Playing It Safe While Aging in Place

By Karen Pitsley



Whether to move or to age in place ... that is the question on the minds of many older adults. According to AARP, more and more older homeowners are choosing to remain in the home in which they raised their family, despite the fact that they may have the ability to reap a hefty profit if they were to sell.

Remaining close to family and friends, satisfaction with one's community and a comfort level and familiarity with one's living environment are some of the reasons Americans are opting to stay put. Deciding to remain in one's home often leads homeowners to make significant renovations to the home in order to live comfortably, independently - and most importantly - safely.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) are professionals who have been called upon frequently in recent years to modify homes for maturing adults. In some instances, younger family members have constructed additions to their homes in order to have older parents or an in-law join them while still living independently.

Some homeowners have planned financially for these renovations, while others take home equity loans on their mortgage-free dwellings. In October of 2006, the governor of Pennsylvania signed into law the Residential Visitability Design Tax Credit. This law gives municipalities and counties the ability to offer tax credits up to $2,500 to people who make their homes more accessible for themselves or loved ones. Other states have similar laws under consideration, though Maryland is not among them.

Aging-in-place modifications are varied. Some may be a combination of minor changes, like the installation of bath and shower grab bars, the adjustment of countertop heights, hardware changes or additional lighting.

However, as the unique needs of an older adult or the onset of physical infirmities present additional challenges, the need for more significant changes becomes more critical. Design modifications may include:

_ Widening hallways and doorways for wheelchair accessibility

_ Minimizing grade slopes to front and rear entrances

_ Installing curbless shower and specialty bath fixtures

_ Installing a lift or mini-elevator to second stories

_ Creating multi-functional first floor master suites

_ Removing carpets and installing floor material for easier maneuverability and maintenance

The adult communities that are being constructed throughout the United States are incorporating the special needs of this population in both the individual and communal areas of their facilities. Still, for many, there is no place like home and the potential for living comfortably and safely is accessible for those who choose this option.

The National Association of Homebuilders provides a checklist to help you modify your home:

_ Figure out how much money you have to spend on the home modification project.

_ Seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and others who have had similar work done.

_ Contact trade associations such your area's local home builders association or remodelors council.

_ Check with your local or state office of consumer protection and the local Better Business Bureau.

_ Verify the remodeler has the appropriate license(s) in your state.

_ Look for professional designations such as CAPS, Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) or Graduate Master Builder (GMB) and ask your professional remodelor for a written estimate of the work to be done based on a set of plans and specifications. Be prepared to pay for this package.

_ Select a professional remodelor with plenty of experience with your type of project. Remember, the lowest price does not ensure a successful remodeling project.

There are strategies, techniques and products that designers use to create aesthetically enriching, safe and barrier-free environments. It is important to know that there are designers who understand and apply these resources in designing for this growing population.



Karen Pitsley, AIA, CAPS, is a partner in Symmetry First Architects in Historic Savage Mill. She can be contacted at 240-568-0700 and kp@symmetryfirst.com.