporary Family Healthcare Structures,” became law earlier this year, enabling families to place mobile units on their property without special use permits. The bill was sponsored by Del. Morgan Griffith of Salem, the House majority leader.
The governor held a ceremonial bill signing ceremony at Andrew Lewis Middle School as part of his tour of the Roanoke Valley.
The first prototype of the MedCottage was unveiled last month – a portable, modular medical home designed to make it possible for families to take care of loved ones on their property as an alternative to long-term care facilities.
The 12-by-24-foot MedCottage (www.medcottage.com), loaded with technology and amenities for the health, comfort and safety of the elderly or those recovering from illness or injury, was developed as an alternative model for healthcare as 78 million baby boomers prepare for their senior years – potentially straining nursing homes and government-funded healthcare programs.
“The MedCottage model for healthcare offers a totally new paradigm,” says the Rev. Kenneth Dupin, founder and CEO of N2Care and the innovator behind the MedCottage. “With a daunting reality looming, we must, as a society, consider every option to take pressure off the system. The MedCottage is such a cost-effective alternative – and baby boomers are ready for new options for aging in place.
“We’d like to thank our elected leaders who helped make the MedCottage possible in Virginia, including the governor for making time on his busy schedule to celebrate this milestone with us.”
