Home Builders Association of Lane County

July 24-Aug 1, 2010

www.tourofhomes.com

www.hbalanecounty.org

More specifically, Aging in Place consists of creating an living space that is “barrier free”, i.e., rooms, entrances and locations that minimize or eliminate barriers like stairs or steps, steep elevations or slopes, thresholds greater than ½”, and small, cluttered, or passages that just don’t work.

We will make an design a living space that will increase use, safety, security, and independence for you as they age.

Adaptable design

Adaptable Design focuses on the problems of different people; individual differences, and changes in a homeowner’s capability over time.

It is the ability of certain building features, such as kitchen counters, sinks, and grab bars to be added to, raised, lowered, or changed to accommodate the needs of either people with or without disabilities, or to accommodate the needs of people with different types or degrees of disability.

Other designs

In addition to Adaptable Design there are three other basic categories of design for Aging in Place as defined by the National Association of Home Builders;

* Universal Design – Focuses on as much of the population as possible by designing space and using products that can be used by as many people as possible.

* Accessible Design – Focuses on people with a disability by designing a space you can get around in with ease and comfort.

* Visitability Design – Focuses on wheelchair accessibility and works to create a path to or from ground floors.

How do I know what kind of Aging In Place Design I need?

The answer depends greatly on your existing needs and your needs for the future.  However, there is an assessment that a Contractor performs when preparing an Aging In Place Design;

What issue, if any, is of concern, and to what extent (light, moderate or severe).  We notate things like; vision, hearing, sense of feeling in arms or legs, use of hands, strength, balance, use of neck, reaching/stretching, coordination, endurance, awareness/understanding, breathing, dressing and undressing.

We will look at the existing homes entries, hallways and doorways, stairs, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living areas, storage/utility areas and parking areas and suggest improvments for the areas that are not working.

FROM: http://hawkeshomeimprovement.com/Aging-in-Place.html

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Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists

The Remodelors Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council and AARP developed the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)program to address the needs of consumers who want to make their house a home for a lifetime – regardless of one’s age, or functional abilities.

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist is specially trained in:

The unique needs of older people;

Home modifications that can help people continue living independently in their homes longer;

Common remodeling projects;

Solutions to common barriers.

CAPS professionals have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically pleasing, barrier-free living environments. The CAPS program goes beyond design to address the codes and standards, common remodeling projects and their costs, product ideas and resources needed to provide comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions.

FROM: http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/rate_home/a2004-03-23-caps.html

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Promoting Independence In the Home

In the past, if someone had difficulty living by themselves, it was a signal that now was time to move in with family or go to a nursing home. But, for most people, that no longer is the case. Today, you can live on your own for many years, even as you grow older and start needing help with everyday tasks. This is called “aging in place.”

When you develop a chronic health condition, like diabetes, arthritis, or Alzheimer’s disease, aging in place means more that just staying put. You need a place to live that is safe and fits with your abilities. As driving becomes more difficult, it is important to access reliable and affordable transportation. A wide range of paid services may be available in your community. You may also want extra funds for family caregivers or for home modifications (such as a ramp or lift) that can extend the time you can live at home.

Americans of all ages value their ability to live independently. But without a plan for aging in place, it can be hard to stay in control of your life. Knowing your health risks and financial options can make a big difference in your ability to stay in a familiar place.

FROM: http://www.naipc.org/AGuidetoAginginPlace/PromotingIndependenceintheHome/tabid/75/Default.aspx

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CORY GANT AWARDED

CERTIFIED AGING-IN-PLACE SPECIALIST (CAPS) DESIGNATION

Eugene, OR 10/15/09 – Cory Gant of GANT Construction recently became one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as one of the building industry’s top professionals with skills and knowledge specific to home modifications for aging-in-place.

The Remodelers™ Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council and the AARP created the CAPS program. The CAPS designation program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry—home modifications for the aging-in-place.

CAPS was developed to help home remodeling professionals meet the needs of the 77 million Baby Boomers that will reach retirement age in the first years of the 21st century. The CAPS designation identifies remodelers that have been trained to help retirees and older adults remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of income or ability level, and continue to live in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.

In three days of coursework, the CAPS curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to aging-in-place home modifications, including: background on the older adult population; communication techniques; common aging-in-place remodeling projects; marketing to the aging-in-place market; common barriers and solutions; codes and standards; product ideas and resources; and business management.

CAPS program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects. CAPS classes are offered through local and state home building associations and at national trade shows including NAHB’s International Builder’s Show and the Remodelers’ Show.

ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 200,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. Known as “the voice of the housing industry,” NAHB is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB’s builder members construct about 80 percent of the new homes constructed each year, making housing one of the largest and most powerful engines of economic growth in the country.

ABOUT THE REMODELERS™ COUNCIL: The NAHB Remodelers™ Council is the department of the National Association of Home Builders that represents and serves the interests of its 10,000 remodeler members as well as other NAHB members involved in the remodeling industry. Through a federation of 150 local Remodelers Councils nationwide, and the national office, the Council provides information, education and certification to improve the business and construction expertise of its members and to enhance the professional image of the industry. “Remodeler” is the trademarked identifier of NAHB members active in the remodeling industry.