Aging in Place

“Aging in place” (AIP) is the process of growing older and experiencing life in one’s own home without having to move. According to the Journal of Housing for the Elderly, it is defined as “not having to move from one’s present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing needs. 70% of seniors spend the rest of their life in the place where they celebrated their 65th birthday.”

Aging In Place (AIP) refers to staying and living in the place where you have lived for many years. The place where you raised your family, made memories and experienced life with friends and loved ones. It also refers to living in a non-healthcare environment, and using products, services and conveniences to allow or enable you to not have to move as circumstances change.

Understanding the desire for Aging-In Place requires a knowledge of Universal Design. Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. When one considers the safety and convenience of his/her guest in the home, Universal Design becomes an undistinguishable central theme for living. It certainly embraces safety, but more from a convenience standpoint than from a “warning” posture.

A key component of universally designed housing is the market appeal of the home and the integration of universal features into the overall home scheme. Universal Design becomes a virtually invisible element of a home when done well. However, few homes or home features will ever be completely universal, that is, meeting everyone’s needs always. A goal of Universal Housing is to make the need for customization for individual family member needs in fewer occasions, less frequently, and at less cost. The more that an appealing Universal Design is part of a remodeling project, the greater the resale potential.

Take a moment to watch this video. It will change the way you look at new home and or renovation of an existing home. We look forward helping you sell your home, build a universally designed home, renovate your existing home and age in place gracefully each and every day of the rest of your life.