Baby Boomers Beware...

Speaking of healthy individuals, it has been found that baby boomers born between 1948 and 1953 are reporting poorer health than people who were born 6 to 12 years earlier.

An ongoing study is tracking more than 20,000 U.S. adults from middle age to retirement and has found that baby boomers are much less likely than their predecessors to describe their health as "excellent" or "very good.”  Baby boomers are also more likely than members of older generations to report having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and difficulty walking and lifting objects.


Why do baby boomers feel so bad? Some researchers suggest that boomers are simply more conscious of their health than previous generations. Others point to a long list of health issues that currently plague the baby boom generation and aren’t likely to go away anytime soon.

• Chronic conditions is a major concern for baby boomers
• 6 out of 10 baby boomers will be managing more than one chronic condition by 2030 
• Putting off care and neglecting to take needed medications exacerbates this problem
• Only a quarter of baby boomers take advantage of preventive services

Given these statistics, it is not surprising that by 2020, boomers will account for 4 in 10 physician office visits nationwide. The following health conditions will increase considerably over the next decades:

• Drug and alcohol dependency
• HIV
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Heart disease 
• Alzheimer’s resulting in an estimated 115 million dementia patients 
• Diabetes 
• Obesity 

Researches disagree about the level of disability that baby boomers are likely to experience in old age. Several studies suggested that chronic disability among people 65-85 was decreasing. However, more recent research in January 2010 found that disability rates among 60-year-olds increased by 40 to 70 percent during 1988–94 and 1999–2004, compared to an unchanging rate for 70-year-olds and a drop in disability rates among 80-year-olds.

Remaining physically active allows individuals to remain more independent, feel healthier, experience fewer declines in their ability to perform daily tasks and report fewer new instances of loneliness than sedentary individuals.You are never too old to begin any type of physical activity and you could live a longer and better life.

Factors to Implement for Home Safety

More than one-third of adults over the age of 65 fall each year. Falls can stem from many factors, including reduced hip and leg strength, flooring surfaces, and vision impairments. And falls can happen anywhere.

With more and more older adults wishing to stay in their home environment as long as possible, it is important to be in an environment that is as safe as possible.

Consider the following in residential design:

• Remove loose mats
• Provide contrast on steps and curbs
• Improve lighting
• Install grab bars
• Check for any irregularities in layout

 It is also important to be aware of the person's use of and circulation in the space. Perhaps a chair is used for temporary support while he or she is walking across the room. Careful observation and discussion should take place before making any drastic changes. Many older adults, especially those with vision impairments, rely on memory of the composition of the room. So, if that chair is gone and he or she gets up in the middle of the night, there could be a fall incident. Along the same lines, unstable furniture is also another risk factor to be mindful of.


Other factors to consider are the proximity of the bathroom to the bedside, appropriate lighting and lighting sensors, carpeting, and the floor layout. As a designer responsible for helping seniors to age in place, it is important to take steps to reduce the probability as much as possible.

Helpful Websites for Age-Related Issues

I am always on the lookout for websites and blogs which are helpful to either the aging population or their caregivers. If you are dealing with aging parents or loved ones, and who isn't at some point in life, check out these sites for information on anything from dealing with health, caregiving, or social issues. They have great articles and resources on where to get information on grants or whether or not aging-in-place is the right decision for your loved ones at this time. 
http://maturitymatters.wordpress.com/

http://networkedblogs.com/97tVn

http://www.aginginfousa.com/

http://www.agingcare.com/Caregiver-Support/1178/Getting-Organized/

http://www.aginginplaceinitiative.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=41

Unique Lifestyle, Accessibility and Beauty in Bathroom Remodel

I recently finished a bathroom project which brings me great pride.  Not because I did such a great job but because it has accomplished my goals of helping to bring accessibility and beauty to those struggling with day-to-day life activities.

Mikey is a 12-year old boy with cerebal palsy.  He is getting bigger and his mom has had trouble lifting him.  With the help of Mikey's parents, a contractor, and other professionals, we implemented a plan which takes some of the lifting burden of Mikey from his mother. This bathroom, which is wheelchair accessible, is more caregiver friendly.


We included a track mounted in the ceiling to take Mikey from bed to toilet to walk-in bathtub so there is no lifting involved.

