Design for life. AKA design for: all, access, lifespan, universal, inclusive, adaptive and more
What parent hasn’t cursed steps and stairs as they’ve hauled a baby laden stroller up them? Or protected sharp corners from impact by a pre-schooler’s head? Who hasn’t slipped in the shower and reached out for something substantial to hold onto?
Designing for Acoustics, Hearing and Aging
The American Society of Interior Designers has some information about designing for people with hearing loss on their website. An article written by Samantha McAskill, ASID, lists various tips for interior designers like, using sound absorbing fabics, avoiding high ceilings, planning for quiet rooms / areas in the home, selecting quiet appliances, and using visual […]
NAHB Remodelers Bestows 2013 Homes for Life Awards
The National Association of Home Builders Remodelers group recently announced 2 winners of its annual Homes for Life awards, which recognize great design for aging in place and Universal Design. The awards were presented on Oct. 17 at the NAHB Remodelers’ annual gala during the 2013 Remodeling Show in Chicago.
Life and Death in Assisted Living
More and more elderly Americans are choosing to spend their later years in assisted living facilities, which have sprung up as an alternative to nursing homes. But is this loosely regulated, multi-billion dollar industry putting seniors at risk? In a major investigation with ProPublica, FRONTLINE examines the operations of the nation’s largest assisted living company, […]
CAPABLE Study to Research Benefits of Aging in Place
Johns Hopkin’s CAPABLE study is reaching out to 800 low-income residents of Baltimore to gather data on whether simple interventions can allow people to remain in their homes longer. The CAPABLE project – which stands for Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders – was created by Sarah Szanton, a faculty member at […]
Aging in Place Checklist
Remodeling Magazine ran a short article about Dan Bawden of Legal Eagle Contracting, and how he approaches working with clients wishing to age-in-place. Bawden helped write the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) course description 10 years ago for the National Association of Home Builders. Now, about 75% of his firm’s work involves some aspect of aging-in-place. Bawden’s […]
Future Communities Must be Sustainable and UD
We came across a great post on the American Architectual Foundation‘s website that not only outlines the importance of Universal Design and visitability, but also explores their relationship to sustainable design. Written by Kathy Sykes, Senior Advisor for Aging and Sustainability at U.S. EPA, the article looks at the principles of Universal Design, explains how […]
City Hall to Help with Aging In Place
In Virginia, the City of Alexandria is offering home improvement programs to help residents enhance the safety and comfort of their homes. The Home Rehabilitation loan program is administered through the city’s housing office, and is the largest program offered. It is funded by the Federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs, and designed […]
NORCs – A New Aging In Place Solution
A new alternative to current senior living has emerged in cities across the United States, including the major metropolitain area New York City. Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, or “NORCs,” is a concept that fosters aging in place for older populations. Some 22% of those living in the Upper West Side – folks who settled into […]
No Place Like Home
The October issue of PN Magazine contains a great article that explores the economic benefits that we as a society could gain by investing in Aging in Place. Written by Charles Schwab, AIA, CAPS, GCP, the article argues that creating tax incentives for Universal Design remodeling and new construction products will encourage more people to […]