Before and after retirement is an excellent time to prepare the house for what might come next in life—before any significant health issues appear. Choosing to Age in Place earlier in life using Universal Design techniques means a family can longer enjoy the home without obstruction. Their relatives, visitors, and children have peace of mind assured the aging loved ones or the chronically ill are safer living at home.
Everyone planning to remain in their existing home to Age in Place is looking for safety, security, familiarity, ease of use, and comfort. Homeowners and their families should immediately plan for their future housing needs and work from an Aging in Place design checklist. The current housing inventory does not offer the features needed for safety and accessibility in the numbers required to accommodate the growing demand creating a need for home modifications and a niche market. Savvy homeowners and their family have weighed the costs of institutional living compared to their home’s expenses. They also realize the difference in adhering to stringent rules in an institutional facility instead of independently and freely residing in their present home.
The truth is, with professional help, you can adapt almost any home environment to enable you and everyone else in the family to live within it safely to the fullest extent. Aging in place design is not age-related because disability can instantly strike any family member of any age. The need for increased home accessibility is the common thread in any situation. Universal Design or inclusive design is a design and building pathway making homes more accessible to all regardless of their age, mobility, or ability when appropriately used. The Universal Design process offers a seamless path for Aging in Place providing help for those with a sudden disability. It additionally addresses the requirements of special needs families or multigenerational living situations. The elements of Universal Design provide common sense solutions for diverse living conditions.
Regardless of size or ability, people are becoming more familiar with Universal Design and Aging in Place when considering a home remodeling project. Some people use these words interchangeably, but while they are similar in nature, they do differ because of the time they are performed. Both are specific design techniques used in making a home more comfortable and accessible for individuals of different abilities. Universal Design deals more with customized new dwellings and a proactive remodeling approach for people desiring to Age in Place prior to any health issues taking over their life. Comparatively, Aging in Place home modifications strictly involve the remodeling of existing homes to accommodate physical needs brought on by sudden health issues in a reactive manner. The costs for both processes represent a beneficial investment in your home for future needs as opposed to merely spending involving aesthetically pleasing remodeling projects.
As an Aging in Place Specialist and one of Austin's premier Aging in Place contractors, I came to realize existing homes typically contain cramped, twisting hallways with narrow doorways, bathrooms without adequate maneuvering space for decreased usability, kitchens without accessible storage and workspaces, and stepped home entries. These are all common home design flaws. Every one of these common household problematic areas falls short of any Aging in Place design features. Hence, the home building industry has always lacked inclusion for all homeowners with their ever-changing needs.
As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist CAPS(#1636580), I am confident my book, "Age in Place at Home", introduces you to a new way of thinking about your home's future. It acts a guide for solving diverse home needs for all people affected by varying physical conditions and aging. I decided to write this book due to many customer requests for a summation of suggestions to improve their home's accessibility, comfort, usefulness, and sustainability and, ideas they could share with others. The book is full of Aging in Place design guidelines gleaned from witnessing years of shortcomings in traditional homes. I based the information provided on countless past home walkthroughs and home assessments. Within my book, you can discover room-by-room the benefits of using the principles of Universal Design and how to incorporate them periodically throughout your living environment at your own pace. I furthermore guide you through a home, making suggestions for what will increase your and your family's future accessibility. You will notice the chapters involving the bathroom and kitchen are very extensive. They represent the most important rooms to consider when planning to Age in Place. The most utilized rooms in our homes must accommodate all diverse residents and visitors.
Would you please not allow your home to hold you or any of your loved ones captive within its walls. Learn how to enable your home to conform to you and the needs of your family. Please think ahead positively and proactively while preparing for the future. IT JUST MAKES GOOD SENSE.
According to the 2000 census, nearly 50 million people in the United States have some type of disability. Of this group, 6.8 million have a condition that makes it difficult to bathe, dress and get around the inside of their own homes. T-Square Company has the training and knowledge to help with disabilities because we are a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).
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Age in Place at Home
If you have made a decision, along with the support of your family, to remain in your existing home while you Age in Place, you must determine a definite pathway forward to ensure your desires are successfully met. This is a sign of the times as today over 80% of homeowners share your desire to remain in their familiar home, surrounded by familiar surroundings and neighbors. Amongst any caregivers involved in your life, you will also need to obtain help from a trained and seasoned Certified Aging in Place Specialist.
Fortunately, construction and design professionals are taking advantage of the CAPS training across the nation. This designation is taught through the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with AARP. CAPS connects responsible professionals with home owners who need these services on an ever-increasing basis. CAPS stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialist. It is a construction credential that has builders, architects, remodelers, designers and even occupational therapists buzzing. Aging in Place principles are changes designed to custom fit your existing home to you and your family's needs as time goes by. CAPS design takes your current and future circumstances into consideration and the principles focus on elegant, aesthetically enriching, barrier-free environments. Home modifications do not need to look institutional and this is why many seniors are resisting the very changes that can help them the most. Be aware, the vast majority of uncertified builders and remodelers do not have the knowledge and training to perform home modifications for Aging in Place. Take for instance when you are considering installing a grab bar, which seems like a simple endeavor, understand that a run of the mill contractor or handyman has no idea of the safety regulations involved or the knowledge concerning where and how to install the grab bar. This leaves the consumer in an unsafe predicament. However, if performed correctly, any modifications will actually increase the value of your home because they appeal to multiple generations of home buyers.
