Independent living design ideas and know-how

Do you remember popular culture referring to certain people as being part of the “Oreo generation”? Yes, these were boomers who had the responsibility for children or young adults as well as the growing accountability for their aging parents. Well, even if you aren’t caring for your parents right now, that may be in your near future.

Certified Aging in Place
At 77 million strong (28% of the population), baby boomers are catching on to a new trend fast. It’s called: Certified Aging in Place or CAPS. CAPS is a recent construction credential that calls in builders, architects, designers, home remodelers and even occupational therapists. CAPS design professionals are going beyond universal design ideas to create "aging-in-place," a phenomenon that is concerned with sweeping changes to custom-fit your home with modifications that can benefit your home and your family, as time goes by. Realtors too, are excited at the prospect of listing CAPS-styled homes and feel these altered environments will increase the value of your home and salability.

Aging-in-Place defined
While many Americans try not to think about getting older, the majority of Americans would like to continue living at home throughout their elderly years. Aging-in-place then is a way to outfit your home so you can continue to be independent as you or your parents mature. It means you can live comfortably regardless of age or ability level.

Today’s Homes
Since the vast majority of homes are not well-designed for independent living, many people are forced into “assisted living” environments or communities. Moving to a typical assisted living facility can cost upwards of $60,000 per year, year after year. A huge expense, and often out of the reach of many middle-income families.

Why it Pays Off
If you can think about and plan for aging-in-place changes, it will not only mean barrier-free surroundings but the principles of this type of design can save you money long term. For example, in order to make a bathroom safe for all age groups, the cost to widen the bathroom door, put in safety bars, and a roll-in shower system would, on average, cost about $6,000 to $8,000. But, it is a one-time expense and not a yearly drain on finances. In addition, if the medically-inspired changes are backed by a letter from the doctor, the expense costs may be deductible on your taxes.

Where to Find Professionals
There are CAPS training sessions now taking place across the nation and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have collaborated with the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP). CAPS graduates learn about the unique aspects of working with older Americans and their goal is to make the home safer, and barrier-free with less maintenance. 




Some CAPS-type changes include the following:
To get into and out of the house safely:
• Better outdoor lighting
• Attractive ramps or “zero-step” entrances to the home
• Handrails at existing steps and porches
• Package shelves by the front door
 

To help with easier meal prep and eating:
• Raised dishwasher
• Lever-handle faucets with pull-put spray
• Under the counter rolling islands
• Cooktop with controls on the front
• Larger, friendlier cabinet and drawer pulls

Bathroom changes (the #1 accident-related area in the home):
• Wider entry doors, 32-inches or more; or pocket-door-type style features
• Curbless showers—nothing to step over and wheelchair accessible if necessary
• Slide bar-type handheld shower for sitting or standing
• Anti-scald and pressure balanced tub shower valves
• Higher toilets with no-slam lids

Around the house features:
• Improved lighting with recessed fixtures
• Lower light switches and thermostats
• Raised outlets
• Future elevator planning or one-level living
• Wider doors to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers

Obviously these are just some of the ideas that can be incorporated into an aging-in-place home. And if you feel this design ideology does not apply to you, think about this: even younger adults are subject to bouts of arthritis—if you fell and broke your leg, how easy would it be to get up and down stairs, reach objects, bathe? Food for thought.  #