John Fazzolari takes you on a tour of an aging-in-place addition to a home in the Vancouver, WA area. If you’d like to read about some details of the project, check out our blog post on the Vancouver aging-in-place addition.

If you’d like to know more about this important topic, we have a multi-story aging-in-place series that will walk you through the issues and choices you have.

Aging in place addition at back of house

Aging in place addition at back of house.

bathroom sink

Bathroom sink

bedroom to-bath

Bedroom looking towards bath - note wide entryway.

bedroom

Bedroom with a lot of space on each side of bed.

cooktop

Lowered cooktop for easy access.

curbless-shower

Curbless shower for easy access.

dishwasher

Lowered dishwasher for easy access.

ductless-heat-pump

High-efficiency ductless heat pump.

hall

High-end touches makes for an elegant space.

island

Kitchen island features corian top and distinctive look.

kitchenette

Kitchette.

main-room

Living room.

window

Another touch of home.

Every once in awhile we get to do a project that really has an impact on someone’s life. We’re not talking about a glorious kitchen or bathroom remodel – those are luxuries but not really life changing. In this project we got to help a family adapt to new circumstances by building an addition onto the daughter’s house so Mom would have a safe, yet comfortable living area that gives her independence.

This was not the original plan for Kathryn, who moved into the Pacific Northwest from Texas. She wanted to be closer to her daughter Suzanne. But soon after she moved into the area, she injured her leg in  fall and she has been using a walker since. So her daughter offered to build an addition to her Washougal, WA home that would offer privacy, yet some proximity to Mom.

That’s where we came in. As an Aging in Place certified builder, we’re well versed in the needs of people who are planning to stay in their homes as they grow older. But Suzanne and Kathryn also wanted something that would suit the style of the rest of the home and not look too institutional.

We built a 1,012-square-foot addition on the back of the main house. It has a kitchenette, living room, bedroom, bathroom and laundry area, with a separate entrance and a lockable door into the main house.

Some of the Aging in Place features include:

• Walkways - Wide walkways are built throughout, including the hall, between the kitchen island and cabinets, around the bed, and in the bathroom. These help with access for people with walkers or wheelchairs.
• Thresholds and Floors - Thresholds are kept as flat as possible. Flooring includes wood where possible. In living areas we installed a thick, flat berber wool carpet, which makes it easier for Kathryn to maneuver her walker.
• Kitchen - The cooktop and microwave were installed lower than normal to allow for easier access, and we installed a dishwasher drawer at waist level to eliminate a lot of bending over and reaching.
• Doors - Double pocket doors are used for access to the bedroom and bath.  While typically not ideal in an aging-in-place projects because of the finger latches (this was not a problem for Kathryn), this makes opening and closing the doors easier because you don’t have to maneuver around a pocket door when you are using a walker.
• Bathroom - In the bathroom, there’s a lot of space to move around. The shower is large with no threshold to allow for easy wheelchair access if that’s needed in the future. To do this, we lowered the framing in the shower floor to make the concrete shower pan slightly lower than the rest of the floor. We then added waterproofing a few feet out from the shower and created a very slight slope so water would drain back into the main shower area easily. Grab bars and a sliding shower head were installed to help with bathing.

Not just a place to age, but a home

Along with these features we created a beautiful, inviting space that reflects the tastes of Kathryn – but does not look like it was built just for aging-in-place purposes.  In fact, if someone walked into the space I don’t think they would even recognize any of the aging-in-place accommodations built into the space.

We added Corian countertops with white painted cabinets. The rooms are trimmed in larger profile moldings. Wainscoting is used to add a country appeal. The wood floors add warmth and the new custom deck and separate garden areas outside make inviting retreats during our all-too-short but glorious summers.

We also added an environmentally friendly touch by installing energy efficient ductless heat pumps in the addition.  With the size of the addition this was a much more cost effective solution than tying into the main house gas furnace – which would have had to be re-sized to accommodate the additional space.

This project serves as a reminder that just because you’re designing a space to accommodate your later years doesn’t mean it has to look that way. You can still have the amenities you’ll need and the style that makes you feel at home. And that at-home feeling makes all the difference for this family.

To learn more about this important topic, see our multi-story aging-in-place series that will guide you through the issues and choices you have.

If you have an aging in place type project, please call us at 360-571-7027 or fill our our Free Consultation Form.

Raised container gardens, such as this one from Cedar Creek, can be a great option for seniors who may not be able to stoop or kneel for long periods of time.