David L. Traut, CAPS the owner of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas is one of the select group of professionals to earn the Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners, or their visitors. T-Square Company offers a full compliment of Aging in Place services for their clientele. These services include the initial home assessment, a design followed by a detailed drawing, all city permits and fees, and the construction or remodeling work involved. David has been successfully operating as a CAPS professional for nearly thirty years while performing his design/build projects. His clients include many members of the private sector, the VA, and HUD. David is a CAPS certified remodeler and master builder providing a one-stop-shop which is even more valuable to anyone wanting to Age in Place. As a master craftsman, his construction knowledge enables any Aging in Place design to come to fruition via practicality and best practices.
David always practices what he preaches to his clients. He takes an inductive qualitative research approach with every client, because everyone has diverse physical needs. As an answer to his clients requests over the years, he has recently published a book entitled "Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations". The book reflects on thirty years of accessibility improvements and identifies why our traditional homes specifically lack this very basic need. It is available on Amazon and stands as a reference book for increasing home accessibility using the principles of Universal Design in every room of the home. David is certified in the United States and Australia in the Universal Design process. Universal Design elements can be installed into a home at any time avoiding the need for reactive remodeling following a health crisis. This thoughtful proactive design process segues seamlessly into what is required for Aging in Place. Furthermore, Universal Design prevents the need to perform future modifications except under extreme circumstances. The presence of Universal Design provides access for both wheelchairs and walkers and perhaps avoids future injuries because you have accessibility.
For additional information about the CAPS program, visit nahb.org/CAPS. For more information about T-Square Company, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097 to schedule a home assessment by a local Austin CAPS professional.
So, just exactly what takes place once you schedule a home assessment? During the home assessment for increasing accessibility, the structural changes needed for the client will be noted and documented through sketches, photos, and conversation. CAPS professionals are generally paid by the hour or receive a flat fee per initial visit or project because they are offering a service backed by education and experience. Typically an assessment takes approximately 60-90 minutes. It’s best if you or a family member can accompany the CAPS professional during the home safety assessment, as you or they can ask questions about specific safety items as they come up. The comprehensive Home Safety Assessment determines a direct and safe path forward for you, the client. You will have a better chance of avoiding the high cost and physical disruptions of future injuries leading to assisted living. All the surroundings within your home will be taken into account from the flooring to the layout of a specific room or location as it pertains to the your ease of use. Your physical and emotional needs also come into play because of mobility, sensory, or cognitive concerns. The goal is to modify the home in a custom manner to provide for your maximum health, independence, and safety. Often the input from any caretakers like a physical or occupational therapist during the assessment phase can prove to be invaluable. The three main rooms involved in Aging in Place home modifications are the bathroom, the kitchen, and the family room in that order. The basic needs involve access through wider doorways, level non-slip floor surfaces, and lower cabinets with plumbing fixture accessibility like roll-under sinks with easily operated lever controls.
Aging in Place Bathroom Modifications in Austin
Quite often it is the home that presents the greatest difficulties for homeowners accompanied by limited mobility or other physical impairments as they age in their existing surroundings. Designing for specific physical conditions will lessen the impact of arthritis, restricted mobility, or loss of vision by using combinations of products, concepts, and techniques available today. Keeping safety in mind, interior modifications commonly include adding grab bars or handrails throughout the home, installing ramps or vertical platform lifts, lowering upper cabinets and countertops to Universal Design heights, adding non-slip flooring, widening hallways or installing stairlifts, and widening doors. You might also consider lowering light switches and thermostats and installing easier-to-use door levers or electric door openers. Try to provide a clear barrier-free path or accessible route to the most visited areas of your home like a disability access bath containing a roll-in ADA compatible shower, the kitchen, and the family room.
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Our homes have always been exempt from any of the federal accessibility regulations put in place in 1990. Unfortunately, no restricted codes or regulations concerning residential bathrooms or disability access baths exist. An evolving concept called Universal Design satisfies most people's personal needs. Universal Design techniques in the building make a home more accessible to all regardless of size, mobility or adaptive abilities. Children and aging adults benefit in the home from its existence. The evolution of new products used for disability home modifications makes those homes more accessible and has finally come about in the remodeling industry. Specialized handicap remodeling contractors for home remodeling incorporating the principles of Universal Design are catching on nationwide and have been a sign of the times for several years. Our present-day obsolete homes, now inhabited by the baby boomer generation, will slowly and increasingly raise their obsolete ugly heads and expose their true lack of accessibility to those inhabiting them.
When mobility becomes an issue for any homeowner, regardless of age, the question arises concerning physically moving to a different home that is more accessible. Universal Design prepares your home for one of those highly likely events involving someone needing room modifications for even a short time while recovering from surgery or the chronically ill. Solving Aging in Place issues will soon become the number one challenge concerning our country's obsolete housing inventory. The situation will only expand with an increasingly aging population due to medical advances. When these homes were previously purchased, they represented a complete castle in the world of their owners in which to prepare for a day, and they also acted as a retreat from life's challenging interactions. They housed our families, our memories, and our stuff. They represented a place where we could be ourselves.
