Aging in Place

by Joel Barkman

Many of us have heard the terms "ADA complient" or "universal design." The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) prefers the term "aging in place."

When it comes to aging Americans, or all Americans for that matter, NAHB has been training its members to create "livable homes" - whether it is new construction or retrofitting your existing residence.

But, what is "aging in place" exactly? Aging in place means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It addresses the need to remodel existing homes, and design new homes, so people do not have to move to assisted living facilities as they age.

Because the vast majority of homes we live in are not well designed for this, new demand in residential construction has been on rise as our parents begin there journey into retirement.

The economics of doing aging-in-place modifications are a no-brainer. Relocating to a typical assisted living facility can cost upwards of $40,000 per year, plus the cost of moving. The cost to widen the bathroom door, add safety bars and a roll-in shower can cost as little as $8,000 to $10,000, but it's a one-time expense.

In addition to the economics, consider the psychological impact of being uprooted from your community, familiar rituals, independence and privacy. The affordability of aging-in-place remodeling is enhanced by the fact that medically necessary changes (such as wider doorways or a roll-in shower) can in some cases be tax deductible.

Construction and design professionals are urged to take advantage of the training provided by NAHB and its members.

Collaborative research by NAHB and the AARP shows two clear themes:

More than 85 percent of Americans want to remain in their homes as they age
Americans don't believe contractors have the proper expertise or businesses practices to help them do it.

NAHB and your local building association has something to say about that. Recently my team and I had the pleasure to work on a project that included wider doorways and walkways, access ramps to the front and back yards, no step entries, flush thresholds, grab bars, and a curbless shower.

This was done so that George Mason professor, Cindy Smith, could invite her mother who uses a wheelchair, to her home without worrying about her mother's safety.

Just as important, with mom being able to access her room on the ground level as well as the indoor and outdoor common areas of the home, Cindy doesn't have to worry about her feeling removed from the rest of the family.

The idea of designing new or remodeling your home and considering all the changes that need to be made can be daunting. Remember that the most important goal is to create a safer, barrier-free home.

Changes in the kitchen typically include:

Lever-handle faucets with pull-out sprayer
Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain (a good idea for front-loading washers and dryers, too)
Rolling island that can be placed back under the counter
Revolving corner shelves and pull-out shelves
Lower, side-opening oven
Pull-out cutting board
Adjustable height sink
Side-by side refrigerator with slide-out shelves and a water/ice dispenser
Cooking range with controls on front
Larger cabinet, drawer pulls

Changes in the bathrooms, the number one place for accidents in your home, include:

Installing two to three attractive looking grab bars in shower
Lever handles on faucets
Slide-bar-type hand-held shower, for sitting or standing
Inset shampoo nooks
Curbless showers - nothing to step over, and can be rolled into if a wheelchair becomes necessary later
Tub and shower controls moved closer to entry point
Anti-scald, temperature and pressure balanced tub shower valves for safer bathing
Higher toilets

Moving around in the house:

Improving lighting with recessed fixtures in common areas and hallways
Lever handles on doors and windows
Lower light switches and thermostats; raised outlets
Planning for future elevator installation by stacking closets
Adding blocking in walls for future chair lift at stairs
Wider doors that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers

These are just a few examples. Virtually all rooms of your house can be improved, even closets and garages. With the help of trained remodelers, designers and builders we can comfortably "age in place."

If getting around means getting stuck, you're not alone, just "Ask a Builder."

As always e-mail your questions or comments to joel@goldenrulebuilders.com or write to "Ask a Builder" at P.O. box 294, Catlett, VA 20119.

Barkman is past president of the Fauquier Chapter of The Northern Virginia Building Industry Association.

Read Joel's column weekly in the