Lighting plays a major role in home safety, yet it’s often overlooked. As vision changes with age, brighter and better-placed lighting becomes essential for preventing falls and injuries. The layered lighting technique works for everyone while avoiding dark areas within the home.
How aging affects vision
Good lighting alone can reduce fall risk by up to 30%. Older adults need more light to see clearly and have reduced contrast sensitivity. Shadows, glare, and dim hallways make navigating the home more dangerous. Perhaps you can provide brighter LED bulbs in key rooms.
Key areas to improve lighting
Kitchens, hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and bedrooms should be well-lit at all times. Nighttime trips to the bathroom are a common cause of falls and deserve special attention.
Best lighting solutions
Motion-sensor lights provide hands-free illumination in hallways and bathrooms. Night lights and pathway lighting create safe routes after dark. Under-cabinet lighting improves visibility in kitchens without harsh overhead glare, putting the light where you're working. Additionally, provide lighting within drawers and inside cabinets.
Avoid common mistakes
Overly bright bulbs without diffusers can cause glare, causing trip hazards, while poorly placed motion sensors may fail to activate night lights when needed. Balanced, even, and layered light distribution reduces shadows and glare. Adequate lighting is key to a functional aging in place design.
Lighting upgrades are a simple, cost-effective way to make a home safer. T-Square Company can help assess lighting needs and install solutions that blend seamlessly into the home.
Let’s make your forever home work beautifully for you—now and for years to come.
David L. Traut, owner of T-Square Company, has written an Aging in Place Guide
David is also certified in Universal Design in both the United States and Australia. Drawing on decades of expertise, he recently published Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations, an award-winning and comprehensive guide that explores the role of Universal Design in creating safe, accessible homes.
📘 Age in Place at Home takes readers room by room, explaining practical modifications that enhance safety, accessibility, and independence. The book is available on Amazon.
Disability is a complex phenomenon — it represents the interaction between a person’s physical abilities, the activities they need to perform, and the architectural barriers within their surroundings. Each individual experiences this differently. Two people with the same impairment may describe their limitations in completely different ways. The blind navigate a world that is profoundly different from that of someone who is deaf — and both deserve spaces designed with equal accessibility in mind.
According to national reports, 19% of adults between ages 16 and 64 and 42% of those 65 and older live with a physical disability that affects their daily activities. These realities make it clear: accessibility isn’t just a senior issue — it’s a human one.
Building for All Ages and Abilities
This situation applies to everyone — adults, children, and individuals with special needs. The building industry must work together to ensure that every living environment meets essential human needs: safety, affordability, and structural integrity.
A truly accessible home supports privacy, belonging, control, safety, and security — the cornerstones of quality of life. These values should always guide the planning of any barrier-free design.
Common Barriers in Traditional Homes
Most traditional homes are full of hidden obstacles that restrict maneuverability for people with disabilities. These challenges become even more pronounced when mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs are required.
Common architectural barriers include:
Steps at entryways with no alternative access
Narrow doorways and hallways with tight turns
Cramped bathrooms with poor fixture placement
Inaccessible outdoor spaces and patios
Kitchens that lack clear floor space or proper reach ranges
Hard-to-operate door hardware that requires grip strength and coordination
These design flaws can turn an ordinary house into a daily struggle for anyone with mobility limitations.
The Evolution of the Accessible Home
Accessibility has evolved far beyond grab bars and ramps. Modern accessible design is now built into the foundation of the home — seamlessly integrated rather than added as an afterthought.
This shift reflects the growing adoption of Universal Design, a concept that focuses on creating spaces, products, and environments usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.
Universal Design isn’t about making a home look institutional or medical. It’s about creating beauty, comfort, and functionality that everyone can enjoy — a design approach that feels natural, not clinical.
When done well, Universal Design improves safety and accessibility for every occupant and guest, often in ways that are practically invisible.
Accessible Home Design in Austin, Texas
For those in the Austin area seeking accessibility improvements, T-Square Company offers over 30 years of experience in barrier-free remodeling and accessible home design.
T-Square specializes in customized disability home modifications for residents of all ages, including:
Expert and professional home assessments
Wider doors and hallways
Accessible bathrooms and roll-in showers
Barrier-free kitchens
Ramped entrances and zero-threshold transitions
Stair lifts, elevators, and vertical platform lifts
Fully accessible rooms designed to each client’s needs
Every design/build project begins with a clear understanding of the client’s abilities and goals, ensuring that the design solutions enhance both independence and comfort.
