“Aging in Place Part One” is the phenomenon describing senior citizens’ ability to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. Those who age in place will not have to move from their present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to their changing needs.
The Baby Boomers
As the baby boomers age, the 60+ population will spike from roughly 45 million in recent years to more than 70 million by 2020. Research shows that baby boomers’ expectations of how they will receive care differ from that of their parents’ generation. Overwhelmingly, they will seek care in their own homes and will be less likely to move into congregate living settings.
Aging-in-Place Inspections
Inspectors may recommend corrections and adaptations to the home to improve maneuverability, accessibility, and safety for elderly occupants. Some such alterations and recommendations for a home are as follows:
Appliances:
- microwave oven in wall or on counter;
- refrigerator and freezer side by side;
- side-swing or wall oven;
- controls that are easy to read;
- raised washing machine and dryer;
- front-loading washing machines;
- raised dishwasher with push-button controls;
- stoves having electric cooktops with level burners for safely transferring between the burners; front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot; and
- replace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burns.
Bathroom:
- fold-down seat installed in the shower;
- adjustable showerheads with 6-foot hose;
- light in shower stall;
- wall support, and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets;
- contrasting color edge border at countertops;
- at least one wheelchair-maneuverable bath on main level;
- bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars;
- if stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and wide;
- low bathtub;
- toilet higher than standard toilet, or height-adjustable;
- design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand;
- wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes; and
- slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower.
Counters:
- base cabinet with roll-out trays;
- pull-down shelving;
- wall support, and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets;
- upper wall cabinetry lower than conventional height;
- accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace;
- counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances;
- glass-front cabinet doors; and
- open shelving for easy access to frequently used items.
Next week “Aging in Place Part 2”.