Grab bar blends in with the glass mosaic tiles

Wheelchair accessible sink



As with all projects, care must be taken to design for the unique lifestyles of the users involved.  Mikey's needs are met through heated floors and a heat vent as he gets very cold after a bath.  Safety considerations are a top priority, so non-slip floors and proper lighting are implemented.  Clear floor space for wheelchair accessibility is given.

Communication by designers, contractors, and all parties produces proper planning for current and future uses.  Future considerations are planned for by mounting cabinets high on the wall to allow room for a changing table directly across from the bathtub at some point. 

If you are struggling with overwhelming caregiver responsibilities, I can advocate for you to coordinate the effort of implementing accessibility and a beautiful aesthetic which will blend with your personality and lifestyle.

Mikey!

In Retrospect, Kitchen Designers Are the Bomb

I am always reading interesting articles about all things design.  I recently came across an interesting piece about kitchen remodels.  The link is posted if you want more information regarding the most popular items in kitchen remodels, where consumers get inspiration for remodels, trends, and statistics on remodeling projects.

What I was most interested in, however is that most DIYers would have appreciated shifting some of the responsibilities on to a designer if they could.  Kitchen designers, like me, are constantly researching and sourcing materials.  They know who is reliable to work with and who is not.  They know products which are reliable and which are not.  They have a trained eye for mixing and matching materials. Designers can even help you to stay on budget and may even save you money in the long run.

Below is an excerpt from the article:

• The demand for professionals. Despite the economic downturn, the incidence of hiring outside help for all of a kitchen renovation project remains relatively steady (26% in 2006, 28% in 2010 and 24% in 2010). A professional designer or architect played a role in three in 10 kitchen remodels costing more than $2,500, up significantly from prior study periods.

Three -quarters of “kitchen remodelers” did the project with some level of help, either doing it all themselves (34%) or having help with some of it (42%). However, given the opportunity to do the project over, DIYers are most likely to want to shift some of that work to someone else.

• 20/20 hindsight. About a quarter of “kitchen remodelers” say they would do nothing differently if they could do their kitchen remodel again (23%). Among those who would do something differently next time, the top desired changes are different appliances (“I would have spent the extra money and bought the newer more efficient appliances”) and plan better or do the project sooner (“take more time… less rushing,” “I did a lot of research, but I would probably seek more professional advice”).

When asked if they were doing the same project today, balancing what they want in a kitchen with the realities of their household budgets, around one in three “kitchen remodelers” (31%) say they would spend more on the project if they had it to do over—closely mirroring the percentage of “kitchen remodelers” who said so in previous years (30% in 2008 and 33% in 2006). 

Call me today for your kitchen remodel.  I will save you time and the feeling of regret.  I will work closely with you to make sure all of your needs are met and on budget.  We will plan together what works best for you and you will have a functional and beautiful kitchen.

Design for Men

Digressing for a moment, you must check out this emagazine.

http://designformenmag.com/

No matter what your age, sex, or style, if you like good, modern design, you must see.  Whether you are searching for unusual lighting or artwork or just like looking at innovative, intriguing design, you will be inspired at this site.

Peace of Mind from Technology For Ailing Seniors and Their Loved Ones

I remember when my grandfather lived with us.  I was 18 and he was in his 70s.  He had dementia.  He used to go for walks, get lost, and be brought home by the local police (luckily I knew one of them and he knew my grandfather).  There were many times grandpa would have lapses of judgment and do things like peel the bark off the neighbor's tree, forget to take medications, and blame his best friend for stealing an orange from our kitchen table.  These moments were trying and embarrassing at the time.  Now they bring a smile to my face. 

We were fortunate to have grandma and grandpa live with us but many people don't have that luxury and are faced with worrying about their aging parents from great distances.

There are many new technologies available to help take the burden off of adult children -- and help parents to remain independent.  Managed care becomes a necessity when a person has a sudden trauma which inhibits their cognitive or physical function.  Many parents are not ready for nursing homes and want freedom to live within their homes unrestricted.

Edward Schneider, dean emeritus at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, say, "Most people want to live in their own homes and technology can enable people to do this. Using technology they can stay where they want to stay."