Many seniors are planning to live in their own homes throughout their lives. While an assisted living facility is an option, many like to keep their independence as long as they can. The decision to age in place is a big one and requires some planning. For some, it is the call of the outdoors that helps them decide to age in place. Only a few institutions allow their residents to keep a yard or a garden.

This article will give you an overview of considerations to remain in your home and enjoy your yard and garage safely. While not a complete list, this should at least give you a good idea of some changes you should be thinking about.

In the Beginning

The first recommendation is to hire a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations. We have studied the issues and solutions to help make your garage and yard safer and more enjoyable as you advance in years.

Clutter

The most important issue for folks aging in place is clutter. It is difficult to get rid of the “stuff” you’ve accumulated over the years, but now it is necessary. Maybe it is time to return some of your unused gifts to the giver. Ask your family if they have use for the things you are not using. Have a garage sale. Donate to charity. Clean out the clutter. You will find it easier to move around your house and garage if the way is clear.

Grab bars, Grab bars, and Grab bars

Add grab bars to the sides of your garage/house door, especially if there is a threshold or an elevations change. There are never too many grab bars. Add grab bars anyplace that you may be standing for a long time such as near the work bench.

Workbenches

Take a look at the work benches in your garage or potting shed. If you’re is going to sit while using the work bench, it should be 26 to 28 inches from the floor. People sitting in wheelchairs will need knee spaces at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Garage Maneuvering Room

If you are going to be using a wheelchair or walker, consider that ADA guidelines specify a minimum clear space of 60 inches in diameter for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn and about 36 inches clearance between walls. This means that your two car garage may only accommodate one car and room for a wheelchair.

Another concern in many garages is there are often steps up from the floor of the garage into the house. There are specially designed wheelchair lifts that can help people cross this threshold. Depending on space you can also build a ramp. We can help you plan for using a wheelchair in your garage.

Gardens and Yards

• Faucets should be lever-operated for easier use.
• Install faucets or hose connections near each planting bed for convenience.
• Planting beds should be elevated about 27 inches for easier gardening and should be about 24 inches wide so that their middle is accessible.
• Consider installing a few container gardens, again making them at least 27 inches high.
• Firm surface walks should surround each planting bed.
• If you will need to work for long periods of time, get a good pair of knee pads, and an outdoor seat.

Walks and Patios

Make sure your walks and patios are stable, firm and slip-resistant. They should be at least 36 inches wide and have a raised lip on the edges to accommodate a wheelchair. Handrails at 34 to 38 inches above the surface would also be useful to prevent falls.

Lighting

Lights Installed from both the ground and above head high will light pathways and walks for the best visibility. As you age, you really cannot have too many lights available. Your CAPS can help you figure out where and what types of lights are best for your plan.

A Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations understands the needs you have and is trained to help you sort through these decisions and make it easier for you to choose the ones that are right for you. If you are considering options for aging in place in the Portland, OR area then callVancouver, WA Contractors Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations at 360-571-7027 or fill out our form for a free consultation.

If you have decided that living at home during your later years beats moving into an assisted-living facility, then you’ll need to plan ahead. Bathrooms are a major consideration for aging-in-place upgrades, if for the simple reason that there are hazards that go hand-in-hand with the slippery surfaces found in most of them.

This article will give you an overview of considerations and solutions so that if your bathroom needs some changes you can have them done now.

There are many different styles of walk-in tubs, with many that integrate nicely with high-end homes.

First Steps to Creating an Aging-in-Place Bathroom

First, hire a Certified NAHB Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations. We have passed a program to prepare homes for aging in place.

Second, make sure you have a bath on the same level as your bedroom and one on the level where you will spend most of your day.

Grab bars, Grab bars, and Grab bars

There are never too many grab bars in a bathroom. You’ll need to start with making sure there is enough bracing in the framing in walls, around the tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250 – 300 pounds. Make sure there is one on the inside and outside of the bathtub and shower, one or more near the commode, one by the sink…etc. Put double rows in places where the user may be either standing or seated. Great news for the decorator in you, grab bars come in many finishes.

Toilets

The toilet is undoubtedly the most necessary seat in the house. For folks whose knees don’t bend like they used to, a taller commode (generally 2.5 inches taller than the standard) will be easier to use. If someone in the house will be using a wheelchair, the commode’s seat height should be near the wheelchair’s seat height.

