Planning to build your retirement home? Part III on universal design
One of the issues getting increasing attention in aging communities is home design and how it can help keep people in their homes longer.
As I suggested in two earlier posts (first and second), Richard Hardine of Infinity Development in Alexandria understands the accessibility issues involved. His own home is a marvel of modified living solutions. He knows that building such features into a new home is much simpler than adapting existing housing.
Richard made a list of special features which can be built into new homes, especially homes suited to accessibility issues related to aging: installation of oxygen outlets in walls to omit snaking oxygen hoses, deeper and wider bathtubs, higher toilets, pull-down shelves, battery charging cubbies for electric carts, ventilation systems, positioning rooms for the best use of natural light, sound deadening sheetrock for light sleepers, tightly woven carpets with thin pads for easier ambulation or wheelchair access, thermostatic heat adjustments on water faucets, outdoor raised beds for gardening, piping gas to grills to negate the need for hauling gas tanks and the list goes on.
"We look for a better way with the same function," Richard says of the challenges of keeping costs in check.
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As baby boomers plan retirement homes, they would be wise to consider what their needs will be as they age. Building for long term accessibility makes perfect sense.
For more information, contact: Richard Hardine
Ringdahl Architects Custom Homes
320-766-1797
rhardine@gctel.com