Meet David L. Traut, CAPS
David L. Traut, CAPS, owner and president of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, is part of a select group of professionals nationwide who have earned the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation.
This certification, offered through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with AARP, recognizes remodelers and builders trained to meet the unique needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities.
David is also certified in Universal Design in both the United States and Australia. Drawing on decades of expertise, he recently published Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations, a comprehensive guide that explores the role of Universal Design in creating safe, accessible homes. David wrote this book as a means to help families through difficult times once their homes lacked optimal livability.
📘 Age in Place at Home takes readers room by room, explaining practical modifications that enhance safety, accessibility, and independence. The book is available now on Amazon.
Living Comfortably, Safely, and Independently
Never fear — almost any existing home can be modified to overcome accessibility challenges. With proper planning, professional guidance, and a bit of creativity, you can ensure that every family member enjoys comfort, safety, and freedom of movement.
Following the guidance in Age in Place at Home will not only improve your quality of life — it will also promote equality of access for everyone under your roof.
When a family’s living situation suddenly changes, it may become necessary to modify the home to meet new needs. These adjustments often result in the creation of multi-generational homes, where comfort, safety, and independence are balanced for all ages.
The specific modifications depend on the situation — whether a parent is moving in, a child returns home, or a family member faces new mobility challenges. Below are common areas to consider when adapting your home for multiple generations.
Common Home Modifications for Changing Family Needs
Additional Bedrooms When the family expands or someone new moves in, you may need extra bedrooms or sleeping areas. Consider converting a home office, den, or unused space to accommodate the change.
Bathroom Accessibility For elderly or disabled family members, safety and convenience are priorities. Modifications may include:
Installing grab bars
Adding a roll-in or walk-in shower
Lowering sinks and countertops
Replacing toilets with accessible-height models
Kitchen Modifications A larger or more diverse household benefits from flexible, inclusive kitchen design. Options include:
Adjustable-height work surfaces
Roll-under access at the sink or cook top
Additional seating and storage
Expanding the kitchen footprint for easier movement
Safety Features Depending on your situation, you may need to add:
Childproof or adult-proof features
Non-slip flooring
Improved lighting
Smart home security or monitoring systems
Storage Solutions More people often means more belongings. Add closets, built-ins, or cabinetry to maintain organization and reduce clutter.
Accessibility Ramps and Entries For anyone with limited mobility, ramps and zero-threshold entries provide essential independence and safety.
Private Living Suites In multi-generational households, separate living areas with their own entrance, kitchenette, and bathroom help maintain privacy and autonomy while keeping family close.
Heating and Cooling Considerations If you’re adding square footage or an in-law suite, ensure your HVAC system can handle the increased demand efficiently.
The Aging in Place Mindset
Designing a multi-generational home is deeply connected to the philosophy of Aging in Place — a practice centered on usability, comfort, and independence for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Aging in Place design is not about age — it’s about universal usability. It focuses on long-term livability, ensuring that the home adapts as life changes.
The first step toward creating an adaptable home is a self-assessment. Walk through your house and identify potential problem areas:
Tripping or slipping hazards
Poor lighting or hard-to-reach switches
Narrow doorways or tight spaces
Difficult-to-maintain areas
Who better to identify problem spots than the person who uses the space daily? Many organizations, including AARP, provide Aging in Place checklists that highlight potential issues and suggest practical solutions. Once your initial assessment is complete, the next step is to seek the guidance of a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).
Working with a CAPS Professional
Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) are trained builders, remodelers, and designers who understand the construction and emotional aspects of creating accessible homes. The CAPS designation, offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership with AARP, connects responsible professionals with homeowners seeking these services.
A CAPS professional can:
Evaluate your home’s current accessibility
Recommend modifications tailored to your needs and budget
Coordinate with occupational or physical therapists when necessary
Manage projects with compassion, professionalism, and precision
You can find certified specialists for your specific location at nahb.org/CAPSdirectory.
Three Types of Aging in Place Clients
Understanding which group you fall into can help determine your home’s design priorities:
Proactive Planners – Individuals preparing wisely for the future to remain safely in their homes.