Showers and Baths

After the toilet, showers and baths are major considerations. The possibility of slipping and falling in a unprepared bath can be pretty high, so make sure to consider some of these changes:

• If you install a stand-up shower, make sure it is curbless and minimum of 36 inches wide;
• If you prefer a bathtub – consider buying one with a door or at least one that is lower for easier access;
• In the shower add removable shower heads with 6-foot hoses so you can bath with a minimum of foot movement;
• Install a sliding track for the shower head to allows its use both standing and sitting;
• Add Fold-down Shower seats;
• Consider a shower stall with built-in antibacterial protection.

Counters and Cabinets

For someone who is going to be sitting while using a counter, it should be 26 to 28 inches from the floor. People sitting in wheelchairs will need knee spaces at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Some other things to consider:

• Add a rounded edge finish on the counter top’s edge;
• Choose a wall-hanging sink that provides accessibility and knee room (with a panel to shield the pipes);
• Install “D” shaped knobs on cabinet doors;
• Provide pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans for storage areas.

Maneuvering Room

If someone is going to be using a wheelchairs or walker, consider that ADA guidelines specify a minimum clear space of 60 inches in diameter for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn and about 36 inches clearance between walls. Make sure that there is enough room to have the wheelchair beside the commode for an easier transfer from one to the other. We how to make sure your bathroom will have the space for a wheelchair to turn.

Fixtures and Faucets

These simple changes to your bathroom fixtures are easily overlooked but can have an impact on livability:

• Buy lever-operated faucets;
• Even better, buy electronically-controlled touch or push-type faucets that are pre-programed to keep water at safe temperatures;
• Install a toilet paper holder that can be changed with one hand.

Floors

Make sure your flooring is stable, firm and slip-resistant. A textured tile can help reduce the chance of falls.

Lighting

Install more lighting. You will use every light you’ve put in. We can help you figure out where and what types of lights are best for your plan. Also, consider using the rocker-type light switches.

A Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations understands the needs you have and is trained to help you sort through these decisions and make it easier for you to choose the ones that are right for you. If you are considering options for aging in place in the Portland, OR area then call Vancouver, WA Contractors Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations at 360-571-7027 or fill out our form for a free consultation.

For many homeowners, nothing speaks to the soul of the home as much as the kitchen. It’s a place where the morning coffee lives, where cookies are made, and where families and friends bond over meals. So when people begin to consider living throughout their senior years at home, the kitchen becomes a major consideration and a place where a little thought and attention can really help make it safe, accessible, and useful.

In this article we’re taking a closer look at some things people can do to make sure their kitchens are aging-in-place ready.

In the Beginning

The first step is to hire a Certified NAHB Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations. We have passed a program to prepare homes for aging in place and can help you design your kitchen to use safely and comfortably for years to come.

Counters

Right now, you may be using your counters in a standing position, so at least some of them should be at that level. Later, you may find it more comfortable to use them while sitting. Then your counters should be 26 to 28 inches from the floor. The Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines (ADA) say “if seating for people in wheelchairs is provided at tables or counters, knee spaces at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep shall be provided.” Here’s some other tips:

• Lower some of your counters to make them accessible via wheel chair;
• Provide counter space next to appliances for dish landing;
• Add some accent colors or stripes to the edges of cabinets to give contrast and aid visibility.

Cabinets, Shelves and Storage

Cabinets, too, are something you’ll be using every day. The keys are to make items in the cabinets easier to see and to reach:

• Lower the wall cabinets;
• Install rolling shelves, Lazy-Susan inserts, and pull-down shelving;
• Install open-fronts or transparent doors;
• Put a drawer or two in base cabinets;
• Change to “D” shaped knobs;
• Elevate cabinets 6 inches from the floor;
• Mount wall cabinets no more than 48 inches from the floor.

Maneuvering Room

Wheelchairs and walkers require more space to maneuver than do legs. ADA guidelines specify a minimum clear space of 60 inches in diameter for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn and about 36 inches clearance between walls. We can help you integrate these changes in your design.

Appliances and Plumbing

Most, if not all, of your appliances will have to be replaced. Items to consider are:

• Larger displays
• A freezer-on-the-bottom or a side-by-side refrigerator
• Induction cook tops and ovens
• Elevated dishwasher
• Cook top controls in the front and clearly marked
• Electrical outlets at 27 inches above the floor
• Sink controls on the side

According to the ADA, “lever-operated, push-type, touch-type, or electronically controlled” faucets are the best designs for easier use.

