Patricia Nunan

Universal Design and Age in Place have different meanings yet do the same thing when applied correctly. We will discuss the impact of Universal Design and Age in Place as it relates to changing demographics, lifestyles, economy and the remodeling industry. Technology and healthcare have prolonged the active lifestyle and helped those living with a disability to be more independent. In this format we want to explore how these demographic, physical and financial changes affect the way we talk to our clients, plan & educate ourselves and build. This is an evolving territory with countless ideas and solutions to help people enjoy their homes. We hope you'll join in the discussion, explore solutions and share new ideas.

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Good Design Comes First

Summer is passing by so quickly; soon it will be back to school and back to work. This past weekend was a wet one in SE Pennsylvania so my husband and I decided to check out a few open houses in nearby 55 + communities and others being marketed to the boomer set. I was really disappointed in what I saw.

At one home that was advertised as unique, meaning it was the “handicapped” house, I was appalled at the poorly designed kitchen and bathroom. They tried very hard to make most of the home seem elegant with lots of wainscoting and angled walls. So when I waked into the bathroom I just stopped dead in my tracks. There was a large, long bathroom with probably 12 running feet of counter top – all of it low – with 2 sinks and so many CFL’s over a gigantic mirror it was blinding. This could have had multiple height counters, an open space, dimmabl...Read More

Pay Attention to Those News Bites

Every day there is a new report or story about the aging of the population. Yesterday was one of those days. A new report was mentioned on the radio about on the growth of the aging population. It said that in five years here will be more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 5. It is mind boggling.

When you think about it that adds up to a lot of people that should be thinking about what they are going to do and where they want to live as they age. Just a few days ago the world’s oldest man died at the age of 113. Incredible. A Montana man is 112. He remembers talking to his father about the war – the civil war and reading by kerosene lamps. As time passes and more medical advancements are made, our generation could be the norm of reaching 112 or more.

We can’t cover the nation in active 55 communities with ping-pong activity ...Read More

When Age in Place hits home

I just returned home from my vacation and received a call from my sister-in-law regarding Mom. Mom is 90 years old and is beginning to slow down; she’s having trouble making the 6 steps to the porch.

3 years ago my mother-in-law moved into the home that she purchased together with her daughter after her husband of 65 years died. We all helped in finding the right home that would meet most of their needs for the short and long term. The home they chose already had wide doorways and Moms bathroom already had a shower with a seat, grab bars and low threshold. The only negative we figured was the 6 steps to the porch - but the porch was level with the threshold of the front door so that was a good thing. When they purchased the home I knew what the options would be if we needed to make changes to help Mom stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. Althoug...Read More

Do you really know what Universal Design Is?

It’s been a busy month with everyone trying to get in the last programs of the season and projects done before winding down for the summer. Business seems to be picking up just a bit. People are interested in doing projects again although they are scaled back considerably or only because they "have to do something soon before…"

Last week I attended my NARI chapter meeting and we had very good attendance. Many were guests eager to check it out. I met a fellow member who I have known for years and we were discussing how I could incorporate his product line into a universal design project to showcase their product. He did mention that he had been unable to attend my last workshop on understanding Universal Design and Aging in Place. This member also brought a guest with him and was eager to explain what I do and what Universal Design is to his guest. ...Read More

Universal Design Resources – Get Out and Spread the Word

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate as an exhibitor at a Disabilities Resource Expo sponsored by two local PA state representatives. (State Representative Thomas Murt, 152nd Legislative District, Bernie O’Neill 29th Legislative District). The event was free and open to the entire community. Vendors from local, state and federal agencies as well as disability advocacy groups were on hand to answer questions about the health, safety and welfare of those with disabilities. Persons from all walks of life attended. Young and old, some with disabilities, others gathering information for their families or clients. I and a colleague represented the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).

We were bombarded with questions. Most event attendees as well as the other vendors had no idea there were people out there that actually could help th...Read More

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