There are some 78 million American baby boomers entering their retirement years. That's a lot! And they are starting to make decisions on how and where to spend their retirement years comfortably.
What has been discovered is that most people prefer to stay in place -- they wouldn't want to move to a facility that provides care. Home is where the heart is and the heart wants to stay in its own familiar home. Designers and builders/remodelers are now creating "aging in place." They are modifying homes to be safe, and for the elderly to be able to maintain independence and be comfortable when physical capabilities and needs change. There are also those who have elderly parents who have moved in that have special needs as well. A survey conducted by AARP tells us that 90 percent of those 50 and older prefer their current homes and want to stay for as long as possible.
So what is the secret to staying in the same home as we age? It is called universal design. This term means that just about anyone living in a space will find ease and comfort of movement in their environment. A home that incorporates universal design eliminates barriers to access and provides a safe environment.
Let's get specific.
Wider doorways can allow wheelchairs better access to and from the rooms. Zero-threshold (level) entries also give wheelchairs easy access as well as anyone having difficulty walking or anyone walking with a cane or walker. Zero- or low-threshold showers make bathing easier even if mobility isn't limited. And lever door handles are not only practical but attractive as well. Bathroom grab-bars are always a safety plus. If you're not ready for those yet and are remodeling or building new, have the construction made so as to provide strong supports inside the walls for future grab-bar placements. Multiple countertop heights and lowered wall cabinets in the kitchen are not only practical for special needs; they are also attractive and give variety to the kitchen. These suggestions are all part of the universal-design plan.
Universal design isn't just for the elderly or handicapped. The overall look and outcome make living in the space comfortable and safe, and provides a feeling of freedom of movement throughout.
When building or remodeling, ask your architect and your interior designer if they are experienced in universal design.
(Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color." For design inquiries, write to Rosemary at DsgnQuest(at)aol.com.)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com)