Floors, doors and thresholds

Make sure your flooring is stable, firm and slip-resistant. Replace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for easy standing. Raised thresholds can be a trip hazard, so try to keep them at 1/4 inch high or less. Doors should be easy to open. Let us help you find lever-type door handles that will fit your decor and be easy for you to open.

Lighting

Probably the most important consideration of aging in place is lighting your home. Install more lighting. And, install even more lighting. You will use every light you’ve put in. Also, consider using the rocker-type light switches.

Communication and Safety

Don’t overlook these key elements to making a safe kitchen:

• Keep your phone close by and handy to decrease the need to hurry, which decreases the possibility of falling, and which can be helpful in emergencies;
• Consider installing grab bars near areas where changing seats or going from sitting to standing is necessary;
• Replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with audio and visual alarms.

A Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations understands the needs you have and is trained to help you sort through these decisions and make it easier for you to choose the ones that are right for you. If you are considering options for aging in place in the Portland, OR area then call Vancouver, WA Contractors Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations at 360-571-7027 or fill out our form for a free consultation.

In some ways a few older homes can set the standard for aging-in-place design of entryways. For instance, the dogtrot floor plan, which began as a covered connecting hallway between two cabins to aid ventilation in times without air conditioning, was well lit and wide. And when the dogtrot evolved into the large, chandelier-lit entry halls of stately Southern mansions like Tara in “Gone with the Wind,” they become perfect for people who needed plenty of room to maneuver and plenty of light.

In more modern homes, the entry is often much smaller and therefore the 95 percent of people over the age of 75 who want to age in place are planning to make their entries safer and easier to navigate.

With that in mind we’ve listed a few things you can consider when you are updating your entryways and hallways. We’re always trying to keep in mind that safety, access, and maneuvering room are keys to success.

First Step

First, consider hiring a Certified National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations. We have studied the solutions for making a home safe for aging in place.

Maneuvering Room

If someone is going to be using a wheelchairs or walker, consider that ADA guidelines specify a minimum clear space of 60 inches in diameter for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn and about 36 inches clearance between walls. Your CAPS knows how to make sure your entry will have the space for a wheelchair to turn.

Steps, Ramps, Hand Rails and Thresholds

Here are some considerations from the American with Disabilities Act recommendations for steps, ramps, hand rails and thresholds:

• Steps and Ramps should be free of clutter;
• Steps and Ramps should be well lit;
• Steps and Ramps should be built to be slip-resistant
• Handrails should extend beyond the top and bottom of stairs;
• Handrails should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high and 1.5 inches from the wall;
• Handrails should not roll or swivel in their mounting hardware;
• Ramps have a maximum slope of 1:12, ask you CAPS to explain;
• Ramps need a landing at least 60 inches square if the ramp changes direction;
• Thresholds should not be taller than 1/4 inch.

Doors and Floors

Again, maneuvering room, access, and safety play important parts in door and floor design. Wide doors and slip resistent floors are key.

Door should be:

• A minimum of 36 inches wide;
• Outfitted with levered handles instead of round knobs.

Floors should be:

• Slip resistant;
• Free of throw rugs;
• Textured if possible.

Grab bars, Grab bars, and Grab bars

There are never too many grab bars. Any place a person would be changing position from standing or seated, there should be grab bars. In an entry, grab bars should also be located where people would be putting on or taking off wraps and coats. Believe it or not. the decorator in you will be happy to know grab bars come in many finishes.

Lighting

Entries can have tall ceilings that swallow the light. Make sure you have enough light inside and outside your entry. There is never too much light. You will use every light you’ve put in. Your CAPS can help you figure out where and what types of lights are best for your plan. Also, consider using the rocker-type light switches.

A Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations understands the needs you have and is trained to help you sort through these decisions and make it easier for you to choose the ones that are right for you. If you are considering options for aging in place in the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR areas then call Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations at 360-571-7027 or fill out our form for a free consultation on aging in place.

For some people, the lack of government or agency-available elderly housing will force them to age in place in less than ideal communities and circumstances. But if you are fortunate enough to have a choice about where you live in your older years, take a look at the community and ask yourself this: Would I WANT to live and age here? Or, would I want my parents to live and age here?

Now take a look around and consider what it would be like to be 80 years old and living in the community.