There are many benefits to using Universal Design techniques, including potential use by aging family members or special-needs children, added resale value, and the fact that you'll be creating a space that can be used by anyone who visits your home, regardless of their range of abilities. Simple universal design updates for Aging in Place home modifications and handicap bathroom accessibility can include adding grab bars or handrails throughout the home, adding a seat within the roll in shower, lowering upper cabinets and countertops, adding non-slip flooring, widening hallways, or installing stair lifts, and widening doors. You might also consider lowering light switches and thermostats and installing easier-to-use door levers. Try to provide a clear barrier-free path or accessible route to the most visited areas of your home. These new advances in accessible home remodeling make living environments safer and will not compromise the home's aesthetics.
Many people find themselves needing accessible homes for themselves or family members. There are approximately 30 million Americans using wheelchairs, and the number of people who need accessible homes will continue to increase as disabled and aging people find more ways to remain in their homes. Furthermore, children with special needs make up a significant part of the population. One crucial way to increase independent living is by making a home accessible to an individual's personal needs. Home modifications can increase safety, accessibility, and independence for people who want to live independently.
Universal Design runs parallel with wheelchair access. Many of the published guidelines for wheelchair-accessible remodeling, particularly requirements for corridor and door widths, safety bars, and proper access to different rooms, can go a long way in extending the amount of time an elderly or physically impaired individual can live independently. The absolute truth about the design process is that if it allows access by a seated person, it gives everyone access. More comfort is built into a room while avoiding a cramped and cluttered living environment because there is adequate room to move about freely.
An Aging in Place (CAPS) specialist must design an Aging in Place project. Always consider the end user's preferences and capabilities. For instance, roll-in showers without curbs are advised for everyone on a universal basis for an accessible bath. A 5'x5' clear shower floor turning space is an optimum size when a caretaker is involved. Using a 32-36" wide barrier-free entrance in a shower partition with an out-swinging door is advised for everyone to increase safety. Remember, wider is better in all respects. Upon exiting the shower, a clear floor space of 30"x48" for an approach to the shower should be present. This area can overlap with the designated five feet turning radius area within the room. The shower should contain a hand-held shower wand on a sliding bar or mast mounted 48" above the floor and is available for varying heights of use. The hand shower is complimented by a fixed height shower head located at approximately seven feet above the shower floor. These diverse shower heads are both regulated using a diverting controller valve.You can opt for the fixed shower head if you desire a full body wash or the hand-held is used for rinsing and shower cleaning. This configuration allows adaptability within the design. Hence, the user has a choice. Always use a shower valve that is thermostatically controlled and pressure-balanced to prevent scalds.
Installing fixtures with a scald guard or lowering the temperature at the water heater is a must to prevent burns. Fold-down seats attached to the shower wall are useful if caretakers are involved. Recessed shampoo niches help eliminate clutter on the shower floor. Secure grab bars installed on wood grounds buried within the wall around the entire shower perimeter at 34-36" above the finished shower floor increases the safety factor and helps to prevent falls. A recessed can light fixture should be installed above the shower area for proper lighting. To prevent slipping on a guaranteed wet floor, all bathroom floor surfaces must be the nonskid type. The ultimate goal in accessible design is to make the bathroom space safe for everyone who uses the bathroom. Universal Design better accommodates wheelchair users and makes the bathroom more comfortable for all users. This modification can be done without sacrificing style.
The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and Home Innovation Research Labs, created the CAPS program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry--home modifications for Aging in Place using Universal Design. David L. Traut, CAPS, the owner of T-Square Company in SW Austin, Texas, is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners, or their visitors.
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Perhaps you have or have taken in a special-needs child as a grandparent. Or an aging parent who endured a life-changing accident or illness has come to live with your family. Or perhaps you have a family member who suffers from a progressive condition like MS or ALS needing home alterations to ease the effects of the disability. In all these situations, the help offered by a CAPS-certified Aging in Place home remodeling contractor comes into play. This is the only way to ensure safety and mobility for the homeowner or family member requiring the home modifications. Furthermore, modifications of existing homes are important because people aged 50 and older want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. Aging in Place home modifications in Austin should only be done by a nationally listed CAPS-certified remodeling company. This is the only way you can be assured that the home modifications are the right choices to satisfy your needs. There is no need to waste money only to discover that an inexperienced and unqualified remodeling company did the wrong alterations.
T-Square Company in SW Austin, Texas, is an accomplished accessibility construction company and disability contractor for any whole house special needs revisions or a handicap accessible bathroom remodel. Accessible wheelchair designs in Austin are available through T-Square Company. T-Square Company has over three decades of home accessibility experience. David L. Traut, the owner and president of T-Square Company, is an experienced accessibility specialist and has successfully worked with people of all ages with a disability. Each design/build project is customized specifically to the customer's needs. Call 512-444-0097 today to begin the accessible second chapter in your or your family's life while remaining safe and secure in your existing home (CAPS 1636580). All registered CAPS program graduates and their remodeling companies will be listed in a national registry in Washington. The information can be found by simply visiting nahb.org/CAPS.
