A Home You Can Grow Old With
By Siegal, Ann Cameron; Washington Post, p. F01Publication Date: February 21, 2009
Article discusses modifications that can be done to a home to permit aging in place. Aging in place is defined as staying in one’s home as long as possible, instead of moving to housing designed for seniors. Strategies for permitting aging in place cited are (1) Universal design, which covers items that serve all members of a household without the need for further adaptations, such as a walk-in shower or adjustable countertop; (2) Accessible, referring to features that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act; (3) Adaptable, that is features that accommodate changing needs with some tweaking, such as closets built on top of each other which can be adaptable to an elevator shaft; and (4) Visitable, which refers to a floor of a house that is navigable for visitors with limitations. A plan for renovation recommended includes a list of accessibility needs prioritized in the order of life safety, fall prevention, and convenience features. Specific home modifications discussed include outside entry ramps, proper lighting in places like the bottom of stairs, handrails in stairways and hallways, bathroom grab bars, swing-clear hinges and removal of doorstops to widen doorways for accommodating wheelchairs, and replacing doorknobs with lever handles. Finally the article offers advice for finding a building contractor, including seeking referrals from occupational therapists and groups such as the National Aging in Place Council (http://www.naipc.org).
Published by: Washington Post Company (Website:http://www.washpostco.com)
Link to text: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/20/AR2009022000041.html
