As the building industry joins in the celebration of the first National Aging in Place Week, a survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows many of its members already recognize and meet the need to design new homes, and remodel existing homes, to eliminate potential barriers and allow people to comfortably age in place.
During the week of Nov. 9-16, the NAHB Remodelors’ Council, NAHB Seniors Housing Council, and NAHB Research Center are working with members of the National Advisory Council on Aging in Place and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association to encourage seniors, retirees, pre-retirees and Baby Boomers to ensure home safety and comfort as they age.
According to the 2003 NAHB Builder Survey, sponsored by NAHB and Countrywide Home Loans, a significant number of builders are already including aging-in-place features in homes. Many homes built today - especially in active adult communities and senior apartments - are designed with the following features to allow residents to live there longer and facilitate daily activities such as bathing, cooking or climbing stairs:
• At least one bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. More than 80 percent of builders surveyed included a full bath on the entry level, while more than half put the master bedroom on the first floor, allowing residents to adapt the lower floor for possible one-level living.
• Conveniently located and easy-to-use controls and handles. More than 80 percent of builders included lever door handles in new homes. Many of them also installed raised electrical outlets, electrical switches positioned slightly lower and thermostats with large, easy-to-read numbers.
• Extra maneuvering space throughout the home. A majority of builders (60 percent) surveyed included wider doors and hallways, making the home more accessible to residents of all ages.
• No-step entrances. If possible, having at least one entry without steps creates easier access for everyone, regardless of their ability.
• Larger bathrooms with safety features. More than 60 percent of builders are offering bigger bathrooms with features such as grab bars. Extra space makes maneuvering easier for people with walkers, crutches and wheelchairs or a caregiver, while grab bars help prevent falls.
• Improved lighting. Builders are including multiple controls to limit the number of trips needed to turn lights on and off, as well as adjustable controls, or dimmers, to help prevent glare and ensure proper lighting. Task lighting is preferred for cooking, reading and shaving, as is softer light for night trips to the bathroom.
Aging-in-place features can be easily incorporated into existing homes. To encourage consumers to hire professionals with experience in the aging-in-place field, the NAHB Remodelors’ Council also will spotlight the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) professional designation.
CAPS professionals are specially trained to design and build aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments, and can provide consumers with comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions. Additional information on CAPS and other professional designations awarded by NAHB is available online at www.nahb.org/education.