Disability is a complex phenomenon representing an interaction between one's physical impairments, the activities one needs to perform, and the architectural barriers within the space in which this situation occurs. Each individual demonstrates the complexity with similar impairments describing his or her limitations differently. The blind don't experience their world the same as a person with deafness. Some of our societal statistics that weigh into Aging in Place situations include reports stating that 19% of the population between the ages of 16 and 64 and 42% of those of us 65 and over have a physical disability affecting the activities of their daily lives.
Making your home accessible for a special-needs child will give your entire family a feeling of security and freedom. Your child with the disability will become more comfortable and be able to maneuver through and use the home more safely. They will be able to develop the life skills they need in their daily environment rather than just focusing on treatment. Sometimes, the living environment must be changed to impact the child's life significantly.
Physical limitations affect many more people than the daily users of walkers and wheelchairs. Many members of our life experienced or elder society has significant problems dealing with their home environment. Exceptional circumstances have brought about special needs in the home for many young and old people. Today's conventional building standards conflict with most people's accessibility when considering our created architectural barriers concerning cabinetry and door opening widths, individual strength, range of motion, movement, manual dexterity, balance, and coordination. Once the demands of our built environment exceed their capacities, we become excluded from a room or even the entire home, bringing forth the need for elder construction and remodeling. The situation holds true for children with special needs. The building world must work in unison to be sure the entire living environment meets basic needs in addition to affordability and structural integrity for the consumer and homeowner. This includes the home and the components within the home being accessible to all inhabitants. Privacy, a sense of belonging, a sense of control, and the sense of safety and security make up the quality of life for any home and should be considered for any design.
The concept of the accessible home has evolved beyond the basic grab bars and ramps to one in which accessibility is built into the basic design. Everyone ages differently and has different needs and wants. These factors have brought about the need for Universal Design. This is the design of products, services, and environments usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation without needing adaptation or specialized alterations. It provides the most significant safety and access for home guests or occupants and is undetectable when done well. The principles of Universal Design enable living in a home with more comfort and adaptability for people of all ages and abilities. Accessible home remodeling for the disabled can be beautiful and functional and never needs to have any institutional appearance. As our aging baby boomer population ages, the need for accessibility remodeling in the home is becoming ever more important. Our new way of viewing the basic home in our society and our antiquated architecture is giving way to a revolution in home design. Ordinary homeowners with extraordinary challenges can partner up with CAPS design professionals, architects, and their own families to create homes to restore capabilities, independence, and grace to daily living. Fortunately, there is home accessibility help in Austin, Texas, offered by T-Square Company. T-Square Company specializes in home disability access for any age resident with special needs. They offer a complete assortment of disability services to help cushion and adapt to any disability. Wider entries and hallways, accessible bathrooms and showers, accessible kitchens, ramped entrances, vertical platform lifts, stair lifts, elevators, and accessible rooms of any type are just a few of the services we offer. Every design is based on your specific needs and abilities.
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Disability is a complex phenomenon representing an interaction between one's physical impairments, the activities one needs to perform, and the architectural barriers within the space in which this situation occurs. Disability is not an age-related condition. The terminology and jargon used for disabilities evolve regularly, whereas "handicapped" is not widely accepted. Disability is no longer merely a description of intellectual or physical impairments. Each individual with similar impairments describes his or her limitations differently. The blind don't experience their world the same as a person with deafness. Some of our societal statistics that weigh into Aging in Place situations include reports stating that 19% of the population between the ages of 16 and 64 and 42% of those of us 65 and over have a physical disability affecting the activities of their daily lives. Aging in Place home remodeling in Dripping Springs for a progressive condition comes into play. This is the only way to ensure safety and mobility for the homeowner or family member requiring the home modifications. The two main groups driving elder construction and the Aging in Place market are those people who are 65 and over and the baby boomers. The first group reached 55 million in 2020. The baby boomer generation born between 1946 and 1965 today makes up 28% of the U.S. population and some 77 million people. The published guidelines for ADA accessibility for buildings and facilities are an excellent resource for ideas on making a home safer and easier to live in. Many of these published guidelines, particularly requirements for corridor and door widths, safety bars, and proper access to different facilities, can go a long way in extending the amount of time an elderly or physically impaired individual can live independently.
The situation holds for a disabled child, only on a smaller but changing scale. It is estimated that 5.4 percent of children five to seven years old are disabled representing a considerably large portion of the population. Sometimes, the living environment must be changed to impact the child's life significantly. Making your home accessible for a special-needs child will give your entire family a feeling of security and freedom. Your child with the disability will become more comfortable and be able to maneuver through and use the home more safely. They will be able to develop the life skills they need in their daily environment rather than just focusing on treatment. Fortunately, whatever is needed in the way of home modifications to create a safe and comfortable environment for your child is available through the registered and certified CAPS program. Accessibility should be a concern no matter what your age. If your concerns are not for you, barring any life-changing accident, they could concern the accessibility of another generation's independence in using the bathroom. Furthermore, today's multigenerational households exhibit accessibility issues affecting three to six generations, all of which must be addressed. CAPS professionals in the remodeling industry can help solve these issues while performing design/build home modifications.