Chronic Condition Adapters – People managing ongoing medical issues who need to plan for future accessibility challenges.
Crisis Responders – Individuals facing sudden or severe mobility changes after illness, injury, or life-altering events.
All three groups represent the growing need for accessible remodeling and will continue to shape the future of residential design.
What Happens During a Professional Home Assessment
During a professional assessment, your CAPS professional will document the home’s current conditions and make detailed notes through sketches, measurements, and conversation. They’ll evaluate everything from flooring to lighting to ensure the layout fits the occupants’ physical and emotional needs.
They’ll also take into account:
Mobility and reach range
Sensory or cognitive challenges
Caregiver involvement
Collaboration with occupational or physical therapists often adds valuable insight. The goal is a customized design that enhances independence, safety, and comfort — not a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
The three primary spaces typically involved in aging in place remodels are:
Bathrooms — safety and ease of use
Kitchens — independence and flexibility
Living Areas — connection and comfort
These spaces are united by a clearly defined accessible route with wider doorways, non-slip flooring, and sufficient maneuvering space for mobility devices.
The Importance of Inclusive Design for All Ages
If children are part of the household, their height, reach, and mobility also influence the home’s design. Likewise, adults moving in may face challenges from common conditions such as arthritis, which can cause stiffness, joint pain, and reduced grip strength.
Designing for these realities doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty — it means integrating innovative universal design concepts that allow everyone to thrive. Features like lever handles, adjustable lighting, touch-control faucets, and curbless showers can make life easier for every family member.
Bringing It All Together
Creating a multi-generational home that supports aging in place is both a practical and compassionate decision. It’s an investment in your family’s future and quality of life.
As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (#1636580), T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, helps families design and remodel homes that grow with them — ensuring safety, comfort, and independence for years to come.
For more information or to schedule an assessment or consultation, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097.
About CAPS Certification
Knowledgeable design and construction professionals nationwide are applying their Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) training — developed through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and AARP — to help families live better, longer, and safer in their homes.
CAPS connects qualified professionals with homeowners seeking trustworthy, thoughtful remodeling solutions for accessible and universal design.
Closing Thought
Innovative aging-in-place design goes beyond accessibility — it’s about dignity, comfort, and belonging. Whether you’re modifying for a loved one, planning for the future, or creating a flexible family home, the right design can turn change into opportunity. To find out more:
After over a year of writing to fulfill my customers' requests, my book, "Age in Place At Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations", is available for purchase on Amazon. Go to the link to order my paperback or e-book, which was released in late November, 2022. Additionally, an audiobook will also be available soon. The book provides a great guideline for using the principles of Universal Design in new home construction and/or remodeling for every room in your home when Aging in Place. Get your copy today.
Disability is not simply a medical condition—it’s a complex interaction between a person’s physical abilities, the activities they need to perform, and the built environment surrounding them. The same impairment affects individuals differently: someone who is blind experiences daily life in an entirely different way than someone with deafness or limited mobility.
According to national reports, 19% of Americans between ages 16 and 64, and an even higher 42% of adults 65 and older, live with a physical disability that affects their daily routines. These statistics underscore why aging in place—the ability to remain safely and comfortably in one’s own home—has become such an important priority for individuals and families.
The Home Environment Matters
Disability and accessibility are not issues that affect only older adults. Children and younger adults with special needs face similar challenges when home environments don’t support their independence. To be truly inclusive, the entire building industry—from architects to remodelers—must work together to ensure that every home meets essential needs for comfort, safety, and dignity.
An accessible home should nurture a sense of privacy, belonging, control, and security for all who live there. These are not luxuries—they are vital ingredients of a fulfilling quality of life.
The Problem with Traditional Homes
Most homes are full of hidden barriers that make life harder for people with mobility or sensory limitations. Common challenges include:
Steep steps or raised thresholds at entries
Narrow doorways and tight hallways with abrupt turns
Cramped bathrooms that limit fixture access
Inaccessible kitchens and outdoor spaces
Door hardware and cabinetry that demand grip strength and coordination
Once a mobility device like a wheelchair or walker enters the picture, these limitations become magnified. What once felt “normal” suddenly becomes restrictive, unsafe, or impossible.
