Attractive and Functional Design Solutions for Aging Homeowners

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I suggest we stop looking at universal design as something only for our aging population. If our puplic spaces need to be UD why shouldn't our private residences be designed this way? My 51 year old Husband was diagnosed with MS 9 years ago. I recently went to the Raleigh are of NC. I looked at 25 to 30 homes under 10 years of age. Sadly only one was truly handicapped accesssible, it had been modified by it's previous owner. Shame on the builders who have so little insight.
We can ALL benefit from UD.

Theresa M. Collins of NY 9:03AM February 26, 2012

Cheers to USN&WR for its report, "Attractive and Functional Design Solutions for Aging Homeowners," which discusses making and remodeling homes suitable for our exploding population of aging adults.
As the designer of the "transgenerational" home shown in the entrance photo on slide 1 (Prevent Falls) — and author of the book, "Transgenerational Design: Products for an Aging Population" — I'm convinced that the importance of the report's age-in-place message and how-to information and cannot be overstated.
For over two decades, I've been designing, promoting, and supporting consumer products and living environments that accommodate—and appeal to—people of all ages and abilities.
Interested visitors to my website, www.transgenerational.org, will find a wide variety of useful information and design ideas that promote graceful aging, soften the impact of the aging process, extend independent living, and enhance the quality of life for all—the young, the old, the able, the disabled.

James J. Pirkl of NM 11:51PM December 14, 2009

My soon-to-be published book about universal design has a chapter-long checklist. To Cynthia Leibrock's list, I'll add some lighting suggestions:
1) Get fixtures with two bulbs; that way if one bulb burns out, you'll still have lighting.
2) Use compact fluorescent bulbs in hard to reach locations reducing the frequency of replacing burnt out bulbs.
3) Increase the light output of existing fixtures to the maximum allowed by the manufacturer (there is a UL label, typically near the socket, that tells you the maximum wattage. Using compact fluorescent bulbs allows you to get even more light.
4) Put those little 4-watt nightlights everywhere - hallways, kitchens, bathrooms; avoid moving about in a completely dark room. If you get the more expensive LED night lights, you won't have to replace burnt out bulbs.
5) Where possible and sensible, install automated lighting. Rooms can have occupancy sensors that turn lights on while you are in a room. Driveway and walkway lighting can also be automated by motion sensors. Poor sensor placement might cause anxiety if it's too frequently tripped by wildlife or a casual passerby. Those solar powered lanterns are a easy solution.
6) Reduce distracting glare by better light placement or with light diffusers.
Konrad Kaletsch
http://www.universaldesignresource.com/

Konrad Kaletsch of NY 9:20AM December 10, 2009

AS A DESIGNER, SAFETY, BEAUTY, AND FUNCTION ARE ALL INTEGRAL TO THE
PLANNING OF ANY SPACE. RECENTLY, I AQCUIRED MY CAPS (CERTIFIED AGING-
IN -PLACE -SPECIALIST) EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION SO THAT I CAN
BETTER UNDERSTAND AGING IN PLACE AND BE A MORE VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR MY CLIENTS. AGING IN PLACE IS A WONDERFUL AND PRACTICAL CONCEPT-- USEFUL IN A VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS. I HAVE TAPPED INTO THIS KNOWLEDGE WHILE DESIGNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR FAMILIES, PETS, CHILDREN, AND MULTI-GENERATIONAL SPACES. FOR MYSELF, AND MY CLIENTS, THIS INFORMATION IS A REQUISITE FOR MORE THOUGHTFUL AND SUCCESSFUL DESIGN FOR ALL AGE GROUPS AND MULTIPLE SITUATIONS.
PAULA WINTER ALLIED ASID, ASSOC. IIDA, CAPS
PAULA WINTER DESIGN
HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS
WWW.PAULAWINTERDESIGN.COM

PAULA WINTER of IL 4:30PM December 01, 2009

We can thank the Boomers for being on the cutting edge once again only this time it is for survival, safety and sanity! After having worked in Healthcare Design and attending several Symposia on Healthcare Design, I did have the opportunity to experience the methodology of Ms. Liebrock's laboratory experiment with builders and designers. It is was a reality check into aging eyes, digital limitations and ambulatory abilities. I know I am going kicking and screaming until the end so I am determined to stay at home as long as possible.
There is nothing like a time spent in home recuperation following surgery or a sports accident or other reason to put a whole new meaning on what is important in ones life. As Interior Designer, I am working with some clients in this area and have added CAPS certification to my list of credentials.

MaryLys Jackson ASID, IIDA, CAPS of CT 10:08AM November 30, 2009

Another item to consider adding to the home during any phase of construction or remodel is the TOTO Washlet, a comfortable heated toilet seat with bidet functionality, as well as a dryer. The benefit to the user is a hands-free personal cleansing experience.
It is installed on a new or exisiting toilet in the home. The main requirement is the installation of a GFCI outlet located within 3 ft of the toilet.
This product was introduced about 38 years ago in Japan with more than half of Japanese households using them.
An independent study shows us that the inability of a senior citizen to take care of their personal bathroom needs is a determining factor in the decision to move an elderly loved one to an assisted living facility. With the TOTO Washlet, the user maintains their personal dignity and enjoys a comfortable experience with ease-of-use.
www.totousa.com
Thanks for reading!

Morgan Matias of CA 1:30AM November 30, 2009

This article is a good starting point to make you think of all the avenues we will face as we mature in life. As a professional designer it is important to me to help educate my clients with making them aware of their options,regardless of what stage they are in life.
When interviewing your contractor ask them if they have been involved in projects with "Aging in Place" design, or if they are aware of this concept. This will help you as the client to hire the proper person for your job. Along, with knowing if they have the background to facilitate your needs.
Pam McPeak,ASID www.southernplacesinc.com

Pam McPeak,ASID of SC 2:55PM November 27, 2009

As an interior designer, I found this column very straight forward. I've always tried to incorporate some of the preliminary basics in my designs for clients - not are they appropriate to seniors, but they make alot of sense from a functional standpoint at any age. You may be young, but accidents happen and they will come in handy while recuperating at home.

Pat Gericke of NY 2:16PM November 27, 2009

I found this piece very useful in that it explains a 3 tiered breakdown ”to-do lists” which makes aging in place remodeling “do-able.” The challenge is to know where to start and who will help—this article provides a solid beginning to both.
Thank you…
Patrick Roden
aginginplace.com

Patrick J. Roden of OR 2:32PM November 24, 2009