Boomers, are you ready to put your loved one in a pod?

I received an inquiry about a rental unit for add-on rooms for rent that an in-law or elderly family member could move into that is not attached to a home. I believe they are referring to the “MEDCottage” or “Granny Pod” as it’s been tagged. There was a talk about it on public radio just last Sunday and an interesting article in the Washington Post about the MEDCottage.

According to an NPR article it’s a mini mobile home that rents for about $2,000 a month. You park one in the backyard, hook it up to your water and electricity, and it becomes a freestanding spare room for Grandma and Grandpa. The online conversations about the pod are fascinating to say the least.  The Rev. Kenneth Dupin, a minister from Virginia, designed the modular, temporary unit.

The idea is that you can house a family member that needs close monitoring, but who doesn’t want to live in a nursing home. You don’t have to have them in your home either.

“It might seem a little odd, parking your loved one in a shed in the backyard,” Dupin says, but the MEDCottage is designed with Americans’ independent nature in mind. “That space there provides a level of independence that is very important to Americans.”

The MEDCottage has a kitchenette and a sleeping room. Its state-of-the-art bathroom can measure the temperature of urine in the toilet and is also equipped with a camera in case of falls. What more could granny need? Your elderly loved one is conveniently living in a box out back and maybe the grandkids will visit too.  Interestingly enough it was passed by the legislature in Virginia, but there are numerous zoning issues and of course they really don’t answer the question where all the waste water goes. It’s like living in a shed without convenience of a motor home.

Is it a great idea or a scarier one of possible abuse and neglect? Will this be for our parents who are elderly now, or is this where we end up – when our kids want us nearby – just not in their house? There is plenty of room for discussion and controversy about the MEDCottage.

Happy home,

Pat

Sometimes Home Mods Become A Necessity

Dear Fellow Boomers,

Sometimes home mods become a necessity. A couple of weeks ago I received a call from a colleague. Gary (age 58) was hurt in a car accident and has been in the hospital for over a month. Soon he would be released to a rehab facility where he will be for at least two months to learn how to walk again before he can go home. Gary wasn’t sure what to do once he is released from the rehab center. He’s had many offers to remodel his house, but nobody really knows what he will need yet. He didn’t want to over-do it, or not be ready.

This scenario can happen to any one of us. One day we’re walking, and the next we’re at the mercy of others to help stand up. Gary was referred to a case manager that will advise him on the best options for his transfer to a rehab facility and his care. Once there, he will gain strength and be better prepared to go home. Next is to figure out what to do at his home so Gary can continue to improve his mobility and be able to live safety in his home. With the help of his physical therapist and an Independent Living Consultant he will have a plan to return home.

Gary did the right things once he knew he was going home. He asked for professional help to work through the obstacles and plan the home modifications that will best meet his needs. Gary is fortunate to have so many friends to help him. With the help of the Independent Living Consultant and a therapist Gary will find the best home modification solutions for his situation. Speedy recovery.

Happy home,

Pat

Celebrating Our Freedom

Dear Fellow Boomers,

I love summer – not having to put shoes on around the house, sitting on my back porch in the morning with a cup of coffee or enjoying the evening sunsets with my husband on the front porch. Right now the lightning bugs are at their peak. Many of us have noticed how prevalent they are this year and are enjoying the spectacular light show each evening. The summer is slipping by quickly. Soon it will be the 4^th of July and red, white and blue will be on everything from cupcakes to front porches. There is another freedom to think about as we celebrate our nation’s freedom – the freedom to live comfortably and to sit out on our front porch.

I met a new client last week. Jane has a disability that has made it almost impossible for her to get in and out of her home or to take a shower. She has lost some of her most basic freedoms – to leave her home when she wishes and to take a shower by herself.  Jane must wait for someone to carry her or an ambulance to take her to therapy. She cannot sit on her porch because one step prevents her from leaving her home. She cannot take a shower because the side of the tub is too high for her to get over without help. Jane is just 49 years old. Through a small grant program we will have enough funds to provide access to her home and replace the bathtub with a shower.

This project is typical of how just one step can cost someone their most basic freedom. I’ve mentioned many times that it’s important to plan. When designing your new bathroom, put in a shower instead of a tub. Make sure there are grab bars too. When adding a new room or building new always add a no step entrance to the home – in the garage, out back or in the front. Hire a good designer to help you plan correctly and make sure it looks as wonderful as it can be. Boomers, young people, seniors, everyone! Don’t let 8 inches take away your freedom.

