Houston Remodeling Guide 2008: Design for Independent Living

Certified Aging in Place Specialist or CAPS is a recent construction credential that has builders, architects, remodelers, designers and even occupational therapists buzzing. Far beyond using universal design ideas, aging-in-place (aka independent living) principles are sweeping changes designed to custom-fit your home to you and your family as time goes by. CAPS design takes your current and future circumstances into consideration. CAPS design principles focus on elegant, aesthetically enriching and barrier-free environments. These are changes that can actually increase the value of your home, according to some realtors.

What is “Aging-in-Place” exactly? If you are like the majority of Americans you want to continue living at home throughout your maturing years. Aging-in-place means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It addresses the need to remodel existing homes and design new homes, so people can “age-in-place” and not have to move to assisted living facilities as they age. Since the vast majority of homes we live in are not well designed for this, a new movement in residential construction has sprung up to meet this new consumer demand.

At 77 million strong (28 percent of the population), baby boomers are catching onto this trend fast. The economics of doing aging-in-place modifications are a no-brainer. Moving to a typical assisted living facility can cost upwards of $60,000 per year each year. The cost to widen the bathroom door put in safety bars and a roll-in shower would typically cost about $6,000 to $8,000, but it is a one-time expense, not a yearly drain on finances. The affordability of aging-in-place remodeling is enhanced by the fact that medically necessary changes (such as wider doorways or a roll-in shower) are deductible on your taxes, if backed by a letter from your doctor.

Too early to think this applies to you? Consider how many folks struggle with bouts of arthritis at an early age. If you fell and broke a leg, how easy would it be to get up and downstairs in your house? Perhaps you have aging parent or relative who is facing these challenges who may need to move in with you.

Construction and design professionals are taking advantage of the

CAPS training across the nation and here in Houston. This new designation is taught through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in collaboration with AARP. CAPS graduates receive training about the technical/construction aspects and learn about the unique aspects of working with older Americans. They must also take formal business training, maintain their credential through continuing education, and even must subscribe to a Code of Ethics. The overall goal is to make the home safer, more barrier-free and with less maintenance.

Typical changes include the following:

Changes in the kitchen for easier

meal preparation and eating

•Lever-handle faucets with pull-out spray

•Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain (a good idea for front-loading washers and dryers, too)

•Rolling island that can be placed under the counter

•Revolving corner shelves and pull-out shelves

•Lower, side-opening oven

•Pull-out cutting board

•Adjustable height sink

•Side-by side refrigerator with slide-out shelves and a water/ice dispenser

•Cooktop with controls on front

•Larger, friendlier cabinet and drawer pulls

Changes in the bathrooms—the number one

place for accidents in the home

•Install 2 to 3 attractive looking grab bars in shower

•Lever handles on faucets

•Slide-bar-type hand-held shower, for sitting or standing

•Shampoo nooks inset in the wall

•Curbless showers—nothing to step over, and can be rolled into if a wheelchair becomes necessary later

•Tub and shower controls moved closer to entry point

•Anti-scald, temperature and pressure balanced tub shower valves for safer bathing

•Widen entry doors to at least 32 inches

•32-36-inch pocket doors

•Higher toilets with non-slam seats and lids

Moving around within the house

•Improve lighting with recessed fixtures in common areas and hallways

•Lever handles on doors and windows

•Lower light switches and thermostats; raise outlets

•Planning for future elevator, by stacking closets

•Adding blocking in walls for future chair lift at stairs

•Wider doors that accommodate wheel chairs and walkers

These are just a few examples. Virtually all rooms of your house can be improved, even closets and garages.

If you are interested in the CAPS program or are seeking a CAPS-trained contractor or builder, call the Greater Houston Builders Association at 281-970-8971, ext. 171.

Getting safely and securely

into and out of the house

•Better outdoor lighting to get you from your car to the door

•Attractive ramps or a“zero step” entrance for the home

•Install a package shelf by front door

•Add handrails at existing steps and porches

•Front door with sidelight for security

•Avoid stairs: build one-story ranch designs for new homes