Thinking about aging in place renovations in your forties is a smart move for several reasons:

1. Planning Ahead: By considering your future needs now, you can make gradual adjustments to your home and lifestyle, making it easier to adapt as you age. This can help avoid costly or stressful changes later in life.
2. Financial Benefits: Remodeling your home to be more age-friendly can be done gradually, spreading out the cost over time. It’s also a good time to think about your financial plan for retirement and healthcare, ensuring you’re prepared for potential future expenses.
3. Health and Well-being: As you age, your mobility and health needs may change. Planning for aging in place can include making your home safer and more accessible, reducing the risk of falls and other injuries. It also gives you the opportunity to start developing healthy habits that support aging well.
4. Independence: Maintaining independence is a key concern for many as they age. By making your home and environment adaptable, you increase the likelihood of staying in your home and community longer, rather than needing to move to assisted living or a nursing home.
5. Customization: In your forties, you have the opportunity to design a living space that suits your current and future needs. This might include installing features like wider doorways, non-slip flooring, or even tech solutions like smart home devices that can assist with daily tasks.

Peace of Mind: Thinking about aging in place now can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that you have a plan in place that will allow you to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment as you get older.

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Those tell-tell signs are there.

First you got married. Then your kids were born. Before you knew it, they were off to college. Maybe they are already out of college. Maybe THEY are married. Maybe you even are (the word that shall not be mentioned)…

Want more signs? Maybe you’re not running that 5K or marathon as fast as you used to. Or instead of playing two rounds of golf a day on that golf trip, you’re only playing one. And by the way, how are you enjoying that new knee?

You aren’t alone. There are more than 38 million 55+ households in the U.S., and that number is growing. AARP recently conducted a survey, almost 90% of Americans older than 65 say they want to remain in their home for as long as possible.

The good news is that modern medicine and our stubborn Baby Boomer mentality are indeed slowing the aging process. We watch our diets, we exercise, we get all those screenings. So we remain productive. For goodness sake, a 100-year old man just finished a marathon last month.

Which brings us to where we will be living as we age. More and more, we want to stay in our current homes. Aging in Place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age.” This trend is called “aging in place.” It has become so important in my profession that I become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) in 2001.

Aging In Place from KBIS 2015

Aging In Place Bathroom Universal Design

So if you want to “age in place,” here are just a few things we can consider:

• Install an elevator if you live in a multi level home
• Treat yourself to some nice amenities like a home theater or home exercise room
• Make sure that doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
• Position light switches in locations that you can reach in a wheelchair
• Put a master bedroom on the main floor if you live in a multi-level house
• Be leery of installing shag carpeting; wheelchairs and walkers have a tough time with it
• In the kitchen, be aware of the height of countertops, the sink, the stove, etc. You don’t want to have to do too much bending.
• In the bathroom, be aware of the height of sinks
• Install a zero threshold shower with a bench
• Speaking of bathrooms, make sure the shower has a seat and grab bars. Even if you are not installing the grab bars now, make sure there is wood behind the tiles so you can eventually install them
• Same holds true for grab bars by the toilet. And make sure the toilet seat is high enough so that it is easy for you to get up.

Want more ideas on aging in place? Check out this link on the National Association of Home Builders Website: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=89801&fromGSA=1

So yes, you are getting older. But these can be the best years of your life. Enjoy.

The post You’re Getting Older, But… appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.

By: Michael Menn

AIA, CGR, CAPS, CGP

Vice President, (Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago)

Owning a home is the most valued long-term investment most Americans ever make. And owning your home is much more than a material asset; homeownership builds a sense of stability, pride, accomplishment and peace of mind. So protecting your home—and your loved ones that live in it—is a top priority for most families.

During Home Safety Month in June, here are some tips from the National Crime Prevention Council (ncpc.org) to keep your home and your family safe from crime.

Inside your home:

• Install key locks, pins or other secure locks on every window and sliding glass door.
• Secure windows and sliding doors with secondary blocking devices such as a stick or broom handle.
• Use anti-lift devices to prevent windows and glass doors from being lifted out.
• Use high quality Grade-1 or -2 locks with a bolt that extends at least one inch into the doorframe to resist prying open or forceful entry.
• Use automatic timers to switch indoors lights on and off if you’re going to be away from home overnight.
• If you have an alarm system, don’t write your passcode on or near the alarm keypad. Always set your alarm, even if you are running out to pick the kids up from school. Many insurance companies will not pay out on a loss theft if your alarm has not been set; and YES they will check especially if you take a discount for installing an alarm system.
• Keep a home inventory of valuables including serial numbers, pictures and sales receipts and keep a copy of the inventory in a safe place somewhere other than your home. Recently, I took a video of our home (inside and out) as well as our valuables. I keep the video in our safety deposit box.