Coffee’s brewing and the light show is on,

Happy home,

Pat

Planning to Plan

Dear fellow boomers,

The lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us. Summer picnics and lots of family gatherings are being planned for the back yard. As you sit around the picnic table are you talking about how you want to live in the coming years? Are you talking about how family members who are having difficulty getting around will get into your home? Will they be part of your family celebrations or are you just talking about it? It’s difficult to keep a conversation going, make a plan and then actually follow through with it. Believe me fellow boomers, I’ve been there too.

An important tool in the age in place discussion is making a plan and prioritizing. One method that has become popular with a few fellow boomers is to use a small portable white board. Keep it handy and when you’re having discussions, write things down. Using different colored erasable makers can help you categorize planning.

First list your physical needs for your home, does it make the grade?  Do you want to Age in Place there? List what it will take to make it the way you want, or need it, to be. Then start with the basics. Has your roof been checked lately? Is your home structurally sound? Are there major rehab projects that you’ve put off that need to be attended to? Is your electrical and plumbing up to snuff? It’s better to take care of these things when it’s not an emergency, so that you can plan and make better choices.

Next list your family and how you can meet their needs. If you’re a young boomer you may have kids as well as aging parents in your home. How can you help them in their planning process, while also doing what is right for you?

It’s so easy to fall into the lull of summer. Before you know it’s over and we’re back to winter. No matter how small the list, or the amount of work needed to move or help your family, remember if you fail to plan, nothing happens. It will become an emergency.

Grab that lemonade and some markers and start generating a to-do list. Once you’ve checked off the big stuff move onto the next step like planning a no-step entrance or accessible bathroom.  The beauty of the white board is it’s easily manipulated and never static. So keep the pitcher full and the makers handy. Its time to get the plan started!

Enjoy the summer and happy home,

Pat

Aging in Place in a pre-1978 home

Dear Friends,

On April 22^nd the EPA passed a law requiring that all renovation work done in homes built prior to 1978 meet new lead safety requirements.  The new law will affect homeowners that want to have work done in their homes.  Remodeling magazine 2010 noted that two-thirds of U.S. homes and apartments (78 million out of 120 million) were built before 1978. Many of you considering remodeling your home to age in place, or just to update a bath or kitchen, will now have to comply with the new EPA laws.

This is going to affect your pocket book for all of you wishing to renovate. The contractors you hire are required to do extensive testing, site preparation, containment, clean up, and documentation, for every project. They must be certified and pay a fee to the government for certifications, renewal fees and continuing education. Each company must have someone certified on site during demo.

What this means to you is that when you plan to remove that old bathroom in a pre-1978 home to create your new, more accessible, bathroom you will have to pay up to 15% more because of the new EPA laws. You as the homeowner do not have the choice to opt out. The EPA took that right away from you – even if you have repainted your home or done work already.

Now you’re wondering if the cost of modifying you home is still worth it? Well, I can point out a perfect example of how it can still be more cost effective to pay the extra costs for home renovations than to move into assisted living. Last year one client chose to add a one-bedroom addition with an accessible bathroom, laundry, porch and closets. They are saving over $60,000 a year because they chose to age in place.

The one story addition cost about $75,000. If they did it now, since it is a pre-1978 home, the added costs would be about $11, 250. That’s a lot of money. However, it would have cost them over $60,000 to move in to assistive living for just one year. The cost of the addition would have given them about a year and a half there. Now they can live happily and safely in their home for many more years. They also know that when their grandchildren visit, the house is safe for them too.

Many contractors are not up to speed yet and it will take time for them to get certified. There are not enough trainers to keep up with demand in such a short time span. If you’re planning to do work and have found a contractor that you’re comfortable with, but who is not certified yet, consider giving them time to get certified. To learn more about the Lead-Safe Renovation, Repairs and Painting Program (RRP) go to http://www.epa.gov/lead/new.htm

Happy home,

Pat

What is the right home to Age in Place in?

Dear Friends,

I have been busy this month and not keeping up with my writing. That’s a good thing. People are tired of waiting for the world to end, or for someone to tell them it’s okay to breathe now. We’re all trying to get used to a new “normal” and move on with our lives.

Yet, we continue to second-guess ourselves. My husband and I are no different. As I mentioned before we have lived in the same home for 37 years. We are aging in place. The trouble is that we are tired of our house. There are things we want in our home that we just can’t have – like ceilings that we can’t touch so my husband doesn’t feel like a hobbit!

We also know we want a home where we can age in place. We have made many improvements already, yet it would take major renovations to make our home truly accessible and comfortable to age in place. Other issues with the house are that its high maintenance; it has a long stone drive and a flat roof. This house is for the young and fit to take over.

