Who uses this service?

Certified aging-in-place specialists help people who want to make their homes a home for a lifetime, regardless of their age, income or abilities.Universal design isn’t just for the elderly or handicapped. Rather, it ensures that people of all ages and ability levels can live comfortably and safely in a home. The universally-designed home accommodates all family members at all stages of life…. from infants to grandparents, all of whom benefit from homes that impose fewer restrictions on daily activities and maximize independence and safety.

The goal of aging in place is just as it sounds, helping people age in place, within their homes. For the older population, this may mean the difference between being able to stay and age in their homes or moving out and living with family members or at a nursing home. The aging in place concept is great for older adults but is also beneficial for all populations. For example, wider doorways are beneficial for people in wheelchairs but also benefit someone trying to maneuver a baby stroller in the house. Lower light switches make turning on a light easier to someone in a wheelchair and to a child.

Steps or areas to consider in making a universally designed home:

• No-step entry allows entering the home directly from the sidewalk by sloping or ramping the walkway to the door. A variety of materials, such as pavers, gravel, and cement, can be used with landscaping to make a strong, step-free visual impression.
• One-story living prepares for the future by locating a bedroom and bath on the main floor. This can save later renovation money if planned ahead. Deep stacked closets on the floors directly overhead can permit installation of a future home elevator, as an alternative in a two-story home.
• Wide interior doorways (34–36 inches wide) ensure access to all rooms. To gain an extra two inches of clearance, swing-away hinges provide extra width for a minimal cost. If a construction project is needed to retrofit the doors, combining this project with a bathroom or kitchen remodeling job might be most cost-effective.
• Wide hallways (48 inches or more wide) enable easier turns. Wheelchairs generally require a five-foot clearance to easily turn without backing up.
• Extra floor space can be obtained by eliminating unnecessary clutter and unused furniture. In addition to adding turnaround space, adding decorative chair rails can add beautiful yet handy grips for maneuvering, especially if balance is a concern.
• Pull and lever handles are easier to grasp than round knobs on cabinets and drawers, and can be more stylish. Levers allow opening with either hands or elbows. Pulls should be large and extend far enough to accommodate larger hands.
• Lighting should be considered based on the function and tasks for specific rooms. Kitchens, reading areas, and bathrooms generally have higher lighting needs. Motion sensors can help prevent accidents in hallways and on staircases. Overhead, step, and tread lighting on staircases can also help light the way.
• Adjustable rods and pullout shelving in kitchen and bathroom cabinets and above stove tops and sinks can all be installed with either manual or motorized access.
• No-step showers and baths require removing steps, barriers, or curbs in showers. A five-foot clearance is suggested. A drainage system requires a gently sloping floor from all sides. Shower rooms with moisture-proof barrier walls and floors are also popular. Attractive fold-up teak wood benches and portable bidets can be installed to preserve dignity and ease of use. At a minimum, grab bars at the shower, tub, and toilet should be considered. Smaller tile on bathroom floors can reduce slips and falls. Bathrooms are the most misunderstood spaces in new construction for accessible living.
• Bordering floors and counter-tops with contrasting colors can help individuals with sight impairments. Minimizing the uneven height difference between carpeted surfaces and wooden or tile floors can help eliminate falls. Curving the edges of cabinets and counter tops is also a must to avoid hurting oneself. Hands-free faucets, stair lifts, and grab-bar backings built into the wall structure are other useful solutions.