Modifications of existing homes are necessary because people aged 50 and older want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. This desire is known as Aging in Place. Aging in Place home modifications in Dripping Springs should only be undertaken by a CAPS-certified remodeling company. This is the only way you can be assured that the home modifications are the right choices to satisfy your needs. There is no need to waste money only to discover that an inexperienced and unqualified remodeling company did the wrong alterations. Indeed, a trained CAPS professional and remodeling contractor with years of experience will cost you more than a handyman illegally playing among the trades at your peril. Still, then again, there are those professional guarantees to consider. The professional versus the handyman is more likely to seek your overall satisfaction that will follow him into his next job. An actual building professional can also orchestrate the job's smooth flow limiting the downtime of a most functional room. Always check their credentials to verify that the remodeler holds a CAPS certification. All registered CAPS program graduates and their remodeling companies will be listed in a national registry in Washington. The information can be found by simply visiting nahb.org/CAPS.
Being proactive and preparing for one of those highly likely events involving someone in your home needing room modifications for even a short time while recovering from surgery is undoubtedly an intelligent move. The new evolving concept known as Universal Design for home remodeling is catching on nationwide and has been a sign of the times for several years. These new home remodeling advances keep the living environments safer and will not compromise the home's aesthetics or resale value. Exhibiting Universal Design principles in a building makes a home more accessible to all regardless of their mobility or adaptive abilities and at any age. The evolution of new universal products used in room modifications making homes more accessible has come about in the remodeling industry. Homes can become more accessible to people as they age. Universal Design interior modifications include adding grab bars or handrails throughout the home, lowering upper cabinets and countertops, adding non-slip flooring, widening hallways, or installing stair lifts and wider doors. You might also consider lowering light switches and thermostats and installing easier-to-use door levers. Universally, you should try to provide a clear barrier-free path or accessible route to the most visited areas of your home.
David L. Traut, CAPS (#1636580), the owner and president of T-Square Company in SE Austin, is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners, or their visitors. We are a registered contractor with the VA to help our veterans. For more information about T-Square Company, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097.
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Perhaps, you have outgrown the usefulness your existing home once had, because, quite often, it is the home that presents the most significant difficulties in life through the homeowners limited mobility or other physical impairments. As seniors age in their existing living surroundings, their bodies and personal needs are constantly changing. Designing for specific physical conditions will lessen the impact of arthritis, restricted mobility, or loss of vision using combinations of products, concepts, and techniques available today. These Aging in Place changes make your home more adaptable and user-friendly. Home modifications do not need to look institutional; this is why many seniors resist the changes that can help them the most. Moreso, once you decide to sell, the correct modifications increase the value of your home as it appeals to multiple generations of home buyers . The exact scope of work is determined by the CAPS specialist according to your needs.
In some cases, CAPS-certified health workers and therapists, act only as consultants, and are not the ones implementing those suggestions or doing the home modifications. In this case, the actual construction work is assigned to a qualified accessibility contractor. David L. Traut, CAPS, the owner and president of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners, or their visitors. A CAPS-certified remodeler like T-Square Company located in SW Austin is in a great location for helping the people in Dripping Springs and the surrounding area Age in Place. Our company provides a one-stop shop that is even more valuable to anyone wanting to Age in Place. Our construction knowledge and over 27 years of accessibility experience enables any Aging in Place design/build project to come to fruition via practicality and best practices. On the other hand, any additional knowledge gained from a CAPS-certified practitioner or family member is still invaluable for determining the final design.
Complete Aging in Place services and the knowledge of how to carry them out are available to the homeowner through CAPS-certified remodeling. A CAPS specialist considers your current and future circumstances in their design, and the principles focus on elegant, aesthetically enriching barrier-free environments. The first step to increasing your homes accessibility involves scheduling a comprehensive Home Safety Assessment with a CAPS specialist. This requires paying a modest fee for the professional service. The assessment can pay for itself by avoiding the high cost of injury or assisted living, and it provides the homeowner a definite path for the future. Moving forward, the CAPS professional will be additionally compensated for their design and detailed drawings prior to the modification or hard costs. CAPS professionals are generally paid by the hour or receive a flat fee per visit or project. Typically an assessment takes approximately 60-90 minutes. It’s best if you or a family member can accompany the CAPS professional during the home safety assessment. You or they can ask questions about specific safety items as they arise.
