Prepare for the Future Today The day we are born we are on a path to aging. Until we find that elusive fountain of youth, the clock continues to click forward, never backwards. Today, there are 77 million Baby Boomers preparing for retirement. They have not been forgotten; actually there are more products and services than before to help them enter their twilight years.
While no one wants to readily admit that they are aging, an overwhelming number have made the decision that when they do “age” they want to age gracefully in their home with as much independence as possible. America needs trained remodelers, designers and builders to fix our homes so we can comfortably “age in place.”
What is ”aging-in-place” exactly? Aging-in-place means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It addresses the need to remodel existing homes, and design new homes, so people can “age-in-place” and not have to move to assisted living facilities as they age. Because the vast majority of homes we live in are not well designed for this, a new movement in residential construction has sprung up to meet this new consumer demand.
The easiest way to prepare for aging in place is to include universal design features when you are currently embarking on a remodeling project so you can add these features at a low cost instead of waiting until it is a necessity and you need your home completely retrofitted immediately.
The following usability and convenience features can be added during other jobs for little or no extra cost to you:
Getting safely and securely in and out of the house.
o Better outdoor lighting, such as path lighting to the front or rear door
o Attractive ramps or a “zero step entrance” for the home.
o Package shelf by front door
o Handrails at steps and porches
o One-story ranch designs for new homes
Changes in the kitchen for easier meal preparation and eating.
o Lever-handle faucets with pull-out spray
o Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain (a good idea for front-loading washers and dryers, too)
o Rolling island that can be placed back under the counter
o Revolving corner shelves and pull-out shelves
o Lower, side-opening oven
o Pull-out cutting board
o Adjustable height sink
o Side-by side refrigerator with slide-out shelves and a water/ice dispenser
o Cooking range with controls on front
o Larger, friendlier cabinet and drawer pulls.
Changes in the bathrooms (the number one place for accidents in your home)
o Two to three attractive looking grab bars in shower
o Lever handles on faucets
o Slide-bar-type hand-held shower, for sitting or standing
o Inset shampoo nooks
o Curbless showers – nothing to step over, and can be rolled into if a wheelchair becomes necessary later
o Tub and Shower controls moved closer to entry point
o Anti-scald, temperature and pressure balanced tub shower valves for safer bathing
o Entry doors to at least 32”
o 32”-36” pocket doors
o Higher toilets
Moving around in the house:
o Improved lighting with recessed fixtures in common areas and hallways
o Lever handles on doors and windows
o Lower light switches and thermostats; raised outlets
o Planning for future elevator, by stacking closets
o Blocking in walls for future chair lift at stairs
o Doors that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers
The National Association of Home Builders Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) training program can help you create your “livable home”— whether it is new construction or retrofitting your existing residence. This CAPS designation, taught through the NAHB, was created in collaboration with AARP.
Look for the CAPS credential as a reliable way to identify professionals to modify your home or build a new one that is designed for a lifespan. CAPS graduates receive training on the technical/construction aspects and learn about the unique aspects of working with older Americans. They must also take formal business training, maintain their credential through continuing education and subscribe to a Code of Ethics.
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