I am highlighting new gadgets and systems which take the burden off adult children and helps parents stay independent longer.


Tech to Help Monitor the Elderly


The GrandCare System is a high-tech set of sensors installed throughout the home that monitors and sends reports about a person's movements to family members down the street -- or halfway around the globe for as little as $50 a week. It provides a realistic alternative to nursing home care, where the average price tag is more than $50,000 per year. This gives adult children peace of mind and seniors comfort knowing they can check on them.



TRACKING SYSTEMS

Tracking systems these days have access to GPS technology. That means that you can pinpoint the location of any senior that might be lost, fallen or confused.

Philip's Life Line

Philips Lifeline users push the button of a pendant that can be worn around the neck, alerting the Lifeline call center. The button worn around the neck is light, about an ounce. AutoAlert offers all the benefits of our Standard Lifeline Medical Alert Service-push the button for help at any time-plus an added layer of protection: Lifeline with AutoAlert is the only pendant-style help button that can automatically place a call for help if it detects a fall and you're unable to push the button yourself.

Cost: $50 per month



Mobilehelp

Connects a user with a live operator when the button on its small white unit is pushed. Equipped with GPS technology that can locate a user. This system is very easy for a mature adult to handle, big buttons, and easy to read. Also, if for whatever reason the bush is pushed by accident, it has an easy reset button. The help button also comes on a wristband/watch form for easy carriage.

Cost: $35 per month



Wellcore Quick Pick Up

One in three adults age 65 or older falls each year; about a quarter of those suffer moderate to severe injuries. Welcome Wellcore's "I've fallen and I can't get up" sensor, worn on a belt or in a pocket. Using algorithms that understand a person's walking patterns, Wellcore, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., designed a tiny, GPS sensor that can blast an alert when disaster strikes; in an extreme fall, a 24-hour monitoring service will alert an ambulance. The service works with any Wellcore-compatible cell phone (contracts to be announced shortly). Another bonus of this tracking system? It can detect the difference between walking, running or a fall. It records the number of paces each day, which means that the senior user can log their activities and monitor their athletic progress from day to day. On the market since May.

Cost: $199/Monthly fee $50



ActiveCare Personal Assistance Link

The PAL offers one touch communication to care specialists from anywhere at any time. The PAL looks like a cell phone, but is easier to operate with large buttons and quick one-touch access to your family, friends, and 24/7 Care Center. This unit can travel and is covered anywhere you have cell phone coverage. If an event occurs where the senior needs medical assistance, they need but press a button to be connected to live care specialist as well as allow you to reach out to contacts such as family or friends.

Cost: $59 per month



MEDICAL MONITORING

Knowing where the elderly are can be extremely helpful, but what about monitoring their day to day health? Are they taking their medication? How is their blood pressure? Have they had a sudden weight drop? Is their homecare assistant taking the proper vitals every day? The tools below can help caregivers rest at ease that their elderly loved ones are safe.



GrandCare Systems

A system of customized sensors for those with advanced physical ailment. GrandCare's available touch-screen display lets users receive e-mail messages and photographs. An operator picks up when the button is pushed on a MobileHelp device; it also has GPS technology. Another bonus for the GrandCare Systems is that it allows an at home caregiver to record vital medical statistics for patients as well.

Cost: $2000-8000, Plus $15-25 daily fee



Philips Medication Dispensing Service

The Philips Medication Dispensing Service reminds users to take their pills; if it's ignored, the service alerts a designated care giver. Philips provides an easy-to-use dispenser that helps maintain the proper medication schedule. The elderly patient hears an audio reminder when it's time to take their pills. And at the push of a button, their medication is dispensed to them at the proper times.

COST: $80 per month


Ideal Life

Whether the problem is weight fluctuation, blood pressure or diabetes Ideal Life has the problem covered. There is a base unit that coordinates the armband blood pressure monitor, the glucose testing system and weight scale. When the measurements are taken on any of these device, the data is sent to the base, which passes the information along to senior's healthcare team. It allows their loved ones to rest easier, knowing that the doctors and nurses are getting consistent readings every day.

Cost: These products are not available directly for consumers yet. Please check with your health plan provider to see how much is covered.
 
