Gold Coast Remodeling Plus

Archive for April, 2009

The goal of any successful CAPS project is to blend the aging in place features with a homes’ style, in as seamless a manner as possible.  Accessibilty product manufacturers are continually developing new products that match residential plumbing and hardware styles in all the popular finishes.  Gone are the days of having to install the same stainless steel grab bar as used in hospitals or nursing homes.  Fortunately, many of the design goals of aging in place are consistent with the desires for more open areas, less formal separation of rooms and a brighter, more airy feeling. 

Accessibility needs, such as wider hallways, deeper roll-in closets with turnarounds, generous door openings, lever door hanles, double stair handrails and easy to access storage areas, will not only meet with approval but will add to the resale value and appeal of the property.

“Congratulations! Your graduation application has been approved and you are now officially a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)”, National Association of Home Builders, April 22, 2009

As we age, the day to day challenges of moving around will most likely increase. Often, people wait for a crises before thinking about making any home adjustments. However, with the awareness of these issues arrising, baby boomers may be more cognizant of the need to plan ahead because they have had to deal with their parents in a reaction mode.

Some Simple Things That Can Be Done
Statistics show that most accidents happen in the home. For seniors, there is often a downward spiral after a fall. A broken hip can lead to a decrease in independence and mobility, and then to a negative state of mind and so on.

Some simple things that can be done to help prevent falls;
remove throw rugs, tack down doormats, add some lighting and install handrails on both sides of stairways.

According to the National Association of Home Buiders (NAHB), the majority of Americans over the age of 45 want to continue living in a familiar environment thoughout their maturing years.  According to the AARP, older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age in place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

To age in place you will probably need to modify your home, as you mature, to increase access and maneuverability.  These modifications range from simple to complex.  Having currently completed the CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) program courses and awaiting certification, I have become familiar with the strategies and techniques for designing and buiding aesthetically enriching, barrier-free environments.

At Gold Coast Bath Systems, we will provide you with ideas and modifications that will enhance and support you to remain in your home safely and comfortably.  We  will be happy to assess your current environment and make recommendations for your particular situation.  If you are in need of a grab bar for the bath or shower, would like to widen the doorways,  change your tub into a barrier free shower, replace door knobs to levers or any other modifications that would contribute to you safely remaining in your home, we would be happy to provide you our services.

Aging in Place and the modification of existing homes is important because persons age 50 and older generally want to remain in their current homes as long as possible.  In a recent AARP study, survey respondents were asked,  “How well do you think your home is able to meet your physical needs as you grow older?”  Survey results indicated:

• 51% indicated that their home is able to meet their needs “very well” as they grow older
• 37% indicated that their home is able to meet those needs only “somewhat well.”
• 12% said their home is able to meet their physical needs “not well” or “not at all.”
• Respondents who reported a disability were somewhat less likely to report that their home was able to meet their physical needs “very” or “somewhat well” as they grow older.

Home modifications can enhance the quality of life for the occupants and enable them to enjoy the full use of their home, maintain personal independence and welcome guests of different ages and abilities.  The benefits of Aging in Place and home modification enables residents to remain in their communities and enjoy a familiar and comfortable life style.

Hello Everyone.

Jane and I have just completed the Caps course (Aging in Place)sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders. We are awaiting our Certification Papers (similar to Pedigree Papers) to arrive from Washington, DC.

Aging in Place enables people to remain in their homes safely,independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar enviornment thoughout one’s maturing years, and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives.

It is our goal to enable our clients to identify their needs and to recommend, offer and provide attractive design solutions that create a safe and comfortable environment for individuals who want to age in place.

To age in place you will probably need to modify your home as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications can range from the simple installation of grab bars, the adustment of countertop heights, the changing from door knobs to levers, to the creation of multifunctional first floor master suites to the installation of private elevators.

At Gold Coast Bath Systems, we will work with you to find the right modifications for you as you age in place in your home environment.

More to come next week……