Age in Place & Universal Design

WHAT IS “AGE IN PLACE”?
“Age in Place” design is a term we use to describe a type of design process that empowers more seasoned Homeowners with the choice and control to continue living in a familiar non-healthcare environment throughout their maturing years. This "control" provides the underpinning to our feelings of dignity, quality of life and independence. Our home is a strong element in our feeling of security and Age in Place design economically embraces this concept and helps preserve your ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and special events that enrich all our lives. By implementing Age in Place design techniques, you will never have to leave behind a comfortable setting, familiar community and many memories.

WHY CHANGE?
Most residential housing is geared toward young healthy adults. Builders tend not to take into account age-related conditions such as reduced mobility or limited range of reach. As a result, most dwellings do not support the physical and sensory changes that we encounter as we mature. What appear to be insignificant home features to a family starting out can have a dramatic impact for a person with even minor aging issues.

WHY NOT WAIT?
There is an old adage that says “The time to buy snow tires is not in the middle of winter”. Aging in Place integrates design, equipment, and services to provide the opportunity and stability to remain in the home of your choice indefinitely. Age in Place design works best when people prepare their home environments in advance of accidents or injuries using Universal Design to adapt to a family’s change in independence and create ergonomic care environments.

WHY IS A “CAPS” DESIGNER SO IMPORTANT?
A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to successfully addressing the unique challenges of Age in Place design. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) and their NAHB Remodelers™ Council, in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center, and NAHB Seniors Housing Council, developed an intensive certification program to provide graduates with comprehensive, practical, market-specific information to about working with older and maturing adults on how best to remodel their homes for aging-in-place.