We talk about aging-in-place and how we want to live in our home and asked ourselves “is it the right home to age in place in?” We have decided it’s not really where we want to spend our retirement years. Our house is full of wonderful memories and we put a lot of sweat, and yes, tears into it. In the long run though, it takes a lot of work to maintain its cottage charm.

So, after almost two years, many cups of coffee, countless brainstorming sessions on the white board, and hours of my designing on cad, we have finally decided we need to create the home of our dreams. As a designer specializing in creating accessible homes for people with disabilities and those who want to remodel their homes to age in place, I have given this much thought and research.

It’s probably a question many of you have anguished over -do you stay in the home you’ve had for many years or move on to something new? We know for a fact that an active adult community is the last place we would want to live. All those houses are the same – three step entryways, throne hot whirlpool tubs and toilets in a closet. There is nothing about those homes that support aging in place.

We do know that we want the next phase of our life to be different and exciting. We have lived in this home for 37 years, my husband even longer; it’s his Perkiomenville PA family homestead. We moved every rock in the flowerbed, put on three additions and built a barn. It’s just not want we want for the future. It will be extremely difficult to leave, but we know it’s the right move for us.

This plan will take a few years to happen so stay tuned. In the meantime we’re keeping our home well maintained and safe. As my husband and I go through the process of creating a place to age comfortably, safely and support an active lifestyle, I hope you will share your ideas, plans, dreams and hopes for the future and how you want to age in place.

Here’s to the future & renewal,

Pat

Turn a blind eye OR spend a little to save a lot?

A few weeks ago, back before all the snows hit in PA, I met with local contractor to discuss how we could make a home safer for a potential client. I say potential because no contracts had been signed yet. The couple, Liz & Jack (both in their early 70’s) called Joe when Jack fell and ended up in the hospital with broken bones. He then went to rehab and they needed advice on home modifications.

Jack has a problem with his equilibrium and does fall a lot. This fall was serious and landed him in rehab for about two months. Liz wanted to make changes to the entrance of the home and to the master bathroom; both trouble areas where most of Jack’s falls occurred. One of the leading causes of injury for the elderly is falling in the bathroom.

Joe called me to help design a bathroom and entryway that would look great and be safer for Jack.  We met with Liz and she told us of the many obstacles in their old home. They have no desire to move and would like to age in place. We talked with Liz and Jack to find out what they needed, what we could do to make it safe and what the budget would be. I also referred them to additional resources like home care and assistive technology – resources that would not only benefit Jack, but Liz too. She is at risk of falling or hurting herself while taking care of Jack.

Jack came home from rehab, declared there was nothing wrong with him and that he didn’t need anything done to his home. He’s lived there for over 40 years and it’s just fine the way it is. He doesn’t remember that the poor layout caused him to have his fall.

The problem is that nothing has changed. Jack and Liz are in the same situation before the accident. Because Jack is reluctant to make changes and spend a little money to make his home safer, he is putting himself and Liz at risk. He doesn’t want to spend the money to make the needed modifications, yet he risks their safety and financial security by not doing anything.

Unfortunately, I expect that one day I will get another call from Joe telling me that Jack fell again. I will feel bad for him, yet I see this all the time. People often allow stubbornness, reluctance to make changes and hesitancy to spend money to get in the way of improving their safety and security.

The thing is Jack and many others in his situation are angry that it’s happening to them, they don’t want to get old or change the way things have always been. I’m no different. I work with so many people and see so much that it’s sometimes frightening and overwhelming for me too. On the other hand, I have also helped many people make changes in the home that are both safer and more beautiful. I’ve seen the quality of life and joy increase because they were willing to make a change.

I hope I can help the Jacks of the world have a great life, be able to Age in Place safely and protect his financial security. Jack & Liz could have another 20 or more years in their home by opening the other eye.

Enjoy the spring and be safe,

Pat

Are you ready to Age in Place?

Last week I had the opportunity to meet Eleanor. Eleanor is 69 years old and has been enjoying an active and independent retirement. Because of a freak accident that fractured her hip and broke her back she now needs full time care. She is unable to get into her home or enjoy the simple things she did just two years ago. I was called to help Eleanor assess her situation. She faces the difficult decision of whether or not to move to a new home or modify her existing home so she can stay there.

The week before I met with Dottie, a 59-year-old athletic and independent career woman. Dottie is single and has a nice home in a beautiful setting, but its high maintenance – and hard to get to when it snows – in central PA. She and I discussed whether to make her home more accessible and easier for her as she ages in place or to relocate to a home that would be easier to maintain and live in as she ages.

