For seniors looking for an alternative to nursing homes, a fresh new take on the “granny flat”: MedCottage.

it’s basically a mini mobile home that rents for about $2,000 a month. You park one in the backyard, hook it up to your water and electricity, and it becomes a free-standing spare room for Grandma and Grandpa….

The MEDCottage is homey on the outside, with taupe vinyl siding and white trim around French doors. Inside, it looks like a nice hotel suite, complete with kitchen and bathroom.

According to its creator, it’s designed to take care of the unique needs of older seniors.

The 12-by-24-foot MedCottage is loaded with technology and amenities for the health, comfort and safety of the elderly or those recovering from illness or injury…. The comfortable interior is equipped with the latest technology to monitor vital signs, filter the air for contaminants and communicate with the outside world via high-tech video and cell phone text technology. Sensors alert caregivers to an occupant’s fall, and a computer can remind the occupant to take medications. The technology also provides entertainment, offering a selection of music, reading material and movies. It also contains a family communication center that provides telemetry, environmental control and dynamic interaction to off-site caregivers through smart and robotic technology throughout the charming, comfortable modular home.

Right now, putting a MedCottage in your backyard is illegal in most states — it violates zoning laws. Virginia’s spearheaded the way, with an exemption that started a month ago. Should be interesting to see if the idea lives up to its potential.