Universal Design and Age in Place

Mar 20 2009 1:30PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (1) |
Blog This! using: Blogger.com | LiveJournal |

By Patricia Nunan

Universal Design and Age in Place are all about making a home safe, accessible, and livable. With 78 million boomers (denying their aches and pains) and 20% of the population living with a disability, many can’t live in their homes comfortably or safely. Now it the time to educate ourselves and our clients on what we can do to help people of all ages and abilities, live in their homes safely and with style.

For the past 8 years I have been working for a local government agency that helps low-income families remain in their homes by providing home modifications. The modifications are very specific to the needs of the client. During this time I have met some incredible people and have seen how they have overcome challenges that most of us hopefully will never have to experience. It’s been a life changing experience. I hope to share some of these stories of remarkable people and how we creatively solved problems allowing them stay in their homes & live independently. 

Marketing to this demographic can be a challenge. Most often it’s a matter of need; however selling Universal Design/Age in Place to a healthy active adult can be a challenge. It’s a little easier for those seniors in their 60s and 70’s. After that it’s the children of the seniors who are really your target market. We as professional remodelers, many of us nearing or over that 55 plus, will have an easier time discussing Universal Design and Age in Place if we educate ourselves on what it really means and how it can make anyone’s life easier and more comfortable. 

I mentioned that I have lived in my home for 36 years. I was a young bride moving into an old home. My husband and I raised two children and added 3 additions to the small bungalow style house. During that time we had injuries and illnesses that made hard to live in our home for short periods of time. As we remodeled we widened doorways, added lever hardware and better lighting; the easy stuff. My point is I have “aged in place” and I’m not old. 

So let’s discuss how we can make life easier and safer for those people that have a disability. Make it easier and safer for young families to stay in their home as their families change. Help older people that want to stay in their home; do so for as long as they want and do it all with the style they deserve. Next time I’ll discuss the definitions of Age in Place, Universal Design and Visitablity and how it affects lifestyles.