Home Sweet Home

If you are someone who truly desires to live in your current
home, there are options for you that never existed before! You may have
fears, or your family may have fears, of how can you safely live alone
as you age. If you are determined to stay in place, your dream may come
true!

Universal design may very well suit your wants and
desires as well as your needs. The idea behind it is that your home may
be built or redesigned to accommodate you despite any age-related
problems or disabilities that occur. Look at it as barrier-free design.

When you first think of a home that will accommodate ever-changing
needs as we age, you may think your home will look like a nursing home
facility or hospital. The good news is that this is far from the
reality.

Some common features of universal design might include living on one
level, with no stairs at the front door, extra-wide doorways, and
hallways that will accommodate a wheelchair as well as facilitate the movement of large items in and out of a room. Even rocker light switches and
levered door handles are not just helpful as we age, but also when we have an
armload of groceries!

There are architects who specialize in universal design, as well as
product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers. This
could change your whole attitude and belief system around the reality
of remaining in your home. As baby boomers age, we continue to want
things done our own way. In this case, it looks like you can have
your cake and eat it too!