Aging In Place

Services | Commercial | Residential | Green Building | Weatherization

What is Aging in Place?

The Journal of Housing for the Elderly states that aging in place is not having to move from one’s present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing needs. Aging in Place has grown in popularity and celebrated by the National Aging in Place Week and the National Aging in Place Council that promotes the positive outcomes of seniors having a choice in their care and living arrangements.

 

What is the CAPS designation? (NAHB www.nahb.com)

A Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) had been trained in:

The unique needs of the older adult population

Aging-in-place home modifications

Common remodeling projects

Solutions to common barriers

Keep in mind that when you hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, you are buying a service rather than a product. Each CAPS professional draws from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in a different way. No matter where you start in the process, you will eventually need to hire a professional remodeler to actually make the modifications to your home.

 

Tips to consider when remodeling:

Entry Ways

The entry way to your home is your connection to the rest of the world. It is important for receiving guests, for bring in the groceries, for getting to appointments and for getting out to social events. It should be safe and convenient no matter what the weather, day or night, no matter what your condition.

 

Barrier-free entryways make it easier for a family member or friend who uses a wheelchair, or a grandchild whose on crutches because they’ve broken a leg or twisted an ankle, to gain access to your home.

 

Kitchens

If you love to cook, but find it difficult to bend over, or if you have a height limitation, there are numerous steps you can take to modify your kitchen to make it more “user-friendly”, such as:

Providing a desk/work area with knee clearance

Ensuring there’s ample maneuvering space

Installing a sink with knee clearance

Installing a raised dishwasher

Lowering a cooking surface

Mounting a wall oven or microwave at reachable heights

Making sure there’s an abundance of storage space within reach

Bathroom/Bedroom

Space doesn’t get more personal than the bathroom. You use it countless times every day. It should be comfortable, attractive and safe.

 

To increase safety and accessibility in your master bedroom and bathroom, you should consider making the following home modifications:

 

Bathroom

Build a roll-in shower with multiple shower heads (height adjustable handheld

showerhead and fixed)

Lowering the bathroom sink and making sure there’s proper knee clearance

Installing a elevated toilet

Installing rocker light switches that are easier to turn on

Installing grab bars

Bedroom

Building a walk-in closet with storage at different heights

Ensuring there’s ample maneuvering clearance

Lighting

Lighting sets the mood. Controlling natural light during the day and electric light when you need it makes your home personal and convenient.

 

One way to reduce accidents in the home is to make sure you have proper lighting where you need it. Outdoor areas, stairways, the kitchen area, the living room and other places where you like to read, are just a few examples where lighting is often needed.

 

Use rocker-type light switches wherever possible. You can turn them on and off with the touch of an elbow if your hands are full.

 

Well-placed skylights and ceiling lights are just a few examples of the type of lighting you should consider adding to your home.

 

Yard

If you maintain a flower or vegetable garden in your backyard, you may want to consider raising you beds at some point. Raising your beds can help reduce fatigue and stress on your back.

 

You may also want to consider adding a ramp to your home as stairs can become more difficult to navigate.