The Rise of Universal Design
Fortunately, accessible home design has evolved far beyond grab bars and ramps. The modern standard—Universal Design—focuses on creating spaces, products, and environments that are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age or ability, without the need for later adaptations.
Universal Design is built right into the foundation of a space. When applied well, it feels natural and attractive—offering safety, flexibility, and ease without looking “institutional.” It’s the design philosophy that lets people live comfortably, age gracefully, and welcome everyone.
Accessibility Solutions in Austin, Texas
For those seeking increased accessibility in Central Texas, T-Square Company provides professional guidance and expert craftsmanship. With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in handicap-accessible homes and barrier-free remodeling, tailoring every project to the client’s specific needs.
Our accessibility services include:
Wider entries and hallways
Accessible bathrooms and roll-in showers
Kitchen redesigns for reach and comfort
Ramped or level entries
Vertical platform lifts, stair lifts, and elevators
Fully accessible bedroom or living spaces
Every home modification is uniquely designed to match the resident’s physical abilities, routines, and goals—because true accessibility is personal.
About David L. Traut, CAPS
David L. Traut, owner and president of T-Square Company in Austin, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and a Universal Design professional certified in both the United States and Australia. He is part of a select group of remodelers nationwide with the expertise to create homes that adapt to their occupants’ changing needs.
David’s lifelong commitment to inclusive, barrier-free living inspired his book, Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations, which explores Universal Design principles and guides readers room by room toward creating a safe, functional, and beautiful home for every stage of life.
Moving Forward: A Home for Every Ability
The good news is that almost any home can be adapted with proper planning and know-how. When you design with accessibility in mind, you’re investing not only in convenience but in peace of mind, safety, and family togetherness.
Your quality of life—and that of your loved ones—will improve when every family member enjoys equal access and independence throughout the home.
At T-Square Company, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping families create homes that are safe, comfortable, and built for every stage of life. Now, our President and Owner, David L. Traut, has brought that same experience and passion to the page in his book: Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations.
Why This Book Matters
The concept of “aging in place” is simple but powerful: with the right planning and design, people can continue living independently in the homes they love, even as their needs change. For many, staying home means holding on to dignity, comfort, and treasured memories.
Drawing on his decades of work as a builder and CAPS-certified professional, David wrote Age in Place at Home to be more than just a construction guide. It’s a roadmap for homeowners, families, caregivers, and professionals who want practical solutions and peace of mind.
What You’ll Learn Inside
Home Modifications That Matter Most — from safe bathrooms to wider doorways, grab bars, and better lighting.
Universal Design Principles — creating beautiful spaces that work for everyone, not just those with special needs.
Fall Prevention & Safety Tips — simple adjustments that make a big difference in daily life.
Planning for the Future — how to think ahead so your home adapts gracefully as life changes.
Resources & Guidance — including checklists, questions to ask contractors, and financial assistance options.
Who Should Read It
Homeowners who want to prepare their house for the future.
Families caring for aging loved ones.
Builders, designers, and architects interested in Universal Design.
Anyone who believes that home should always be a place of safety, dignity, and belonging.
Where to Find the Book
Age in Place at Home is now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions.
This book is more than a professional resource — it’s a personal mission. As David often says, “Home isn’t just where you live. It’s where you belong.”
At T-Square Company, we’re proud to bring that philosophy to life every day — and now, through Age in Place at Home, we’re excited to share it with readers everywhere.
Honestly, accessible homes are needed by all of us at some time in our lives. This is true whether it's for ourselves, an elderly family member, or a physically-challenged guest. The need is certainly not driven by age, but is a result of life's experience. For example, a child or young adult who has sustained a cervical spine injury will benefit from precise home modifications to increase their independence much like an elderly person. Any family living with disability among any of it's generations within it's group can always benefit from additional accessibility. This will in turn increase safety and independence for all family members involved as they go through life.
Each physically-challenged child or aging individual having 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. For an adult's progressive condition, elderly home design in Austin and aging in place home remodeling definitely comes into play. Elder construction and remodeling is the only way to insure the safety, mobility and independence of the homeowner or family member requiring the home modifications.
The two main groups driving this 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. Bathroom modifications for the disabled in existing homes is important because people of age 50 and older want to remain in their current home for as long as possible requiring elder living solutions.
