Frequently Asked Questions

Aging in Place is the ability to live in one’s home for as long as confidently and comfortably possible.

Today, homeowners are able to remain in their houses longer than ever before by making smart design changes to their homes. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of a wide range of attractive home fixtures and products available to help aging and disabled individuals make their homes safer, more comfortable and convenient without sacrificing style.

Most homes can be made more accessible with relatively simple modifications and the incorporation of universal design principles and other assistive technologies. Creating an Aging in Place plan can prevent unexpected events from turning into crises that compromise one’s ability to live independently, and Adaptable Home is here to help with that plan.

There are 3 Scenarios of Aging in Place:

1. Aging in place without urgent needs: This group includes individuals who want to stay in their current home, are not experiencing immediate health/mobility issues, and prefer Aging in Place and Universal Design conveniences. Many times this group starts to make decisions concerning their living environment before or around the time of retirement.

2. Aging in Place with progressive condition-based needs: This group is made up of those with chronic or progressive conditions that will require special modifications for Aging in Place. These individuals are usually aware of their needs, but meeting them is not necessarily urgent. Many have chronic conditions such as diabetes and lung/heart disease that challenge them.

3. Aging in Place with traumatic change needs: This group includes those who experienced an abrupt or immediate change that demands adjustments in the living environment for Aging in Place modifications and universal design.

For more information about Aging in Place go to: www.ageinplace.org

Entry Ways

• No Step Entries from sidewalks

• No Step Entries from the driveway

• No Step Entries from the front entry

• No Step Thresholds in the entry

• No Step Threshold in the home between rooms

• Garage Lift

Bathrooms/Bedrooms

• Building a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads (height adjustable handheld showerhead and fixed)

• Lowering the bathroom sink and making sure there’s proper knee clearance

• Installing an elevated toilet

• Installing grab bars

• Ensuring there’s ample maneuvering clearance

• Building a walk-in closet with storage at differing heights

• Installing rocker light switches that are easier to turn on compared to a more common flip switch

Kitchens

• Ensuring there is ample maneuvering space

• Varying the height of countertops

• Installing a sink with knee clearance

• Installing a raised dishwasher

• Lowering cooking surfaces

• Mounting a wall oven or microwave at reachable heights

• Making sure there’s an abundance of storage space within reach

• Providing a desk/work area with knee clearance

Lighting

• Adding proper lighting where you need it

• Switch to rocker-type light switches

• Well-placed skylights and ceiling lights

• Remote control lighting fixtures

Choosing a Certified Aging in Place Specialist to work with you on your home remodeling project means you have done your homework. You have selected someone who has been trained by the National Association of Home Builders in remodeling, building, retrofitting and crafting home solutions for those who wish to stay in their home while aging in place.

The term “universal design” was coined by the architect Ronald L. Mace to describe the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life. This type of design is also known as barrier-free living. Experts like Adaptable Homes make educated adjustments to current or new homes to make them accessible for everyone. We know what to do to make your home work for you. Maybe wider door frames and hallways, or ramps, grab bars and lower counters. Many parts of the universal design are not even noticeable, except to those who need the user-friendly adaptations.

The Principles of Universal Design:

The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University expounds the following principles:

1. Equitable use

2. Flexibility in use

3. Simple and Intuitive

4. Perceptible information

5. Tolerance for error

6. Low physical effort

7. Size and space for approach and use

8. These principles are broader than those of accessible design and barrier-free design.