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.