What Is Aging In Place?
Aging-in-place means being able to remain 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 daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives.
It means being able to call your house a “home” for a lifetime.
Please read my blog and listen to my podcast “Home Designs For Life“ “to learn more about how you can also age in place.
How Long Do You Plan To Live In Your Home?
If you are like the majority of Americans over the age of 45, you want to continue living in your same home and community throughout your maturing years.
According to AARP, older home owners overwhelmingly prefer to stay close to family and friends in an environment to which they’ve grown accustomed over many years.
How To Modify Your Home In Order To Age In Place
To age in place, you will probably need to make alterations to your home to improve safety, access and maneuverability.
These modifications could include installing bath/shower grab bars, adjusting counter-top heights, increasing lighting, adding an elevator or creating multi-functional first floor master suites.
Things To Consider…
- Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the main level?
- Are my entryways barrier-free and at least 32-inches-wide?
- How can I make my kitchen more functional?
- How can I make my bathroom safer, more accessible, and functional?
- Will I be able to continue my hobbies and activities I enjoy doing?
- How can I continue to access my yard?
- Am I worried about falling and preventing falls?
- Will other members of my family benefit from modifications?
Why Hire A Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS)?
The CAPS Designation was developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and is administered by NAHB.
Professionals who have earned the CAPS designation are knowledgeable in designing and building aesthetically-enriching, barrier-free living environments.
They have been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population and apply strategies and techniques to provide comprehensive and practical home modification solutions.
CAPS graduates also pledge to uphold a professional code of ethics and are required to take continuing education to maintain their designation on a yearly basis.
While most CAPS professionals are remodelers, an increasing number are general contractors, interior designers, architects and health care consultants, such as occupational therapists.
When you hire a CAPS professional, you are buying a service rather than a product.
Aging In Place Modifications
Kitchen and bathroom remodels are the most commonly renovated rooms in a house.
The implementation of universal design with aging-in-place strategies help create spaces that are functional, safe, and beautiful.
Most importantly, they can be used by people of different ages and abilities. That’s why it makes financial sense to invest in your home.
Your home should work for you and change with you as you age!
Bathroom Remodel
Lets face it, the bathroom is a place where a lot happens! It is also where most accidents and injuries occur.
Creating a bathroom that is accessible and functional can help decrease your risk for falls.
Our goal is to incorporate features and recommend products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, design forward, and take the following factors into account:
- safety, luxury and function
- are low maintenance
- allow for multiple users
- consider privacy
- dignity and comfort
- are budget friendly
- and incorporate contemporary features
Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is the beating heart of a home. It can also be a challenging workplace, with risk for burns and falls.
As we age, our vision, hearing, balance, strength, and our ability to get around are all affected.
Aging-In-Place design elements and strategies create useful, convenient, and functional layouts.
It also takes into account a person’s current and future needs. At Home Designs for Life, our goal is to create spaces that are safe, functional, and beautiful.
We will help you create a kitchen design that facilitates the following functions: storage, preparation, cooking, serving, and cleaning.
We are happy to work in collaboration with your interior designer, architect, or builder to create the best modifications that will serve your current and future needs.
We’d love to hear from you.