 
Some parents, like my own, want to remain independent yet know their bodies are slowing down and fear falling or other progressive illnesses which will impact their independence.
 
What do you think? Are you ready to have a parent move in with you or as a parent, are you ready to move in with your adult children?
 
Do you think these monitoring devices provide peace of mind for both the caregiver and the loved ones?

Differences Between the Sexes Sizzle in the Kitchen

It never fails that when I first meet with a new client, one of my first requests of them are:  "Give me 3 words to describe what you want this room to accomplish."  I love asking this and then comparing at the end of the project to see if we have accomplished our purpose for the space.

The Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, RICKI, did a recent study entitled, "Top of the Line: Insights into Upscale Consumers & their Kitchens." This analysis consisted of 700 upscale consumers with incomes of over $100,000.  I am giving you a condensed version of the study.


Top 5 Words Associated With an Ideal Kitchen

Upscale Men 

1. Well-equipped
2. Organized
3. Comfortable
4. Open
5. Modern

Upscale Women

1. Organized
2. Well-equipped
3. Comfortable
4. Open
5. Family

Brenda Bryan, executive director of RICKI, says that women are looking for functionality and while men are focused on function somewhat, they really want more power--bigger, better, commercial-looking.

Men and women agree that their kitchen should say something about them but differ on whether it is their favorite part of the house (24% women, 18% men), whether all finishes should coordinate (39% women, 28% men), or whether they would choose features over brand name (30% women, 24% men).

Other interesting facts:

• Men are more brand-conscious than women
• Both will pay more for products that reflect their personal style
• Women love customized storage solutions for cabinetry
• 3 in 10 upscale consumers are more inclined to remodel this year than a year ago

All this tells me that consumers are staying put and investing in the property they have until they can sell profitably.

If you are interested in remodeling your kitchen or bath, call me today, 847-997-2773. 

I can't wait to hear your 3 words...

Accommodating Special Needs for Life

The Baby Boom generation is redefining retirement. They compose 28 percent of the population and own 48 percent of all homes in the U.S.


Instead of selling their homes and moving into retirement villages or assisted-living quarters, a growing number of older Americans are modifying their homes to make them more user-friendly as they age.

The baby boomers now reaching retirement age tend to be healthier and more independent than previous generations, and are not ready to give up home ownership when they retire. The weak economy means fewer Americans can afford the move into retirement facilities — even if they manage to sell their homes in this depressed market. Three-generational homes are becoming more important as people are living longer.

The special needs of the aging and disabled population comprise of common design situations making mobility an issue. By accommodating their needs in a unique and thoughtful way, solutions are given and value can be added to their quality of life and the investment of their home.


Aging-in-place features should include:

•Wider doors, hallways and toilets

•Same-level transitions or ramps instead of steps

•Roll-in showers with wide, doorless entries, grab bars, non-skid tiles, built-in seats and hand-held shower units

•Walk-in closets, casement windows, lever-style door handles

•Waist-high kitchen appliances and storage drawers.

It should be noted that many retirement community apartments do no have these special amenities even though they are serving a market which will need them most and soonest.

Gina Nunes can be reached at (847) 997-2773 to help with your design solution.

Occupational Therapists Aid in Designing for Special Needs

It has been shown that an individual with a known medical condition will function better in a more independent, safer, accessible and health-sustaining environment. It cannot be assumed that individuals with special needs will adapt to their surroundings. Careful attention must be taken to provide products and structural changes which meet the needs of the user.

With the collaboration of a team of professionals consisting of occupational therapist, interior designer, architect and building professional, a partnership is created which provides the opportunity for users to be engaged within their environment.

The perspective of an occupational therapist provides a comprehensive profile of an individual’s activities of daily living. They can make an analysis of barriers in an environment and also provides knowledge on what kind of environment works best for the user. OTs are trained and have expertise in these areas.

By fitting the person with the environmental needs and assessing the activities to be engaged in, an environment is created which supports the interaction between the user’s abilities and the activities of choice, giving a person freedom to live in a place which is comfortable, secure and adapts to their needs.

Bathroom Trends

Historically, home sizes have shrunk somewhat during economic recessions, but an emerging consensus shows that in the coming decade, new homes will be smaller on average than they were in the past decade.


