Aging In Place is defined as “the ability to live in one’s own home- wherever that might be- for as long as confidently and comfortably possible.”
There is a need for many home modifications as we “Age In Place.” These remodel transformations will consist of more than just widening of doorways to allow for a walker or a wheelchair. What about simple things like lighting, trip hazards, checking the mail…
The factors of genetics, lifestyle, and environment combine to drive demand within the Aging In Place market for Universal Design. This is the design of products, services, and environments that are usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation and without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
Universal Design targets multi- generational use and has an emphasis on aesthetics. The idea is to enter a home or any Universal Design environment and not even notice that features exist for users with unequal abilities.
One of the simplest examples of Universal Design is a door lever in place of a knob. A lever handle set requires minimal physical effort to open for a senior, a child or even a companion canine assistant.
While earning the Certified Aging In Place Designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), I practiced an exercise to simulate debilitating arthritis in the hand. The task was to open a door that had a round door knob, using only one hand. I placed a tennis ball in the palm of my hand and wrapped all five fingers around the ball to create a firm hold. Then a long tube sock was pulled over my hand holding the tennis ball. Trying to turn the round door knob proved to be very difficult in this condition. This is an example of one of the most common Universal Design Principles.
Learn more about Universal Design.
“Chad Collins has served as one of our speakers in the Stay Put or age-in-place portion of the course for the past five years. Each semester, he delivers a presentation concerning modifications or renovations one might need to consider in order to make to their house more supportive, in terms of safety as well as convenience, to aging-in-place.”
Having observed Chad interact with our different classes over the past five years, we believe Chad is a natural. He has an innate ability to teach and his engaging personality and amusing wit permit him to readily bond with the class.
Chad’s presentation to the class reflects the knowledge he has as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist combined with real life experience and insight into the unique needs of seniors aging-in-place. He takes questions from the class and answers them fully, often going beyond the immediate question to point out and explain related aspects that one should also be aware of or consider.
We use ten speakers to cover different aspects of aging-in-place. We ask the students in each class to evaluate our speakers and Chad is always rated “outstanding.” As a result, Chad is one of only two speakers that we have invited back each year to speak.
We heartily recommend Chad. He has the knowledge and expertise necessary and combined with his natural ability to teach and bond, we have no doubt that he will prove to be a great asset when building or remolding your home.” -Fred Porter
“Thanks for speaking to the class of Stay Put or Move On. Your presentation really hit the spot, in my opinion. Thanks for taking the time from your work. Your talk on the home audit was really what the class was looking for.
I also want to compliment you again on your sense of humor and your timing. Your talk is not only informative, but enjoyable and turns what could be a very boring presentation into one which is very interesting.”
-Sandra Labounty