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During a home assessment for increasing accessibility, the structural needs of the client will be noted and documented through sketches, photos, and conversation. All the surroundings will be considered for the final design, from the flooring to the layout of a specific room or location as it pertains to the inhabitant's ease of usability. The physical and emotional needs of the occupant come into play because of mobility, sensory, or cognitive concerns. The goal is to modify the home in a custom manner to provide for the occupant's maximum health, independence, and safety. Input from any caretakers, like a physical or occupational therapist, during the assessment phase can prove invaluable. The three main rooms involved in Aging in Place home modifications are the bathroom, the kitchen, and the family room, in that order. These areas make up the most occupied spaces of any home and will be connected by a designated accessible route. The basic needs considered involve access through wider doorways, non-slip floor surfaces, widening hallways, installing stairlifts, and good cabinet and plumbing fixture accessibility. You might also consider lowering light switches and thermostats and installing easier-to-use door levers. Safety is of paramount importance to the final accessible design.
Be advised, the vast majority of builders and remodelers do not have the knowledge and training from obtaining the CAPS designation to perform home modifications for Aging in Place. When considering installing a grab bar which seems like a simple endeavor, a run-of-the-mill contractor or handyman has no idea of the safety regulations involved or the knowledge of where to install the grab bar leaving the unaware and trusting consumer in a dangerous situation. The CAPS designation is taught through the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with AARP. CAPS connects responsible professionals with homeowners who need these services on an ever-increasing basis. CAPS is a nationwide initiative,and all active CAPS professionals can be found at nahb.org/CAPSdirectory.
For more information about T-Square Company, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097.
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Preparing for one of those highly likely events involving someone in your home needing room modifications for even a short time while recovering from surgery is surely a smart move. The new evolving concept known as Universal Design for home remodeling is catching on nationwide and has been for several years as a sign of the times. Universal design techniques used in a building make a home more accessible to all regardless of their mobility or adaptive abilities and at any age. An evolution of new products used in room modifications making homes more accessible has come about in the remodeling industry. These new advances in home remodeling not only keep the living environments safer but will not compromise the home's aesthetics or resale value. Interior modifications can include adding grab bars or handrails throughout the home, lowering upper cabinets and countertops, adding non-slip flooring, widening hallways, installing stairlifts, designing and building accessible bathrooms, and widening doors. You might also consider lowering light switches and thermostats and installing easier-to-use door levers. You should try to provide a clear barrier-free path or accessible route to the most visited areas of your home. The published guidelines for ADA accessibility for buildings and facilities are a great resource for ideas on how to make a home safer and easier to live in. Homes can become more accessible to people as they age. Many of these published ADA guidelines, particularly requirements for corridor and door widths, safety bars, and proper access to different types of facilities can go a long way in extending the amount of time an elderly or physically impaired individual can live independently.
If you have been considering a bathroom renovation with better accessibility or an accessible kitchen remodeling project in Austin there are a few things you should take into consideration. Accessible bathroom upgrades can take on many looks and facets. The scope of work you choose to accomplish this task should effectively solve your physical challenges and most importantly, your needs as the homeowner-- for now and for the future. The identification of these specific needs belongs to you the homeowner. The way your home is structurally altered to help with special needs is the job of the professional remodeling contractor holding a CAPS certification. A thorough assessment by a Certified Aging in Place professional will identify your home's architectural barriers and what is required to remove them. Accessibility should be a concern no matter what your age. If your concerns are not for you, barring any life-changing accident, they could concern the accessibility of another generation's independence in using the restroom. CAPS professionals in the remodeling industry can help with solutions in solving these issues while performing design/build home modifications.
Disability is a complex phenomenon representing an interaction between one's physical impairments, the activities they need to perform, and the architectural barriers within the space in which this situation occurs. The terminology and jargon used for disabilities evolve regularly whereas, "handicapped" is no longer acceptable. It is no longer merely a description of intellectual or physical impairments. Each individual with similar impairments describes his or her limitations differently. The blind don't experience their world the same as a person with deafness. Some of our societal statistics that weigh into aging in place situations include reports stating that 19% of the population between the ages of 16 and 64 and 42% of those of us 65 and over have a physical disability affecting the activities of our daily lives. For a progressive condition, aging in place home remodeling in Austin definitely comes into play. This is the only way to ensure both the safety and mobility for the homeowner or family member requiring the home modifications. The two main groups driving elder construction and the aging in place market are those people who are 65 and over and the baby boomers. The first group is projected to reach 55 million in 2020. The baby boomer generation born between 1946 and 1965 today make up 28% of the U.S. population and are made up of some 77 million people. Modifications of existing homes are important because people age 50 and older want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. Aging in place home modifications in Austin should only be done by a CAPS-certified remodeling company. This is the only way that you can be assured that the home modifications are the right choices to satisfy your needs. There is no need to waste money only to find out that the wrong alterations were done by an inexperienced and unqualified remodeling company. Always check their credentials to verify that the remodeler holds a CAPS certification. All registered CAPS program graduates and their remodeling companies will be listed in a national registry in Washington. The information can be found by simply visiting nahb.org/CAPS.
The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and Home Innovation Research Labs, created the CAPS program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry--home modifications for aging in place. David L. Traut, CAPS the owner of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners, or their visitors. T-Square Company offers complete disabled home modifications in Austin using our design/build philosophy. We have over 35 years of accessibility experience in the commercial and private market sectors. We specialize in disability remodeling projects for our special needs clients.