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. Elderly home design in Austin should only be done by an experienced CAPS certified remodeling company like T-Square Company, providing a full compliment of Aging in Place services. These services include assessment of the home, specifications and designs to modify the home for increased accessibility per the client, city permitting when required, and carrying out the renovations turn-key. T-Square Company, CAPS #1636580, has over twenty-seven years of home accessibility experience. All registered CAPS program graduates and their remodeling company will be listed in a national registry in Washington. The information can be found by simply visiting nahb.org/CAPS.
Handicap Accessible Showers
Physical limitations affect many more people than the daily users of walkers and wheelchairs. Many members of our life experienced or elder society have significant problems in dealing with their home environment. Today's conventional building standards conflict with most people's accessibility when you consider 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. 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 home owner. This includes both the home and the components within the home being accessible to all inhabitants. Privacy, sense of belonging, 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 Aging in Place market in the US today is constantly being influenced by the increasing size of the aging population, the market desire to remain in one's home, a constantly increasing cultural diversity, and our aging housing stock associated with it's reduced affordability. Our elderly population is really made up of two prominent age groups formed by the age 65 and over population and the baby boomers who were born between 1946 and 1965. Together these two groups own over 48% of all the US home inventory today. The desire to remain in one's home is driven by social attachments via a network of neighbors, friends, and family. Our cultural diversity assures that the same Aging in Place solutions cannot work across the board for all individuals just as an individual's ability to live independently varies from person to person. With constantly aging housing, costs can be a major barrier in home modification for many residents. A catch 22 situation can arise when you consider the reduced affordability of another home versus the one that is presently occupied. In this case the homeowner must use the equity that has accrued in their home's value in order to make the modifications required. You will find out in the long run that it's cheaper to remodel your existing home using your accrued assets than it is to buy a new home in today's market and move.
There are really three categories of Aging in Place customers. Those who are simply and wisely planning ahead for their futures to remain in their present homes. The second category concerns those people who know they have a chronic medical disorder and need to prepare in advance for accessibility issues which will come as a result of their disease. People with diseases that are constantly causing increased physical or mental changes to their being are a good representative of this second group. The third group involves those people who either have had a chronic problem that has progressed severely altering their mobility or those who have sustained a life altering tragedy such as being involved in an accident. All of these groups will drive the future metamorphosis of existing inaccessible dwellings.
Some people confuse the terms Aging in Place with Universal Design. Both are a method to increase accessibility within the home but Aging in Place strictly deals with an existing home. Aging in Place also implies modifying any home for it's older occupants to insure that the inhabitants can safely remain in the home for as long as they possibly can. This time will expire once they need assisting medically trained help for safeguarding their personal safety in a nursing home or an assisted living environment. Universal Design is just that; offering choices to all of a home's residents no matter their age or physical capabilities. It begins with a design and then the construction begins. Items like wide-open rooms containing a sixty-inch by sixty-inch area for turning, unobstructed corridors at least 40-inches wide, adequate lighting throughout the home, having adaptable kitchen work areas, the use of contrasting colors in all rooms, a shower seat to increase safety, raised electrical outlets positioned at 18-inches above the floor, reinforced bathroom walls to allow for installing grab bars when required, easy-to-reach storage with greater organization, and non-slip flooring are major concerns within any elderly house design. However, the number one safety hazard to consider during an elderly home design is negotiating level changes within the home--steps at the entry, stairs between floors, and curbs to step over when entering the bath or shower. Eliminating level changes is very difficult in existing homes and almost impossible to do aesthetically and without major compromises, unless there is a major renovation. The result is that most homeowners decide to sell the house rather than make the modifications. When Universal Design is periodically incorporated into their design, homes can accommodate the needs of their owners longer as those needs evolve over time.
David L. Traut, CAPS 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.
After over a year of writing to fulfill his customers' requests, David's new book, "Age in Place At Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations" , is available for purchase from Amazon. Please go to the link below to order his paperback book, which was released in late December, 2022. It provides a great guideline for using the principles of Universal Design in new home construction and/or remodeling for every room in your home. Get your copy today.
David's book acts as a guidepost for perplexed homeowners and caretakers trying to determine their family's next immediate direction and imminent future. The first half of the book explains why homes have always been inaccessible, except on the day they were purchased. The second half takes you room by room through the home as I explain how applying the principles of Universal Design for Aging in Place makes the home comfortable and accessible for the largest number of people.
