Innovative Building and Remodeling Solutions
for Independent Living

Thinking of making home modifications so you, or a loved one, can age-in-place? To have a fully functional universal designed home, you need to go beyond the shower stall bars, wider hallways, and doors. Consider buying new appliances with aging-in-place features.

As this article illustrates, today’s appliance makers are becoming more aging-in-place friendly by developing drawer-based kitchen appliances, simplified controls, and smarter formats.
Margaret Biggs, a universal design consultant with Disability Advocates of Kent County in Michigan, says that within 10 years, many younger families will have live-in seniors, such as parents or grandparents. Designs to help seniors or people with disabilities also can foster independence for children. One example she cites in the article is microwave ovens.

According to Biggs, they should be at counter height or lower. Some new designs now put the microwave in a pull-out drawer below the counter because the ones above the stove or oven are extremely dangerous for seniors and children, mainly due to the fact that there’s something very hot above their heads.

The convenience of a drawer refrigerator or drawer dishwasher also has wide appeal among baby boomers. In other easy access options, according to the author, “overhead cabinets could have pull-down shelves, while base cabinets’ shelves could be pulled up. Cabinets with pocket doors can accommodate a cook in a wheelchair.”

In the kitchen, with oven knobs on the front of the unit, cooks don’t have to reach over hot pots to change the setting. Some newer models now have thermal sensors to cut the power when a burner overheats.

From laundry room to kitchen to bathroom, thoughtful design targets safety and ease of use for aging boomers. Whirlpool was one of the first appliance makers to put a washer and dryer on a pedestal, requiring less bending. General Electric recently introduced a three-sump smart dispenser in the optional pedestal base in its Profile front loaders. These tanks hold up to six months of detergent, softener and other products in a drawer under the washer.

The article concludes that with pull-out drawers for appliances, open cabinetry, a level floor and a wheelchair-friendly layout, a house can be a home for years longer.

So what other new appliances have you seen or have that makes it easier for someone to age-in-place?

At the recent International Code Council’s (ICC) Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, decisions were made that resulted in a number of changes as to how homes must be built in communities where the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) is adopted.

These new code provisions may affect those who are planning to remodel their homes in order to age-in-place or those seniors and people with disabilities who are considering building new homes that are designed to allow them to remain living comfortably and independently at home in the future.

The most discussed change is a new mandate for fire-sprinkler systems in one- and two-family homes. Under the 2009 IRC, each residential jurisdiction will have to choose whether or not its community will adopt any such new fire code provisions.

Here is a summary of other code changes that single and multifamily builders can expect next year:

•    Carbon Monoxide Alarms:  A new provision requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors outside of all sleeping areas, with the number required varying by the configuration of space.

•    Wall Bracing Requirements:  A new code also increases specifications for the amount of wall bracing needed to resist wind loads for three-story homes, homes with large open plans, and homes in high-wind regions. In addition, the new code requires blocking between the roof-framing members at braced wall panels for homes with deep-truss members or roof-joists, and homes in high-wind or high-seismic areas.

•    Window Fall Prevention Devices:  Builders will now be required to add some sort of fall protection device during the installation of emergency egress windows.

•    Wall and Roof Cladding Inspections:  For multifamily builders, the new International Building Code (IBC) will require wall and roof cladding inspections in high-wind regions.

•    Domestic Clothes Dryer Ducts:  The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is already working with proponents of this code change, which would limit the length of ducts to 25 feet.

•    Shower Liner Test:  Building inspectors will now be required to observe whether the liners under showers can hold 2 inches of water for 15 minutes without any leaks.

•    International Fire Code (IFC) Construction and Design Provisions:  A new requirement in the IFC makes fire code officials responsible for inspecting construction outside the home as well as inside the home.

•    International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Changes:  These eliminate the option for home builders to make so-called “equipment trade-offs” during construction. The changes now require them to modify the building envelope in order to meet code.

Building specialists like Home Evolutions are well versed and up to date on any new construction codes that may affect your home building and remodeling plans. Be sure to consult with a builder that is familiar with the residential codes in your community.

How can implementing some of the above mentioned, new building codes make your home a safer space in which to age-in-place?

Everyone here at Home Evolutions would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a New Year filled with good health and independent living!

For six months, this blog has been describing the growing trend of seniors and people with disabilities who choose to remain living in their own homes comfortably, safely, and independently. In fact, we here at Home Evolutions have built our entire company based on what we have always foreseen and acknowledged in the residential modification industry—the continually expanding trend of the Aging-in-Place Movement.

As time passes, what we have long perceived as an evident fact, is now being more commonly reported by major groups and organizations, as well as by social and healthcare experts that both represent and study the rising number of people who choose to age-in-place.

One such expert is Michael O’Neal, an urban sociologist with AARP, who described these independent living trends that are now being chosen by Baby Boomers. “Members of the post-World War II baby boom are fast approaching traditional retirement years with the advantages of a longer life, more wealth, and better education than previous generations.”