Family and Friends

I think choosing an area where you have a network of friends and relatives is among the most important factors when you are thinking about aging in place. As you age it’s almost inevitable that you will need to rely on those around you to help you through challenges. Your network will keep you interested in your community and give you available support when you need it.

Transportation

Is the community you are considering safe for walking and biking? Is there available and nearby public transportation? (On average, women live an extra 10 years between the time they stop driving and pass away; for men it’s six years.)

Shopping and Services

Are there neighborhood shops, restaurants, cleaners, and other services available, things you will be able to walk to or drive to easily? It seems like a small thing, but if you’re forced to walk or ride to the store, a close one can make a big difference in your life.

Activities

Many communities have parks, which are great. But here in the Pacific Northwest, parks don’t always look so appealing in the wind, cold, and rain. So look for communities that have other activities available, such as fitness centers, computer labs, hobby centers, libraries, events, and arts programs. Choices in the Vancouver, WA area include the Firstenburg Community Center and the Marshall Community Center. These will get you out of the house and mingling with others in your area.

Housing

Some people like communities designed for only the elderly, while others really would prefer intergenerational areas. Regardless, you will want to choose an area that feels right to you, preferably with an active neighborhood watch program and well-lit streets. Small things such as larger street signs and sidewalks can make a big difference, too.

You might consider looking for an area where you can get a single-level home to avoid stairs. Finally, perhaps that home on the hill with the beautiful view might not be the best choice if you want to walk the neighborhood once and awhile. A pre-dinner passeggiata is a good way to help keep you fit and let you see and interact with the neighbors.

A Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations understands the needs you have and is trained to help you sort through these decisions and make it easier for you to choose the ones that are right for you. If you are considering options for aging in place in the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR areas then call Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations at 360-571-7027 or fill out our form for a free consultation on aging in place in your home.

In recognition of this certification we’ve decided to write a series of “aging in place” articles that take a closer look at “aging in place” considerations for communities and inside homes. This article defines aging in place and spotlights the builder and remodeler’s roles in the process. Over the next few weeks, future articles will cover aging in place considerations for communities, as well as for specific areas of the home, including entryways, kitchens, baths, and bedrooms.

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place means you are prepared to live in your home throughout your life, enjoying family, community, and a familiar environment. It also means living within your financial means, so you can maintain a standard of living while living in your home for many years. Finally, it means you will have an environment that can adapt to your changing health conditions, including the ability to cope with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s an especially important issue as the large number of Baby Boomers (76 million strong) age:

• The US Administration on Aging estimates that the number of people over the age of 65 will double from 38.9 million in 2008 to nearly 72.1 million people, or 19% of the population, by 2030.
• In the Vancouver and Clark County areas, according to the Southwest Washington Agency on Agency and Disabilities, the number of those who are age 60 and up will double by 2025.
• The number of the very old – 85 years old and over, is expected to grow from 4.2 million in 2000 to more than 6.6 million in 2020 in this area.
• Life expectancy in the US is over 78 years and climbing.

Think about these figures for a moment. They mean providers of senior services, such as caregivers, transportation, and housing, will experience twice as much demand in the years to come. By aging in place, Baby Boomers, who are always eager to get what they want, will look for communities and activities that are geared towards there lives and will not put as much demand on social services, which can mean less of a tax burdon.

Where the Certified Aging In Place Specialist Comes In

One of the first things you should consider if you are thinking about building or remodeling a home in which you plan to live out the remainder of your life is finding a CAPS remodeler and builder who can help you make the appropriate modifications to your home. The NAHB Remodelers Council, along with the AARP, NAHB Research Center, and NAHB Seniors Housing Council, developed the CAPS program to provide comprehensive, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging in place.

In order to lead more comfortable, secure, and enjoyable “golden years” you will need to consider a number of different factors. It begins with choosing a community that is right for aging in place. Then you need to look at various areas of your home, including entryways, the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms, and decide what features you might need to help you as you age.

We go into depth exploring each of these areas in other stories, but for the home, this could mean adding a ramp or lift to make it easier to enter the home, lowering counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms, or making doorways and hallways wider for wheelchair accessibility.

A Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist such as Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations understand the needs you have and is trained to help you sort through these decisions and make it easier for you to choose the ones that are right for you. If you are considering options for aging in place in the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR areas then call Fazzolari Custom Homes and Renovations at 360-571-7027 or fill out our form for a free consultation on aging in place in your home.