What are some of the costs involved? Whether you desire a roll-in shower, accessible sink, or merely clear and unobstructed access to your existing bath, a CAPS professional can help you increase your accessibility. The professional national CAPS certification holder can not only help you with the design of what you desire but is competent and professionally qualified to carry out any construction needed. Certainly, there are many upgrades available when planning a bathroom transformation. The replacement of the tub with a new walk-in shower can create a bold look but will run around $14,000. There are no spending limits for bathroom remodels. You can plan on spending around $12,000 to $15,000 for a hall bath remodel. The price tag can approach or exceed $35,000 for a complete master bath remodel. The type of fixtures and building components chosen along with the labor will compose the overall cost of the remodeling project. These prices are based on long-lasting home modifications requiring time to install using proper construction techniques. T-Square Company's design/builds are not to be confused with pop-in kits offered by others claiming they will be accomplished in a couple of days.
It is true that a trained CAPS professional and remodeling contractor with years of experience will cost you more than a handyman illegally playing among the trades at your peril but then again there are those professional guarantees to consider. The professional versus the handyman is more likely to seek your overall satisfaction that will follow him into his next job. A true building professional can also orchestrate the job's smooth flow limiting the downtime of a most useful room. Subcontractors will not be covered up and each skilled trade is brought onto the site as needed in an orderly fashion. Professionals normally have insurance to cover on-the-job accidents to protect the homeowners from having legal action brought against them personally. Be sure you ask for a certificate of insurance from your chosen professional contractor so that you aren't held personally liable for medical expenses covering a worker's accident while on your property. Don't forget that only certified aging in place (CAPS) professionals can help you solve your accessibility needs and concerns. The aging-in-place considerations specifically used in homes today where the owner is planning to retire are all a part of training and experience. Call T-Square Company today at 512-444-0097 and discover how precise home modifications will offer you extended comfort, safety, and independence within your existing home.
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Everyone planning to remain in their home to Age in Place is looking for safety, security, ease of use, and comfort. Homeowners and families must plan for future housing needs. The current housing inventory does not offer the features needed for safety and accessibility in the numbers required to accommodate the growing demand. They have weighed the costs of institutional living compared to their home’s expenses. They also realize the difference in adhering to stringent rules in a facility instead of independently and freely residing in their present home.
Before and after retirement is an excellent time to prepare the house for what comes next in life—before any significant health issues appear. Choosing to Age in Place earlier in life using Universal Design techniques means a family can longer enjoy the home without obstruction. Their relatives, visitors, and children have peace of mind assured the aging loved ones or the chronically ill are safer living at home.
The truth is, with professional help, you can adapt almost any home environment to enable you and everyone else in the family to live within it to the fullest extent safely. The process is not age-related. Disability can strike any family member at any age. The need for greater home accessibilty is the common thread. Universal Design or inclusive design is a design and building pathway that makes homes more accessible to all regardless of their age, mobility, or ability when appropriately used. The design process offers a seamless path for Aging in Place. It addresses the requirements of special needs families or multigenerational situations. Solutions for diverse living conditions are now becoming a possibility.
Regardless of size or ability, people are becoming more familiar with Universal Design and Aging in Place if considering a home remodeling project. Some people use these words interchangeably, but while they are similar, they do differ. Both are specific design techniques used in making a home more comfortable and accessible for individuals of different abilities. Universal Design deals more with customized new dwellings and a proactive remodeling approach for people wanting to Age in Place before any health issues arise. Aging in Place strictly involves remodeling existing homes to accommodate physical needs brought on by sudden health issues in a reactive manner. The costs for both processes represent a beneficial investment in your home for future needs as opposed to merely spending involving aesthetically pleasing remodeling projects.
I came to realize over my building career that including cramped twisting hallways with narrow doorways, bathrooms lacking maneuvering space and usability, kitchens without accessible storage and workspaces, and stepped home entries were repeating home design flaws. The home building industry has always lacked inclusion for all homeowners with their ever-changing needs.
As a Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) professional (#1636580), I am confident this book, which will hopefully be available toward the end of 2022, will introduce you to a new way of thinking about your home's future. It offers a guide for solving diverse home needs for all people affected by varying physical conditions and aging. I decided to write this book due to many customer requests for a summation of suggestions to improve their home's accessibility, comfort, usefulness, and sustainability and, ideas they could share with others. I based the information provided on countless past walkthroughs and home assessments. Inside, you can discover room by room the benefits of using the principles of Universal Design and how to incorporate them periodically throughout your living environment at your own pace. I guide you through a home, making suggestions for what will increase your and your family's future accessibility. You will notice the chapters involving the bathroom and kitchen are pretty extensive. They represent the most important rooms to consider when planning to Age in Place. The most utilized rooms in our homes must accommodate all diverse residents and visitors.
Would you please not allow your home to hold you or your loved ones captive within its walls and enable your home to conform to you and the needs of your family. Please think ahead positively and proactively while preparing for the future. IT JUST MAKES GOOD SENSE.