Trends in the number and size of bathrooms in homes reveal 17% of respondents showing that the number of bathrooms was still increasing, while 8% saw a trend toward fewer bathrooms in homes. Over the past three years the pace of growth has slowed significantly.

The greatest features in bathroom trends are:

• Radiant-heated floors, which are sparking growing interest due to energy efficiency and comfort considerations.
• Features that enhance accessibility and adaptability.
• Sustainable water-saving toilets in general and dual-flush toilets.
• LED lighting, due to the conservation of energy, gaining in favor even as households are generally scaling back on their investment in housing.
• Doorless and no-threshold showers, as well as handshowers, for their accessibility promotion.

Other upscale bath products are not faring as well in this new cost-conscious housing environment. Requests for steam showers and towel warming drawers/racks are reported to be declining in popularity by about a third of respondents.

While floor plans may be smaller, design considerations are getting bigger to encompass not only green products and practices, but also Universal Design.  

Call me for help in designing to meet your unique needs.

Contact an Expert When Dealing with the Great Unknown

For many people faced with a life-altering disability, the thought of returning home for the first time can be overwhelming.  Discovering that an injury is permanent may require having specialized equipment in your home to accomplish daily living tasks.  To promote as much independence as possible, an accessibility specialist can help by assessing your current home to determine which solutions will best address your needs.
In my role as an interior designer, specializing in disability and aging challenges, I can work with your health care provider to help ease your mind from the mind-filling thoughts of how you are going to maneuver with new limitations in an old environment.  At the point you know a disability is permanent or the condition is diagnosed as progressing towards needing home access features in the future an accessibility specialist should be contacted.   Your home can become a hindrance to independence.  I want to help maintain your home to remain your source of comfort, access and security when faced with any disability.

Baby Boomers accept Universal Design for Bathrooms

Plan for Future, Efficiency With Your Bathroom Design

American consumers are choosing to remodel their bathrooms in luxurious and efficient ways, according to a survey by The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The survey found that Americans are interested in :

1. Water-saving toilets. Standard toilets typically require a family of four to consume more than 140 gallons a day by flushing alone, while a water-saving toilet only uses about 100 gallons per day per household.
2. Installing radiant heated floors, which are comprised of low voltage GFCI-protected circuits to power the systems. Hydronic radiant floors are a more traditional and popular approach to floor heating.
3. "Universal design," which means accessible for everyone.
4. No-step entry, wide doorways and halls, and main floor facilities.  Curbless showers are being installed in order to provide easy access for all users.
5. Finally, LED, energy-efficient lighting is also being placed in the bathrooms.

This completes my soapbox forum on universal design.  If you are in need of a universal kitchen or bath design, please call me. 


Return to Headlines

Age-Friendly Cities Create Positive Outcomes

Research in the late 1990s showed that the needs of seniors were changing.  Seniors were demanding more choices and amenities, becoming more active and living longer, with a greater focus on wellness.  In response to these changes, there is a new building trend toward integrating neighborhoods into age-friendly cities. 
The goal is to have a variety of services available, such as health, recreational and shopping, so that many different lifestyles can be accommodated. The World Health Organization (WHO) believes this will help the elderly to have a high quality and independent life.

This will be accomplished by instituting the following:

• Maintaining pleasant and safe outdoor spaces
• Having sufficient, affordable public transportation
• Having housing located close to services
• Offering diverse, affordable activities which are easily found
• Recognizing the elderly for their contributions to the community
• Increasing community participation and training availability for post-retirement people
• Having better communication with large-print information in familiar language
• Better accessibility to health and social services

Strategic planning includes mixing public and social services within housing communities to support age-friendly cities.   The continued desire is to link public transportation and reduce travel distances while increasing foot and bicycle traffic for pedestrian uses.

Successful transition to a retirement community is created with strong social ties.  CCRCs, or Continuing Care Retirement Communities, provide supportive networks among residents.  Clusters of homes share walking paths, gardens, clubhouses, health clubs, and the like, reinforcing the sense of community. This is a positive approach to help the elderly to feel more attached.

There are many design options to choose in promoting the physical and emotional wellness of the aging population.  For those who are able, aging-in-place design is the best of both worlds, allowing seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes independent of assisted living facilities.  This is possible by implementing modifications within the home which will last for years to come.