Outside your home:

• Keep your yard, porch, garage doors, pathways and entrances well lit at night, either with permanent lighting or motion-detecting lights that turn on when someone comes within a certain distance.
• Trim plants and shrubs that could serve as hiding places for criminals away from windows and doors.
• Cut back tree limbs that could provide a way for thieves to climb into second-story or higher windows.
• Display alarm company signs and decals on the windows and lawn.
• Don’t hide a key outside your home. Leave a key with a trusted family member, friend or neighbor instead.
• If you’re going to be away, stop your mail and newspaper delivery, or ask a neighbor to pick them up for you.
• Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you’re away.
• Lock gate latches, garage doors and sheds with high-security, laminated padlocks.
• For items that need to be left out in the open, such as grills and bicycles, use a tarp to hide them from view and securely lock them to a stationary point such as a railing or post.

For more information about home safety, visit nahb.org/forconsumers or contact Michael Menn at Michael@michaelmenn.com

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The post Aging in Place Bathroom Project and Kitchen Renovation appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.

As more of us embrace “aging-in-place,” the architectural principles of Universal Design — championed by architects Ed Steinfeld and the late Ron Mace who jointly published the initial standards in 1980 — are more vital than ever. The end goal of Universal Design is to create spaces that are comfortable, attractive and less hazardous for everyone, regardless of age, size and ability.

That’s why I try to adhere to Universal Design principles when designing bathrooms and kitchens — because it’s not simply adapting for disabilities, it’s assuring that the room will serve you well for many years even if your needs change. There are seven key objectives that I follow:

 1. Flexibility In Use

Good design should cater to everyone in the household, unless the assignment is to meet one individual’s specific needs. This means accommodating users whether they are standing or sitting, and whether they are right-handed or left-handed.

 2. Ease Of Use

Even gym instructors, dancers and other highly-limber individuals appreciate features that save time and effort. I like to include functional touches such as eye-level lighting adjacent to bathroom vanities to supplement overhead lighting, or pullout shelves in kitchens versus fixed shelves.

3. Minimize Hazards

It goes without saying that every space should be made safer to use by avoiding potentially dangerous surfaces and fixtures. This means attractive non-slip surfaces like tumbled stone and matte-finish ceramics. Or grab bars in eye-catching colors and chic shapes that are anything but institutional.

4. Low Physical Effort

Yes, arthritis and other neurological conditions can limit mobility. But so can everyday hand injuries from falls, kitchen accidents or active sports. Features like motion-activated faucets, or simply faucets with lever handles, can be excellent choices.

5. Adequate Size And Space

Everyone prefers ample room to move around, and people on the large side appreciate having enough space so they aren’t bumping into fixtures or cabinets. And of course, so do people in wheelchairs, or people using crutches while recovering from an injury. Universal Design aims to accommodate the full range of body types.

6. Health and Wellness

Bathrooms and kitchens should not only be safe places, but places designed to promote well-being. Indoor air quality can affect a person’s well-being, especially in bathrooms where there is so much moisture. One easy solution is to have a heat/vent/light fixture installed in the ceiling to help remove excess moisture.

Aging In Place from KBIS 2015

7. Comfort

This is the bottom line of Universal Design; maximum usability that’s simple, flexible and accessible to all. Making sure all users feel secure in the space is a basic essential when designing, and our approach is to have everything work well for the whole family.

Sometimes just the simple ideas are the best in resolving some of the most difficult problems.

Best,

Michael Menn

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”
Vince Lombardi

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Kasey Burke, president, Meta Housing Corporation (Los Angeles), a developer of affordable and market-rate apartment communities for seniors and families, recently shared his thoughts with Environments for Aging on the trends he’s seeing in senior housing and how his residences are adapting.

Environments For Aging: What’s the biggest change happening in aging in place living, right now?

