Aging in Place

by Joel Barkman

More remodeling and new home clients are planning ahead and opting to alter their existing homes or design their new homes for aging-in-place, according to recent data gathered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Seventy percent of remodelers surveyed reported making universal design home modifications, a significant bump from 60 percent just three years ago.

"Home owners are asking for remodeling improvements to make their homes more comfortable as they age because they don't want to move or lose independence," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Greg Miedema, a remodeler from Tucson, Ariz. "These modifications can make a home more stylish and convenient for the aging population."

The aging-in-place modifications most frequently purchased by homeowners, according to remodelers, include

Adding grab bars (78 percent)
Installing higher toilets (71 percent)
Upgrading to a curb-less shower (60 percent)
Widening doorways (57 percent)
Constructing ramps or lower thresholds (45 percent)
Enhancing lighting and task lighting (45 percent)

NAHB's survey also found that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of aging-in-place options, with remodelers saying that 84 percent of homeowners have at least some knowledge of universal design solutions. Seventy-four percent of remodelers also note an increase in requests for these types of features.

While remodelers say the bulk of jobs for aging-in-place come from clients age 55 and older, a growing number of consumers are not requesting aging-in-place remodeling solely for themselves. Often such improvements address age-related disabilities of visiting older relatives, or modifications to make it easier for parents to share living space with grown children. Seventy percent of homeowners started remodeling projects for aging-in-place because they were planning ahead for such future needs.

If you're like the majority of Americans over the age of 45, you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age in place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

It doesn't matter if you are young or old. You could be short or tall, healthy or ill. You might have a disability. Or you may be a prize-winning athlete. By incorporating universal design, or aging-in-place design principles, people who are very different can all enjoy the same home. And that home will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change. When exploring the possibilities for your new home or house remodel consider the following:

No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get into a universal home or into the home's main rooms.
One-story living. Places to eat, use the bathroom and sleep are all located on one level, which is barrier-free.
Wide doorways. Doorways that are 32-36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through. They also make it easy to move big things in and out of the house.
Wide hallways. Hallways should be 36-42 inches wide. That way, everyone and everything moves more easily from room to room.
Extra floor space. Everyone feel less cramped. And people in wheelchairs have more space to turn.

Some universal design features just make good sense. Once you bring them into your home, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. For example:

Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They're not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.
Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.
Good lighting helps people with poor vision. And it helps everyone else see better, too.
Lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. But others like them too. Try using these devices when your arms are full of packages. You'll never go back to knobs or standard switches.

Aging in place means remaining in one's home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one's maturing years and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a "home" for a lifetime.

Getting older shouldn't require a move. When it comes to aging, if home is where the heart is, remember, just "Ask a Builder."

For more information about NAHB's and other aging-in-place programs e-mail joel@goldenrulebuilders.com or write to "Ask a Builder" at P.O. box 294, Catlett, VA 20119.

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

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

Read Joel's column weekly in the