Working with a Designer on a Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home.  Because of that, current kitchens now must include space for many activities such as communicating, entertaining, homework centers, household management and, of course, food preparation.

There are many benefits to working with a designer when remodeling your kitchen. Following are some advantages: 

• Designers have a strong vision and the ability to carry that vision through for a cohesive and functional environment.
• Designers have a knowledge of how to work with contractors to direct them so you don't have to.
• A designer has knowledge on not only the latest trends but what trends have withstood the test of time and are considered time-honored innovations. 
• A designer also knows which door styles are more expensive than others, thereby keeping you on budget.
• A designer has knowledge about selecting the continually growing number of materials such as cabinets, counter tops, appliances, flooring, lighting and paint.
• Designers are all about the details.
• Traditionally, kitchen design focused on the "triangle" of kitchen, sink, and stove, to optimize work flow. However, we are now moving away from the traditional triangle and creating more individual workstations within the kitchen.
• Many people don't realize how important lighting is to any space.  A designer has experience in choosing the best lighting for the job.
• Designers can now help you to choose products which are environmentally friendly.
• When working with a designer, it is a good idea to have pictures of your likes and dislikes collected.

No matter what your concerns in your kitchen remodel, an interior designer is there to listen to your needs and walk you through the overwhelming process of choosing the right product so that the heart of your home becomes a beautiful and functional reflection of you.

I would love to help you design your kitchen for your unique lifestyle.

Not only Homes but Cars

Reading the paper this morning, I discovered another area of design which accomodates the elderly and disabled living--your vehicle.  Who hasn't tried to get into a low-riding car and moaned at the prospect?  Ever try backing up and not being able to turn your head enough to see out the small back window?  How about arthritic hands not being able to handle small dials or buttons?


The Daily Herald Health & Fitness section article, "Best Cars for Older Drivers" makes recommendations on what to look for when car shopping:

• Wide door openings and low thresholds
• Ideal seat height between mid-thigh and lower buttocks
• Crossover sport utility vehicles are lower than SUVs and easy to slide into and out of
• Adjustable seats with lumbar support
• 6-way adjustments; forward and backward, up and down, and seat-back up and down
• Tilting or telescoping steering wheel
• Thicker steering wheel
• Keyless entry
• Power mirrors and seats
• Larger buttons on the dashboards with contrasting text
• Wide-angle mirrors
• Large back windows with good visibility
• Adjustable pedals
• Simple, non-techy interiors
• Heated seats

Also, high-tech items such as parking sensors, backup cameras and blind-spot warning systems alert drivers to objects in the way.  Did you know that there are even cars which parallel park by themselves?

They also recommend roomy vehicles for visiting grandchildren and large trunks for holding mobility scooters or golf clubs.

Some cars they recommend:

• 2009 BMW 5 Series
• 2010 Ford Taurus
• 2009 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid
• 2009 Honda Odyssey
• 2009 Lexus SL 460
• 2009 Masda 6
• 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550
• 2009 Toyota Avalon
• 2010 Toyota Prius
• 2010 Volvo XC60

Click on the title of this blog to see more specifics on vehicles which best meet the needs of seniors.

Desiging for All

Continuing on with my soapbox, I like to call "Designing for All."

My whole goal with designing for the aged and disabled is to improve the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants while still having a beautiful, harmonious and balanced space.

Just because grab bars are used in a bathroom doesn't mean it has to look like a hospital bathroom. New products are available to aid universal design which are highly functional, stylish and innovative. The key is to remain true to "form follows function." All safety measures must be put in place or it would not matter how beautiful your grab bars are if they are not reinforced.  They would fall right off the wall the first time somebody used them.

They must be placed in the proper position so they are convenient to use.  Guidelines for all these aspects  must be followed for functionality's sake. The job of a designer is to also create a beautiful, long-term solution to the problem at hand.

Of course, there is no typical project.  Every site and every challenge is unique and brings about an opportunity to create bold designs which meet the user's needs completely and facilitates their safety while maintaining an integral, cohesive design style.

