“We want this to be the last home we live in.”
Adapting our living environment for aging in place involves home modification which can make it safer, more comfortable, and increase the likelihood of remaining independent.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports modification for aging-in-place is the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry. The NAHB in collaboration with AARP developed the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) program to meet the increasing demand by seniors and baby boomers for barrier-free living environments.
The CAPS program is designed to teach individuals involved in residential design and construction about the requirements of older adults who are balancing current and future needs for autonomy and independence with equal desires for safety and security.
AARP “Fixing to Stay” survey of 2,000 persons aged 45 and over, found that 70% of the respondents have made at least one modification in their house to enable them to continue living at home. Some of the most common modifications were:
- Adding additional lighting in hallways and stairs
- Living quarters on the main floor; bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry
- Replacing knobs with levers on doors and faucets
- Adding handrails/grab bars
Aging-In-Place: Two Categories
1) Modifying Existing Housing
Many of these minor home modifications are the do-it-yourself kind. Most of the materials can be purchased at national home improvement stores which carry items from mobility to bath and safety products. How-to books explaining remodeling with universal design can also be helpful in completing minor home modification jobs.
2) Incorporating Aging-In-Place & Universal Design Principles into New Construction
These modifications are more extensive; such as grading entry points to create zero-step entrances, stacking closets for future elevators, accessible floor plans, or universal design kitchens and bathrooms. Building with universal design from the start can save money and insure that your dream home is safe and comfortable for years to come.
Check out this interesting video on Home Modification.
Home modifications can ease the physical challenges facing all of us without turning the home into a clinical setting. Innovative companies like Kohler are using universal design principles combined with beautiful aesthetics for non-stigmatizing results.
Kohler’s design center has aging-in-place modifications for bathrooms and kitchens which are stylish, accessible, and can make living in our homes a delight.