Wouldn’t it be Easier to Move to a CCRC?
It seems like an oxymoron to think that, just when Boomers have been convinced to think about down-sizing, they may actually outgrow their existing home … or the one they are about to build or buy for retirement.
The more precise statement is that people’s needs often change to the point that their home is no longer appropriate. Anyone’s health and/or mobility may change quickly – and if it does the choice is either to move, or put in expensive and inconvenient renovations. (Do you feel the perfect sell for a CCRC here?)
Several important concepts apply to this issue. “Universal design,” as the name implies, means that one set of design principles should be applied when it comes to accessibility. In other words, whether you are a young child, healthy and athletic 40-something, a slowing-down senior or confined to a wheelchair – your home ought to be able to accommodate you. Universal design fits nicely with another principle, the goal of “aging in place”. The AARP has statistics showing that 84 percent of Americans 50+ would like to age where they live now.
Some of the obvious steps to look for or incorporate include:
- Wide doorways and hallways
- Level (or ramped) entrances between rooms
- Ramped entry(ies)
- Tall toilets
- Grab bars for showers & tubs
- Non-slip floors
- No glare lighting
- Contrasting paint
- Lever style handles on doors
- First floor master bedroom
- Provision for future elevator (if building or remodeling)
- Kitchens and major appliances on the main floor
- Kitchen counters at varying heights to fit a range of users
Incorporating universal design principles in new construction can add about five percent to the cost, compared to that 30 percent of a home’s value retrofitting can cost. The National Association of Home Builders has a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist program to help builders and designers.
Some states and counties are considering mandating universal design elements for all new housing. Since most of the items listed above already are in place at a CCRC, it seems checking out one of 1800 in the U.S. might be the easier way to go for the Boomers and better crowd.
Resources: NAHB Aging in Place; Universal Design Institute; Blueprint for Boomers
