Brace yourself! The fastest growing
population in the world is YOU! In 10 years,
nearly 10,000 people will turn 65 each day.
We are becoming a “quiet Crisis” in America.
As Americans live longer, they're
embracing the idea of living in there homes
longer independently or moving in with their
adult children. In either situation the
emerging nationwide shift is to AGE-IN-PLACE
where homeowners are investing in home
modifications.
This is the reason the AARP and the
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
created the Certified Aging in Place
Specialist (CAPS) program. They are
encouraging families to prepare their future
needs beforehand and to learn about the
smart ways homes can be modified to live
safely, independently and comfortably,
regardless of age or physical condition.
The diversity of home remodeling projects
range from meager to impressive. The goal is
to make you feel as self-sufficient as
possible and to change the perception from
being cared-for to independence.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of homes
are not well designed for aging therefore;
modifying one's home is nothing more than to
customizing it. Today it is called Universal
Design or “Design for everyone”. Removing
limitations to mobility where each person
can be safe and comfortable. Present day
aging homeowners don't want toilet seat
extenders or outdated hospital designed grab
bars. They are looking for luxury and style
along with accessibility.
Here are a few simple aging-in-place
features that builders and re-modelers are
incorporating into remodeling design
include:
- Remodel your home so that you can
live on the ground level if necessary.
-Avoid changes in grade and slopes
inside and outside the home by using
non-skip and irregular surfaces and
steps to eliminate slipping or falling.
-Selection of equipment and fixtures
that do not require strength or
dexterity to use such as replacing
traditional knobs with lever handles.
-Location of cabinet, mailboxes, and
shower/tub controls where reaching above
the head may be impossible or painful.
-Avoid reflecting surfaces such as
vinyl floors. Use secure carpets where
possible.
-Widening doors and hallways make a
home more accessible to everyone.
-A bigger bathroom with safety
features makes maneuvering easier.
-Position slightly lower electrical
outlets and electrical switches for ease
of access and also limits bending.
-Changing from a gas cooking to an
electric stove can be added protection
from fire or fumes.
-Color contrast on a flat ground
plane can be perceived as a change in
grade resulting in a fall.
It’s simpler now creating aging-in-place
features into home modification, to
incorporate them can achieve homeowners to
continue living in their homes as they get
older.
If you're looking ahead to remodel, take
advantage of all the existing resources
available for the biggest ways to ensure
success is to choose the right contractor,
but remember, accessibility design is still
new to many building professionals not all
re-modelers, are qualified to make essential
changes. Consumers should first ask for
proof of CAPS training, and then check
references with the Better Business Bureau
and the NAHB to be sure they are dealing
with a professional business.
Following these guidelines requires a lot
of consideration and energy. But for your
trouble, you may avoid an uncomfortable
situation.