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A Universal Design approach to kitchen conception takes into account people’s varying degrees of ability and disability rather than someone is either fully-functional or disabled. The diversity among the users of the kitchen includes size, age and agility. The kitchen represents the family hub, and for the designated cook of the day, it is where many hours are spent caring for the family. A Universally Designed kitchen supports the diversity of all cooks, users, and helpers. With the additional cooks like granny or the kids, the kitchen no longer adequately accommodates everyone’s participation and changes need to be made. This is especially noticeable once families decide to help each other and become multi-generational. Enlarged work spaces, larger passing areas, accessible work surfaces, storage within universal reach distances, accessible appliances, and flexible and layered lighting are a few of the inclusive changes for the kitchen. A cohesive blend of universal functionality for the abled and disabled with conventional convenience aspects for other family members is the goal guaranteeing a successful and accessible Universal Design kitchen for any home.
Homes with wheelchair accessible kitchens representing a by-product of Universal Design are a predictable necessity for the ever aging population. With the right layout, it is possible to make a home for maintaining the quality of life of the homeowners with disabilities while helping them live a more healthy, safe, and independent life. Kitchens with architectural barrier free layouts are more functional for everyone involved especially when mobility devices are required. Universal Design techniques give everyone a chance for equal independence. These very basic techniques provide adaptations or specialized designs regardless of age, ability, or situation.
In Universal Design kitchens, the work areas containing the sink and cook top have the capability of moving up and down with the touch of a button further accommodating the seated user or a helpful child. Cleaning is easier because of the adjustable height work and storage areas. When planning a Universal Design kitchen for anyone, every aspect of the space is considered from the cabinet height to the accessibility of appliances, to the space between cabinets and walls or islands. The principles of Universal Design call for the space to be functional and accessible for everyone in the household. This includes older homeowners with mobility or sight issues, as well as younger members of the family.
Layout and flow is especially considered when planning a Universal Design kitchen space. To promote functionality for all occupants, it is vital to consider every aspect of the design including doors, traffic patterns, and workstations. The universally designed accessible kitchen is one of usability. People need roll under capability at the sink and at least one food prep area if nowhere else. A clear floor space of 30 x 48 inches is provided in front of each accessible appliance and these areas of approach can overlap especially at the clear 5 foot turning radius. Raised dishwashers offer easier access to dishes and lowered microwaves and other appliances solve other reach distance problems making it easier to live with a disability.
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Including Universal Design ideas when periodically remodeling anywhere within the home and especially in the bathroom means the design personally fits a family for a longer period of time. Universal Design contains the natural ability to adapt with people. Many times, an existing bathroom’s layout is changed regarding fixture arrangement and orientation to increase efficiency. Remodeling an existing bathroom using Universal Design possibly involves changing the wall configuration for a more open feeling. Additional space is needed in the bathroom once caretakers providing assistance are required for aging adults or young children.
Modifying the bathroom following practiced wheelchair accessibility guidelines is a great place to start a Universal Design remodel in any home. The expanded clearances involved create a more comfortable and roomy environment for every family member. Universal Design principles provide access for the users of wheelchairs or walkers including everyone else including children. A functional, well organized, and attractive layout placing the items used in close proximity and within reach of the users meets the needs of most homeowners including children and aging adults. This includes people with limited mobility or impaired reach due to physical or medical conditions. The diversity of all people is accounted for. Therefore, it represents a perfect design concept for multi-generational households. Regarding the current multi-generational living environments there are varying participants of many ages with multiple sizes and abilities within the family group indicating the need for Universal Design’s use throughout the home. A major difference in these special family units is a better probability function and dexterity is negatively affected by a group member.
Planning for the future involving Universal Design principles is so important with any remodel for both now and in the future. Using Universal Design to remodel a bathroom space increases aesthetics, sustainability, usefulness, and safety while lending itself to privacy in a functional surrounding. Universal Design bathroom accessibility includes opening up the area with a clear five foot diameter in case a wheelchair is needed, adding grab bars or handrails throughout the home (or at least blocking for them for a later time when needed), adding a seat within a roll in shower, lowering upper cabinets and counter tops, providing an accessible comfort height toilet, offering at least one vanity sink with roll under capability, adding non-slip flooring, widening hallways, and widening doors. Privacy, sense of belonging, sense of control, and the feelings of safety and security make up the quality of life for any home and are considered for any successful Universal Design project. The reasons for embracing these ideas go beyond aging and disability. They include being an asset for children, is inviting to visitors, it promotes long term health and wellness, works well for seniors, all this paired with the fact it is smart and invisible.
Designing task oriented bathroom fixture locations takes into account their use, placement, or how they make up the bathroom environment. This defines the current way of thinking universally. A clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches is provided for approaching all bathroom fixtures. These areas can overlap one another and the five foot turning radius within the design. Always choose quality plumbing fixtures and fittings easily controlled using a single hand motion or a closed fist. Motion controlled sensor fixtures offering hands free operation are a possibility when specifying fixtures and finishes. Sometimes, the master bath today is one of the busiest rooms in the home. It has the potential of becoming the family bathroom. If young children are a part of the family, bath time transforms the bathroom into a very busy and crowded area. If aging parents are visiting, they also need their time in the bathroom because it is a larger and safer space.
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