An estimated 70 million baby boomers are reaching retirement age and nearly half of them don't feel their home will meet their needs as they grow older.
Yet according to a study by the AARP called "Fixing to Stay," Americans prefer to remain in their homes as they mature rather than seek assisted living and other arrangements.
As people grow older, or suffer from sports or other injuries, limits on their physical abilities and mobility can make daily routines more difficult. Stairs, slippery flooring, cabinets too high or too low and sharp corners can become obstacles or barriers to comfortable residences.
Solutions can come from knowledgeable remodeling contractors and real estate professionals.
The National Association of Home Builders developed a program called CAPS to train these service providers. CAPS stands for "Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist." Those who hold the designation have been trained in the techniques and strategies for purchasing, designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free homes.
Homes that meet certain criteria are easier to adapt for those who want an extra measure of comfort and safety. A real estate agent with the CAPS designation is the first to ask about these. In addition, there are a number of remodeling contractors in Naples who hold the CAPS designation.
Universal Design Features Easier Entry A step-free entrance into the central living area of the home from a driveway, sidewalk or route into the main floor.
Easier Passage Ample room to pass through doorways on the main floor.
Easier Use A bedroom, kitchen, entertainment area and a full bathroom with sufficient maneuvering space for a wheelchair, all located on the main floor accesssible via the step-free entrance.
Products
Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces
Handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrroms
Good lighting including bulbs that simulate daylight
Builders, Buyers and Renovators Guided by California Checklist
Since 2007, California has required builders of new for-sale residential units to provide buyers with a list of specific “universal design features” that make a home safer and easier to use for persons who are aging or frail, or who have certain temporary or permanent activity limitations or disabilities. Developers are not required to provide the listed features unless the developer has offered to provide a feature and the buyer has requested it and agreed to provide payment.
The six-page checklist created under the California law provides an excellent starting point for anyone considering having a home constructed or renovated with these universal design features:
1. Accessible route to the house such as the use of a graded path or ramp. 2. Exterior doors, openings and entries with a minimum of 32" of clearance. 3. Geneneral interior including 42"-wide hallways and accessible routes to bathrooms, kitchens and common areas. 4. Kitchens with adequate work and floor space, accessible appliances and accessible cabinets. 5. Bathrooms with a 60"-diameter turning area and safety controls. 6. Common rooms, including dining and living rroms, that are on one level. 7. Bedrooms with closets that have adjustable shelves and 32" clear openings. 8. Laundry areas with accessible appliances, cabinets and workspaces.
A home that demonstrates a huge array of these ideas and products is featured in one of Kohler's newsletters. The house was designed as a "living laboratory" by Cynthia Leibrock, an award-winning author, international lecturer and designer with more than 30 years of experience. She is the principal/founder of Easy Access to Health, has taught courses in architecture at Harvard University and has written several books, including Design Details for Health.
Kohler is one of the leading manufacturers of kitchen and bath fixtures that meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Another manufacturer, GE, lists ADA requirements in its Catalogue of Appliances.
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