Actually, a recent AARP survey suggested that right now and in the future, the great majority of Baby Boomers will desire and choose residential remodeling that will enable them to continue living in their own homes.

Statistics also indicated that this senior population is exploding, and by 2030, there will be more than 70 million Americans who are 65 and older—more than twice as many as there are today.

The AARP polling found that 84% of people who are 50 and older would prefer to reside in their existing homes and within their own communities. But O’Neal noted another interesting statistic that may prove the ever growing need for renovation specialists like Home Evolutions. “Only 16% [of seniors] have actually made the modifications that would enable them to be safe and comfortable in their own homes,” he said.

As with most trends, they eventually do become the accepted norms and standards of society. With this in mind, it is very important that companies like ours continue striving to constantly be on the cutting edge of the Aging-in-Place Movement—because as more and more seniors and people with disabilities choose to remain living at home, they will need the expert guidance and services of CAPS designated builders and remodelers like Home Evolutions.

How many of your family members and friends are also decidedly sure that they plan and want to age-in-place?

Good news for the aging-in-place movement. Health care for seniors will be at the forefront of the options released in the congressional white paper—”Call to Action, Health Reform 2009“. The plan outlines numerous initiatives, including those pertaining to aging-in-place, designed to provide appropriate and cost-effective care to our seniors, and the rest of the nation.

In a joint statement issued by the senators who drafted the plan, they wrote, “We agree that the members of the 111th Congress should seek to achieve comprehensive health care reform that includes access to effective coverage, quality care for all, and measures to control rising costs. We intend to work together toward quality, affordable health coverage and care for every American.”

The plan includes several recommendations that are directed specifically to the concept of life-long health care with a focus on health issues associated with aging. With seniors being the fastest growing demographic group in the nation, the plan recommends investing in the direct care workforce and assistive technologies to allow Americans the opportunity to age-in-place.

The plan states that the cost for nursing home care is extremely expensive, about $70,000 per year on average. Without financial assistance from Medicaid or private insurance, most people simply cannot afford extended nursing home care. Home or community-based care is more cost-effective, and most patients would prefer care in these settings to institutional care.

The plan would consider options to further expand access to Home and Community Based Services in Medicaid. These options include providing states with new tools and incentives to make them more available to more beneficiaries and exploring options to better coordinate care for dual eligible individuals under Medicare and Medicaid.

The plan would also encourage states to explore new options that improve access to long-term care services and supports to prevent the progression of disability and to help individuals remain in their own homes. By intervening earlier with targeted assistance, states can help prevent or delay costly institutionalizations and provide a more patient-centered benefit. In addition, exploring inefficiencies and conflicting incentives within Medicare and Medicaid could improve the quality of care and decrease costs.

The senators hope to be able to reach a consensus on his proposed health care reforms when the new Congress begins session on January 6, 2009.

What do you hope to see happen with heath care reform as it relates to aging-in-place?

According to a new survey prepared for AARP, one in four baby boom generation households (26%) expects to move from their current home in the future, with the majority looking for a single-level home that is more comfortable or convenient.

Most boomers (79%) say they would like to stay in their current home for as long as possible.  Less than 10% said they would like to stay in their current home but don’t think they will be able to do so.

Many of those who expect to move said they will be looking for a better house, a better climate or a home that is closer to family and friends. More than half of those boomers (age 45-64) planning to move expect to look for a home that’s all on one level (59%).  About half said they will look for a newer home (50%) or a smaller home (49%).

The poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for AARP was released to coincide with the announcement of the 2008 Livable Communities Awards from AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) honoring innovative thinking in the field of home and community design.

“While boomers will reflect the patterns of earlier generations and mostly age in place,” said Elinor Ginzler, Senior Vice President of AARP, “the sheer number of boomers will increase demand for a whole variety of home and community options. The 2008 Livable Communities Award winners offer some great examples of appealing, user-friendly design.”

Established in 2007 by AARP and NAHB, the Livable Communities Awards are presented annually to builders, remodelers and developers for projects that enhance the daily lives of people of all ages and abilities by incorporating:

•    Design elements that accommodate the needs of all residents with all levels of physical ability from children through grandparents;
•    Easy access to community services and features such as retail, restaurants, medical, social and cultural activities, as well as viable transportation options;
•    Improved energy efficiency and enhanced site design; and
•    Better communication with key stakeholders

A panel of expert judges appointed by NAHB and AARP reviewed applications and selected the finalists. Judging criteria varied from category to category, but points were awarded based on: 1) Universal Design Features; 2) Ease of Maintenance and Energy Efficiency; 3) Exterior Design and Landscaping/Site Design; 4) Incorporation of Livable Community Design Features; and 5) Stakeholder Involvement.

Winners will be honored at a dinner in Washington, DC on December 10, 2008. For more information, photos and video clips of the winning projects, visit www.aarp.org/homedesign.