Today I met with an amputee support group at a rehab center. A younger man (under 55) was telling me how he’s made changes in his home to make it easier to live independently and safely.

What impressed me most about all of these amazing people is their determination and desire to remain independent. Each has different stories and circumstances. Some are being proactive in planning to remain in their home for the foreseeable future; others are planning because life dealt them an unexpected curve ball.

For the past nine years I have helped people with disabilities and the elderly find ways to stay in their home or helped them in making the decision to move. More often than not people choose to remain in their home and make changes that will let them enjoy their home for years to come. When moving is the best option we work though the choice of homes and choose the one that woks best for them.

Despite snow still being on the ground, spring training has begun. We’re already planning much anticipated summer vacations and vegetable gardens.  Now is a good time to think about your home and get it into shape to Age in Place. To help you get started, a few questions you might ask yourself:

•    Have I kept up with maintenance? Can I in the future?
•    Is my home accessible for me and other family members?
•    Do I like my home?
•    Do I like my neighborhood?
•    Do I want to stay here, as I get older?

Let’s hope the snow stops and the crocus start coming up soon. It’s a great time to plan for the future.

Pat

The Heart of the Home

We have all heard the cliché the kitchen is the heart of the home. This Valentine’s Day why not spend some time in your kitchen taking care of your other heart. Universal Design is often associated with construction or remodeling; however, because of Universal Design there is more opportunity for the kitchen becoming more accommodating with Age in Place features.
For many of you your kitchen has functioned just fine for years, but over time things have a way of just becoming too cluttered or worn out. I recently helped a couple that has lived in an active adult community for more than 10 years. To make their kitchen healthier and safer we made a few simple changes. Most of these you can do yourself, others with simple tools or a handyman. Try some of these out:

•    Clean out old medicines. Often prescription meds, vitamins and over the counter remedies are kept handy in a kitchen cupboard. Go though them and check for expiation dates. Throw out any that are outdated. Get a couple kitchen gadget baskets and label medicines with markers in large letters, separate family members if there is more than one person.
•    Instead of using the stove top for heating water try an electric pot which automatically shuts off once the water is boiled.  This can help prevent potential injuries of teapots left on the stove unwatched.
•    Remove all clutter from counter tops and workspaces.
•    Get rid of unused dishes, pots with loose handles and worn potholders.
•    Replace old potholders with new rubberized, high heat resistant ones
•    Small appliances could be moved to a more convenient area.  If electrical outlet locations are prohibiting this, have some new outlets installed.   All outlets must be hardwired to a GFI to prevent electrical shock.
•    Have the drawer and cabinet hardware changed to “U”-shape design or similar accessible hardware that is easier to grasp.
•    Install a singe levered faucet with a pull out spray instead of turning knobs.
•    Keep a fire extinguisher handy and visibly located near a room exit, but away from cooking equipment. New designer models look great on the counter – near the stove.
•    Place microwave ovens conveniently to avoid reaching to retrieve food.
•    Install slide-out trays and bins in base cabinets to make storage items more accessible and eliminate the need to bend.
•    Get rid of loose scatter rugs and replace them with rubberized floor mats. These are safer and add warmth underfoot.
•    Add better lighting. If installing new recessed lights or pendants are out of the budget, install better wattage to see more clearly. New battery operated puck lights are great for adding light under cabinets.

It’s easy and affordable to make your kitchen safer and easier to use. Most items needed to de-clutter and organize are found easily where home goods are sold and on-line. You’ll be amazed by how simply keeping your kitchen, the heart of the home, healthy will help you be safer, better organized and a better place – as you Age in Place. Happy Valentines Day!

Lifestyles Design Awarded NARI Meritorious Award for Universal Design

I am proud to announce that the The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) awarded Lifestyles Design with a Meritorious Award for Universal Design during its annual awards competition. The award was given for design of the master bathroom of a recently retired couple. To accommodate the wife’s progressive multiple sclerosis, we made the bathroom wheelchair accessible by enlarging it. We also created a no-step shower, installed slip resistant floors, decorative grab bars, and made the space more beautiful and comfortable.

An impartial panel of judges who are experts within the industry and associated fields, selected winners based on each entrant’s “before and after” photography and project description.  Judging was based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty and entry presentation.

Lifestyles Design is a member of the Bucks Mont Chapter of The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry.  With more than 8,200 member companies nationwide the Association is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry”^TM.

Bathroom BEFORE

Bath AFTER