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.
The biggest and most important challenge for any homeowner wanting to increase home accessibility using Universal Design to Age in Place is qualifying a chosen builder or remodeler. Consumers must verify the tradesman or professional has both the experience and knowledge for understanding any requirements used to increase the client’s safety and accessibility within the home. This is the only variable a homeowner controls in the building process. You are about to give a complete stranger your trust in a very serious matter of which you most likely know little about beyond articles read on the internet or hearsay. All professionals selected must be knowledgeable and experienced concerning Universal Design projects. The relevant personnel having job input concerning the client consist of architects, designers, builders, remodelers, and any therapists or extended healthcare workers who are involved with any household occupant requiring home modifications. I have witnessed clients who are completely overwhelmed and frustrated when interviewing several groups of building professionals including subcontractors with overlapping scopes of work. They become confused by the large amount of information gathered. Be advised that too many cooks in the kitchen can spoil a successful job outcome. CAPS certified accessibility specialists are trained to be better capable of helping with both the design and construction phases of the project. Most CAPS members have had coursework in Universal Design. However, you would not choose a recent law graduate over an experienced defense attorney to represent you in a serious matter. Even though both people have law degrees, there is only one path to choose. The remodeling business is no exception. All CAPS certified professionals are not equal. Some come from different professional backgrounds other than construction while others have not used their acquired knowledge long enough to make a difference. Ask about their experience and how long they have practiced Aging in Place remodeling. A well-seasoned contractor has seen what issues frequently come up in making improvements for Aging in Place and knows which methods he or she has used to overcome certain problematic areas of the home.
The aging societal changes and inventory of inaccessible existing houses created the need for a CAPS certification program. This designation program, offered through the National Association of Home Builders, NAHB, in collaboration with The American Association of Retired Persons or AARP, incorporates components of assessment, technical knowledge and management skills related to home modifications used to help people stay at home safely and independently for a longer period of time. The program was developed in 2001. The CAPS program connects responsible professionals with home owners needing specialized accessibility services on an ever increasing basis. Ordinary homeowners with extraordinary challenges partner up with experienced CAPS professionals and their own families. Working as a team, the trained CAPS specialist along with any family caretakers or therapists is able to identify the day to day problems weighing on those with health limitations. Aging in Place services provided by a specialized remodeling contractor ensures all accessibility issues of the home are accomplished correctly. The CAPS credential is a nationwide initiative and many construction and design professionals are taking advantage of the helpful training across the nation. Always check his or her credentials to verify the remodeler holds an active CAPS certification and is familiar with Universal Design. All registered CAPS program graduates and remodeling companies are listed in a national registry in Washington DC. The information is found by calling 1-800-368-5242 or by simply visiting their website at: http:www.nahb.org/en/learn/designations/certified-aging-in-place-specialist.aspx.
Experienced CAPS certified remodelers have the knowledge, expertise and sensitivity to provide modifications for making a home safer, more accessible, and better suited to the client’s required needs. A professional CAPS certified builder or remodeler is able to correctly assess the costs associated with an accessible design and lead the homeowner in the right direction adhering to the available budget costs to accomplish the modifications needed. Homemodifications, accessibility products, and barrier free design greatly promote the independence and functional abilityof physically challenged and aging individuals. Designing around specific physical conditions for accessibility lessens the impact of arthritis, restricted mobility, or loss of vision by using combinations of products, concepts, and techniques available today. Keep in mind when hiring a Certified Aging in Place Specialist they offer a service rather than a product. Each CAPS member draws from a different knowledge base, and approaches each project in a distinct way.
T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, has been producing successful Aging in Place projects for over a decade. They are a CAPS certified remodeler and offering design/build Aging in Place projects using Universal Design features. Call 512-444-0097 to discuss your project today and learn how you can achieve better accessibility within your existing home.
Incidentally, David L. Traut, the President/owner of T-Square Company has recently published a book entitled "Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations". It is available on Amazon and stands as a reference book for increasing home accessibility incorporating essential Universal Design features.