One of the biggest changes we’re seeing is an increased focus on active living.  Builders and remodelers are moving beyond the old adult living model to create environments where boomers don’t just live, they thrive. Newer homes or remodeled homes and condominiums are focused on delivering lifelong enjoyment and active engagement.

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In response to this demand, must-have amenities in our locations include thoughtfully designed spaces for entertaining, pampering one’s self, cooking and enjoying everyday activities, among others.

However, it’s essential to design these spaces not only for those living in their own living environment who will actively participate, but also for those who are interested in engaging with others, but not on the same scale. So in addition to large family rooms, we’re also including smaller areas where homeowners can ‘chill-out’ in more intimate space like a sitting room, library, screened porch or an outside retreat. This can include gardens, walkways, balconies, and side yards that are designed to accommodate private accommodations.

What considerations are important when looking to redesign your living environment?

When examining your home for a new makeover, the foremost consideration is how deep the need may be for how you are going to use the space. This is especially important in high-rise apartments where space may be limited.

Then we begin to consider specific attributes that are important to the overall success of a new home or remodeling project, such as can we open up walls to allow for a more ‘open’ floor plan, is there enough room for that 60” professional range because cooking has become an integral part of your life, or is there enough room in or adjacent to the master bath so you can have that 2-person shower and steeping tub you always wanted.

The final consideration is how we can integrate your wish list with your lifestyle. The amenities that will make your home stand apart and become an integral part of your life can be as simple as adding a grab bar in the shower to make it a littler easier to wash the bottom of your feet to adding a third-car garage for that convertible you have always needed!

Photo Credit: aginginplace.com

What do you think you would want in your living environment five years form now?

The boomers of today are no longer satisfied with just a large bathtub or new countertops in their kitchen. They want to live in environments that cater to their individual needs and comfort features. That is going to be different for each and everyone. Hopefully by creating your own individual living space you will stay young and engaged with y our peers, neighbors and children. I see the concept of aging-in-place continuing to grow and become increasingly implemented in everyday life throughout the U.S.

Remember I’m always eager to hear your comments. Contact me at Michael@michaelmenn.com or at 847.770.6303.

Best,

The post Active Living: A Trend That’s Here To Stay appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.

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• In 2010, approximately 40% of the population was people 65 and over in the United States, as compared to 12% in 2004 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
• Additionally there are about 76 million Baby Boomers born between 1945 and 1963

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Obviously, as people age and want to stay in their homes, there will be more demand for aging in place amenities.  The current economic conditions may even lead to a spike in this demand, as even more people will want to stay in their homes, rather than sell them at depressed prices.

Helping people age-in-place is a topic that is near and dear to me. Over the last five years I have helped both my parents and in-laws modify their living environment to age-in-place. The following questions/answers hopefully can help you or someone you know deal with gracefully aging-in-place.

Questions to ask as you consider remodeling or modifying your home:

How should you modify your home to make it more comfortable?
To age-in-place you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop heights to the creation of multifunctional first floor master suites and the installation of private elevators.

Who can you rely on to modify your home?

CAPS professionals have the answers to your questions. They have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments.

The CAPS program goes beyond design to address the codes and standards, common remodeling expenditures and projects, product ideas, and resources needed to provide comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service.

What is the CAPS designation?

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in:

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• The unique needs of the older adult population
• Aging-in-place home modifications
• Common remodeling projects
• Solutions to common barriers

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Keep in mind that when you hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, you are buying a service rather than a product. Each CAPS professional draws from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in a different way. No matter where you start in the process, you will eventually need to hire a professional remodeler to actually make the modifications to your home.

How should you choose a remodeler?

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• 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 as 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 Certified Aging In Place specialist (CAPS), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), or Graduate Master Builder (GMB).
• Ask your professional remodeler 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 remodeler with plenty of experience with your type of project. Remember, lowest price does not ensure a successful remodeling project.

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What information should you think about?

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• Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the main level?
• How can I make my kitchen more functional?
• Am I worried about preventing falls?
• How much money can I budget for this project?
• Will I need to get a home equity loan?
• Will other members of my family benefit from modifications?
• Will remodeling increase the energy efficiency of my home?
• Where do I find a professional I can consult with about my needs?

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Call or email me if you have any questions. 847.770.6303 or Michael@michaelmenn.com.

Sincerely,

Michael

The post Help Me Age In Place – Please! appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.