AGING-IN-PLACE DESIGN

As we get older, many of us want to live in our homes as long as possible. A collaborative effort between the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has led to a new construction designation of Certified Aging in Place Specialist, or CAPS. Research by the AARP has shown that although people would like to remain in their homes as they age, many are not aware of the ways in which remodeled homes or new homes can be made safer and more accessible to facilitate aging-in-place. CAPS, a nationwide initiative, connects responsible professionals with homeowners who would like to plan for the future as they initiate construction and remodeling projects. aging-in-place-design

Aging-in-Place

What is Aging-in-Place? It means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or change in physical circumstances. It addresses the need to remodel existing homes, and design new homes and additions, so people can live independently in non-healthcare environments, as they grow older. Most homes in America were not designed for an aging or disabled population. CAPS was developed to address the growing demand for supportive, accessible environments.

There are traditionally four basic design categories when building for a maturing and/or disabled market:

Universal Design is the design of products and spaces to make them usable by all people to the greatest extent possible. Universal Design targets the entire population.
Accessible Design is the design of a space that allows a person with a disability to make the greatest possible use of a space. Accessible Design targets a specific individual with a disability.
Adaptable Design addresses individual changes over time. Its current state does not provide a high level of accessibility but incorporates planning for easier future modifications as needed.
Visitability is design that permits a wheelchair user a minimum level of access to the ground floor of a home.

With these design categories in mind, CAPS projects create easy to live in, barrier-free homes that anyone would enjoy. Yet, each plan also considers disabilities that currently exist, or that may arise with increasing age. The goal is to create elegant, aesthetically pleasing, and barrier-free environments. In an age of greatly increasing life expectancy, what changes will allow you to continue living comfortably in your home? Here are some design goals you might wish to consider if aging-in-place appeals to you:

General Design

One full bedroom on ground floor
One full bathroom on ground floor
In multi-floor homes, closets stacked in a manner that would allow for future elevator installation
Door widths of at least 32” throughout the home, for wheelchair accessibility
Lever handles on doors and windows
Lower doorbells and front-door viewers
Elevated front loading washers and dryers
Rocker-style switches placed at 48” or lower
Lower heights of thermostats and switch to easy-to-read models
Raise outlets to minimum of 15” off floor
Use visual smoke detectors/fire alarm/telephone alerts
Use higher lumen value light fixtures in common areas and hallways/stairways (recent florescent technologies allow great lighting at a lower cost)
Install built-in night lighting
One full bedroom on ground floor
One full bathroom on ground floor
In multi-floor homes, closets stacked in a manner that would allow for future elevator installation
Door widths of at least 32” throughout the home, for wheelchair accessibility
Lever handles on doors and windows
Lower doorbells and front-door viewers
Elevated front loading washers and dryers
Rocker-style switches placed at 48” or lower
Lower heights of thermostats and switch to easy-to-read models
Raise outlets to minimum of 15” off floor
Use visual smoke detectors/fire alarm/telephone alerts
Use higher lumen value light fixtures in common areas and hallways/stairways (recent florescent technologies allow great lighting at a lower cost)
Install built-in night lighting

Safety and Security Outside The Home

One ground entry with a ½” or less threshold
Efficient outdoor lighting
Package shelf near main entry door
Front door with sidelight for visual security
Handrails added to existing steps and porches
Provide space for wheelchair ramps if needed

Kitchens

Lever-handle faucets with pullout spray
Raised dishwasher
Rolling island that can be stored under a counter
Revolving corner shelves and pullout shelves
Side-opening oven
Pullout cutting board
Adjustable height sinks and/or counter area
Side-by-side refrigerator with easy pullout shelves, and a water/ice dispenser
Cook top and oven with easy-to-read controls within reach
Larger cabinet and drawer pulls
Plenty of lower level storage
Foldout steps to reach cabinets at moderate heights

Baths

Two or three grab bars in shower or tub area
Lever handles on faucets
Adjustable height showerhead with hand-held showerhead
Curbless showers that can become wheelchair accessible if necessary
Tub and shower controls moved closer to entry point
Anti-scalding and pressure balanced tub/shower valves
Raised toilets with grab bars for assistance
Non-skid flooring
Wide door for ease of access
Room to maneuver with walker or wheelchair
Wheelchair accessible sink

Tech Options

Keyless entry
Emergency response system
Intercom/video system for entry door
Security system
Video security system
Power backup system
Television-based system that controls heating, air conditioning, important appliances, etc.

Costs

The advantages of being able to maintain familiar habits and surroundings, as well as independence and privacy are evident. Also, there are considerable economic advantages to home modifications designed with aging-in-place criteria. The costs of widening a bathroom door, adding safety/grab bars, and installing a roll-in shower, all one-time expenses, are vastly less of an investment than the move to an assisted-living facility. (Ask your accountant about the tax savings for medically necessary modifications.) As with any project, costs will vary depending upon the scope of the project and the quality and type of materials used.

Conclusion

Look to the CAPS designation as a reliable way to identify professionals that are best qualified to make the barrier-free modifications that will keep your home comfortable as you age. The educational program developed by the NAHB and AARP has been designed to ensure that graduates receive formal training in technical and construction techniques, as well as learning to work with the aging and differently abled population in assessing a clients requirements and making recommendations.

CAPS-designated professionals maintain their designation through continuing education and subscription to a Code of Ethics. If you are interested in speaking with a CAPS-trained contractor, contact Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. at 206-601-9725, or our Master Builders Association at 425-451-7920. Additional information about this program can be obtained by calling the NAHB Remodelors Council at 1-800-368-5242, ext. 8217.