In my opinion, Universal and Aging in Place Design is the way to go! Universal Design (UD) means true accessibility. It accommodates all people, including those of different ability, height and age. Incorporating UD features in your remodel or building a new home with UD as your major standard, will certainly give you a competitive resale edge.
As Americans are living longer, more are indicating a preference for spending their senior years in their own homes. According to a recent AARP housing survey, 83 percent of respondents said they want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives.
Having first hand experience with an ageing parent in a house that was at the time 24 years of age, I can not express the importance of the Universal Housing Design and Aging in Place design (AP) concept. My mother passed away at the age of 83 after having Alzheimer’s and experiencing a broken hip. Needless to say, a home built in 1971 was by no means equipped for the disabilities she was experiencing. After her passing, I began to look at this structure with a different eye. “What and how would I remodel this home to be more accommodating to my own aging?” “How could I make this home more aging friendly so my daughter would not have to suffer through the same obstacles I faced with my mother?”
For basic remodeling, there are many inexpensive, yet effective modifications that can be done. For more extensive remodeling and/or additions, many more certified contractors are available. I say certified as having completed the CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) training offered by the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders). This training is essential in understanding the Aging in Place and Universal Design.
Unless you are doing a complete overhaul at once or building a new structure, preparing one’s home can be gradual and simple. Here are a few ideas:
General: Levered door handles instead of knobs, lowered peep holes when replacing front doors (this makes sense for small children also) keyless door locks operated by remote control or keypads, a weather protected main entrance, non-skid floorings, programmable thermostats for heating and cooling,
Bathrooms: Faucet mixers with anti-scale valves (another great tool for child safety), grab bars at back and sides of shower, tubs and toilets, installation of medical response device.
Kitchen: Cabinets with pull-out shelves and lazy susans, easy grasp cabinet knobs and pulls, task lighting under counters, side by side refrigerators, stoves with front controls (make sure the control knobs are removable) gas sensors near gas cooking, water heater and gas furnaces, microwaves placed in base cabinets instead of overheads.
Living Rooms: Seating at least 18 inches from floor, chairs with sturdy arms, contrasting floors, walls and stairs for vision impairs, better lighting in key locations, use of electrical rocker switches instead of toggle switches (the rocker switches are bigger) the use of sliding doors instead of swing doors.
All of the ideas listed above are of minimal expense and most can be done on a weekend. This will give you a starting place. But remember, it is only a starting place. For further assistance in building and remodeling your home under the CAPS program, please contact ghba.org.
I highly encourage any new home to be built on the UHD and AP design. It only makes sense. Not only will you have the peace of mind that your investment will service your life changes as long as you want them to, but that your resale value will most likely increase also. |
