2004 DIRECTORY OF ACCESSIBLE BUILDING PRODUCTS RELEASED AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW To assist the home building industry in meeting the housing needs of older adults, the National Center for Seniors’ Housing Research (NCSHR) released the fourteenth edition of the Directory of Accessible Building Products at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas. Featuring over 250 product photos and illustrations, the Directory provides the industry with a one-stop resource for addressing enhanced accessibility in residences. The Directory contains useful information about specific products, with a focus on kitchens and bathrooms including appliances, fixtures, windows, and doors. It also contains information on climate control products, ramps, stair lifts, and elevators. This year, a new section of the Directory focuses on easy care products for exterior use. The Directory also includes a detailed description and photos of the NCSHR’s LifeWise Home, which serves as a demonstration home that can support residents throughout their life cycle by incorporating universal design features. The Directory also lists other NCSHR activities and resources, including the Seniors’ Housing E-Review, Smart Ideas Checklist, and roundtable reports on various seniors’ housing issues. Michael Luzier, president of the NAHB Research Center, said, "The Directory of Accessible Building Products serves as an invaluable resource for developing and implementing practical solutions that address the needs of America’s aging population." To order a copy of the Directory of Accessible Building Products call 800-638-8556 or visit http://www.nahbrc.org/ . Printed copies of the Directory are free of charge, except for shipping fees. Manufacturers of accessible products who are interested in listing in the 2005 Directory should contact Mallika Kishen at 800-638-8556, ext. 6234 or mkishen@nahbrc.org. back to top NAHB SENIORS HOUSING COUNCIL RECOGNIZES 2004 BEST OF SENIORS HOUSING DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS The "best of the best" in the seniors housing industry were honored by the NAHB during the 2004 Best of Seniors Housing Design Awards ceremony held January 19th in conjunction with the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. The NAHB Seniors Housing Council awarded 117 platinum, gold, and silver awards to projects from across the United States, Canada and as far away as Japan in 42 categories, including active adult, independent living, assisted living, service-enriched, rental apartments and renovated seniors housing. Seven projects were honored with Juror’s Innovation Awards, which recognize exceptional creativity in the seniors housing arena. "The overall quality of the entries was exceptional," said Quincy A. Johnson III, an architect from Boca Raton, Fla. and chair of the Design Awards Committee. "Even the affordable seniors apartments being built look upscale and rival some market-rate apartments. Builders also continue to build communities that cater to the active lifestyles of today’s older consumers and homes that allow residents to comfortably age in place." For more information about the Best of Seniors Housing Design Awards, visit http://www.nahb.org/seniorsdesignawards back to top BOOMERS LEAD HOUSING BOOM The baby boomer generation, at 76 million strong, is beginning to retire and economists have sensed a driving force in the housing market – boomers are shopping for new homes and often not in the cities where they currently live. These home buying trends will become even more pronounced by the end of the decade as an increasing number of boomers retire, says Michael Carliner, an economist at the NAHB. Since baby boomers have had such a profound effect on everything from the stock market to the types of automobiles driven, he has no doubt the same will be true of housing. "The boomers have dictated what is in excess demand," he says. Amenities, like retirees, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Climbing walls and wireless internet transmissions are not unheard of and the traditional swimming pool is under consideration as well. Pools now include specialized areas for water aerobics and resistance walking as well as ramps to accommodate graceful entry into this new gathering place. For more information visit http://www.christiansciencemonitor.com/2004/0126/p01s04-usec.htm back to top NEW BROCHURE DESIGNED TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM PREDATORY LENDING Many seniors have substantial equity in their homes, but live on fixed incomes and need help covering the costs of home repairs or unforeseen expenses. Predatory lenders try to capitalize on this need for cash by offering loans with high interest rates, excessive fees, and unnecessary add-ons. When seniors get loans they can’t afford, they quickly fall behind and ultimately face foreclosure. As part of an Administration on Aging grant, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) recently produced the consumer education brochure “High-Cost Home Loans: Don’t be a Target.” This NCLC brochure provides seniors with easy-to-understand information that can help them avoid predatory home loans. The brochure aims to prevent predatory lending since it can be extremely difficult to recover a home lost through foreclosure. By disseminating this brochure widely, aging services providers can play a critical role in protecting seniors from this threat to their well being and independence. It is available in English, Spanish and Chinese. To download the brochure visit highcost_homeloans.pdf back to top NYC WALK-UPS INACCESSABLE FOR MANY RESIDENTS Unable or unwilling to live elsewhere thousands of New York City residents are left stranded in their walk-up apartments, sometimes because of just a few steps. Living alone, dependent on fixed incomes and rent regulations, many of these residents depend on volunteer organizations and the kindness of strangers to carry them to the street to see the sights and breathe some fresh air. "Sometimes you feel very trapped," said Sebastian Pernice, who lives 67 steps off the ground. "Everyone tells me I should get out more, because I’m often depressed. The only thing is – the stairs." It’s the walk-up capital of the world, housing groups deem, 20 percent of all New York City’s apartments are 3 stories or higher and without elevator. And they’re not just for the young - according to new research from New York University and the International Longevity Center, 27 percent of New Yorkers over 65 live in walk-up apartments that are not located on the first floor. For more information read the article http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/22/nyregion/22WALK.html back to top SENIORS’ INVOLVEMENT IN CARE DECISIONS CRUCIAL Discussing a move to a retirement community or assisted living facility can be difficult but involving older persons in the process of choosing that new home is a crucial piece of the puzzle, according to a recent article in The Statesman Journal. Families should consider and discuss new friendships, easy access to health care and a variety of social activities. Furthermore, many retirement communities offer different levels of care including independent homes, assisted living apartments, and intensive health care centers, and it is important to identify which type of housing is appropriate. When discussing a retirement move: - Listen to concerns and wants
- Explain health or safety concerns
- Respect and honor decisions when reasonable
- Give time for suggestions to be considered
For more information visit http://online.statesmanjournal.com/sp_section_article.cfm?i=73489&s=2453 back to top HONEYWELL OFFERS ROUND THERMOSTAT IN DIGITAL The digital revolution has come at last to Honeywell’s familiar round thermostat, a staple in American homes for 50 years. The newest incarnation just became available with a back lit, large-number digital readout. Honeywell’s Digital Round Thermometer hit the market last month after years of consumer requests for a digital version in the classic circular shape. Until now, digital readouts were only available in the rectangular units the company began producing in the 1980’s. According to Corey Tisthammer, Honeywell’s marketing director for thermostats, 85 million of Honeywell's round versions have been sold in the past half-century. "It was time to update one of the most recognizable products in the marketplace," he says of the new unit, which still adjusts the temperature with the click of the dial. For more information visit http://content.honeywell.com/yourhome/ptc-thermostats/CT8775.htm back to top | 
