Aging Beautifully

Last week we heard from Jim Butz of Architecturally Speaking about the importance of Age-in-Place design.  This week I’d like to show you how a client incorporated some of these concepts into her bathroom remodel.  Her concerns when we began were to be able to live in her condo as long as possible without having to remodel again further down the road.

Here’s the outcome:

Lincoln Park Condo

In this view you can see a few things:

  • The faucet is a single handle “joystick” which makes operation easy for anyone
  • The toilet is a “comfort height” toilet
  • The flooring is porcelain tile but it has a non-slip grooved finish
  • You can’t see it but we added lighting below the vanity for a little added night light effect
  • The cabinets and drawers open by touch-latch

Another view:

Lincoln Park Condo

Here you can see that we utilized:

  • A grab bar above the tub, and we added blocking behind the wall for an additional grab bar near the shower handles
  • A separate hand-held shower head
  • Low-sided tub for easier access

Several months after we finished the project, the client broke her ankle.  She was pleased with the improvements we had made as they allowed her to shower more easily during the time she was in a cast.  She simply put a small removable shower seat in the tub and used that while hanging her foot out of the tub.

You can see that while we incorporated several principles of A-I-P design, we kept the look from becoming “institutional”.

Does this change your mind about what A-I-P design looks like?

Peace (of Mind) In Your Home

Let’s face it, fellow baby boomers.  We’re getting older.  Not only are we getting older, but our parents are reaching that stage where it’s sometimes difficult for them to live independently.

You’re right, this isn’t a particularly fun topic- BUT it is one that most of us will have to face at some point in time.  The good news is that there are ways to modify a home to allow people to live in their homes as long and as comfortably as possible.  It’s called Universal Design or Age-In-Place Design and I recently spoke to Jim Butz of Architecturally Speaking about this subject.

Jim’s company is a provider of home modification and remodeling solutions for the baby boomers and their aging parents’ generation.  He is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist, meaning one who is qualified by the National Home Builder’s Association to address the needs of homeowners who seek to stay in their homes as long as possible.

Q: Jim, what is Age-In-Place design?

A: Essentially  AIP design incorporates design elements that allow the widest variety of individual needs for safety and comfort in the home.  For example, two of the main concerns are preventing falls and injuries and simplifying daily functions.  The design elements that can be incorporated to achieve these are things like non-slip flooring, grab bars and other elements, and things as simple as levers instead of door knobs for ease of operation.

Kohler's Purist Faucet with easy to use handles

Q: Why is incorporating AIP design features in a remodel important?

A: It allows people the peace of mind of remaining in a familiar and nurturing environment in a community that they know and have been a part of for many years.  This allows for better mental and physical health for the homeowner.

Q: What rooms are of primary importance when considering AIP design elements?

A: As the main concerns are preventing falls and injuries, the bathroom is generally the first room that is remodeled.  Falls occur most often when transitioning from one place to another and these types of falls can be devastating.   The second area for concern would be the kitchen, with the focus on ease of use and function.

Kohler's Highline Classic Comfort Height Toilet

Q: Where can people go to find out more about Architecturally Speaking?

A: Jim’s website is: www.archispeak.com or you can reach him at (847) 205-9844.

Thanks for sharing your expertise with us Jim!  Stay tuned for some beautiful ways to create a safe home.