Backyard ADU Keeps Aging Parents Close in Oregon

In Damascus, Oregon, Hana Brown and her husband funded a $400,000, 900-square-foot ADU on their two-acre property so Hana’s Bosnian refugee parents could live rent-free nearby. The one-bedroom, open-concept unit features a large kitchen island, vaulted ceilings, a deck, mudroom, and space to add accessibility features later. The Cataks moved in during summer 2024, bringing daily proximity and support, while the family navigated unexpected costs like fire access and sprinklers. The arrangement reflects a deliberate, long-term plan for aging in place and close family ties.