Remodeling Benefits to Age in Place

Nobody likes to think of themselves as "old." But the fact is that the aging process begins from the moment we are born. Ugh, I know, I don't wanna go there. I'm kicking and fighting every day.

As I said in my last blog, there are numerous benefits surrounding design integrating mobility for all from the very beginning of construction. Besides the convenience and safety afforded to the disabled, the process of integrating universal design preserves a home's usefulness for all people. It is forward-thinking to use aging-in-place practices in all homes.

Take the curbless shower. I have always loved a curbless shower and just recently discovered its accessibility benefits. They are UNIVERSAL. Everyone can enjoy a curbless shower. It is actually the latest European trend. Oh, and I will never have or design a shower without a shower seat. It is a necessity for all, including me!

It takes some thought to design a home to be barrier free for all but it can be accomplished if the right rules are followed. The ADA, the NKBA, National Kitchen and Bath Association, and many other organizations provide guidelines for barrier-free living. Architects and designers are all aware of these guidelines but only use them to their full potential when forced to facilitate universal design. I say implement these strategies in all homes, thereby increasing the likelihood of all people to have the ability to remain in their homes long after their bodies begin the process of aging(groan). It is a fact of life nobody wants to face but it is inevitable.

"Boomers are looking for homes that will serve them well today and meet their needs in the future. Many see the challenges that their parents and older relatives are facing, and they want to avoid those as much as possible. They are also thinking about making the most of their later years. Now is the time to show them how good design can give them the best of both worlds." From the ASID Icon, Designs for Senior Living, November/December 2007

New Construction Benefits to Age in Place

As I said in my last blog, I am going to continue to educate you on the concept of remaining in your home even after being physically challenged in any way, disabled, and the ability to age in place.

Following up on accessibility for the mobility challenged, I have attached a link which shows the financial implications of building a new home to facilitate aging in place versus renovating an existing home. If one were to renovate an existing home to create accessibility, it would cost almost as much as it would to build a new home implementing ADA guidelines. Therefore, every new home construction should integrate ADA guidelines for the future of universal design.

Since our aging population is growing steadily, these modifications can aid an elderly person to remain within their own home as they may decline in health, thereby saving them close to $80,000 per year, as I shared in my last blog.

Using these guidelines is not difficult but it does take thought on the part of architects, designers and builders. According to this study, "Given that a vast majority of people prefer to stay in their homes as they age, it will be necessary for the housing industry to facilitate aging in place."

Change in Direction

I am changing direction at this time in my blog from my home to your home, from the ease of full mobility which most of us enjoy, to the possible lack of mobility and future wheelchair/walker use or other health issues which can cause daily activities in your home to be challenging issues. Did you know that it costs an average of $79,000 per year for a private or semi-private room in a nursing home? At this point the cost is increasing approximately 3% per year. That means that, depending on your age, you will be facing a long retirement spending your life savings up in a short amount of time. My thinking is this: Unless you are severely disabled, wouldn't you want to remain in your home as long as possible? I live in a ranch home. You would think that any person who is up in age or facing possible health issues would look for a ranch home to ease their mobility. What I have found is that my ranch home is in no way accessible for anyone with a physical disability. A myriad of obstacles face the physically challenged. There is one step going into every entry doorway. My hallways are too narrow for wheelchair access. My bathrooms are cramped and circuitous. My laundry room is too narrow. My outlets are too low. My thresholds between floor changes are too high. My master bedroom is at the end of a narrow hallway and the master bath is in a small closet-sized room. The list goes on. My long-term goal in my home is to make it as handicap accessible as possible. I will be educating you in the process so you can do the same in your home. I will begin with my hall bathroom. The width of a wheelchair is 30". That means that a doorway must be a mininum of 32" for a user to be able to get their chair through. As you can see, my current doorway of 27" is too small for a wheelchair to enter. In order to enter the bathroom, one would have to turn a corner into the hallway which is only 38" wide. My plan is to change the doorway from the hall side to the lower side (in the picture). Since my bathroom is only 70" wide, wheelchair use is not going to be totally possible, as a 60" radius is needed for wheelchair turnaround. But I will get as close as possible. First things first, I must contact the necessary specialists to advise me if it is possible to change the doorway and all the plumbing I want to change around to have a less circuitous path in this bathroom. Stay tuned...