Perhaps you haven't personally experienced a problematic living situation concerning your home yet, but you might know someone who has. It could concern a family member, a friend, or just a person in your neighborhood. These unfortunate scenarios are too common in our society, as everyone is living longer due to modern medicine; but this situation is not age-related. Health problems can appear unexpectedly at any age. Our traditional homes commonly lack accessibility for any residents or their visitors who are even slightly challenged. The truth is, all of our houses are built for unchallenged, healthy people of a "normal" size. The moment any diversity to what each of us knows as near perfect health expresses itself, the realization we need a better and more adaptable "mousetrap" comes to mind in regards to our home. The doors in the house aren't wide enough, the rooms are too small, the hallway is too narrow, the floors aren't level or are slippery, the stairs aren't negotiable, the bathroom facilities aren't useable, and the kitchen is not user- friendly. The list goes on-and-on when you are living in a status-quo home. But now people can become educated and know what to ask for before a life-changing problem arises. Rest assured, you have the ability to proactively prepare your traditional home for future life changes before they happen. Hence, there is no need for you or your family to suddenly become trapped inside it's walls! Let's come to understand a design solution exists which has been stigmatized because of it's decades-long association with disability. Learn to ask for it by name.
Universal Design, also known as barrier-free design and design for all, refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to non-challenged people, older people, people of any age who are mentally or physically challenged, and people overcoming an illness or physically-altering accident. In general, it represents a universal need in future housing and pertains to adding safety and accessibility in an existing home for all people regardless of their size or physical well being at any time. The purpose of the design is to provide equal access to anyone into and throughout the home. Universal Design adaptations have a broad market appeal to everyone for achieving ease-of-use and convenience accommodating a certain reality. The reality is that all people exist along a continuum of human performance as per their personal traits and characteristics regardless of their age. A universal approach to design takes into account that everyone has varying degrees of ability and disability; rather than someone is either fully-functional or disabled. Universal Design is neither a design style or trend but is an approach to designing home access for as wide a range of diverse people as possible.
As a solution to our inaccessible housing predicament, applying Universal Design is important because current design standards for housing do not address the design needs of more than one-third of our population. Too often, the designers of homes allow the built environment to define the capabilities of the resident, rather than the opposite being true. That has always been the problem evidenced by the current inaccessible housing inventory. People typically purchase a house according to their needs of the day, never considering their future needs. This way of thinking has perpetuated the problem of inaccessibility within traditional homes. Incorporating Universal Design principles into today's houses allows for our antiquated architecture to be redefined by both our changing human needs and abilities. It has the ability to span all generations of inhabitants. The sooner the principles exist in a home, the longer it can be enjoyed by everyone; because no one is excluded. Home 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 and safety for another generation's independence. As we become more life-experienced, our society is beginning to realize our homes should be flexible to accommodate future life changes. This benefit alone will afford adapted housing the ability to conform to our needs. Hence, society will understand the significance of a forever home. The physical life changes involved can be long-term or of short duration while recovering from an accident or disease. Regardless, the home is prepared for what comes next through the use of Universal Design.
The recent Aging in Place phenomena deals with reactive home modifications to existing homes due to health changes of one or more residents. The adaptations allow the inhabitants to remain within their home safely as they age. A planned Universal Design home quietly and proactively addresses abrupt issues without calling attention to anyone. The design simply anticipates the homeowner's changing needs. The modifications can be performed room by room overtime or all at once. Furthermore, Universal Design segues seamlessly into what is required for Aging in Place. However, we cannot conceive or solve all future situations for everyone because we all age differently with our own list of specific needs. In extreme cases, a specialized accessibility design comes into play customized around a single person's needs.
But what about the costs involved in a home using Universal Design? Utilizing Universal Design in a new build home isn't necessarily more expensive than a status-quo traditional inaccessible home. It generally approaches a three-to-four-percent overall increase. The same building techniques are involved in both; but the Universal Design home is designed with more forethought and expertise to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort. Consequently, if you are remodeling an existing home, incorporating the principles of Universal Design, it is more costly on the order of fifteen-to-twenty-percent because you not only have the updated building costs to consider but the demolition costs as well. The same remodeling costs for the preparation of a revised layout are involved with any type renovation prior to the modifications beginning, whether the final appearance is traditional or universal in nature.
Basically, Universal Design principles involve 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. Using Universal Design, there are seven design criteria which must be met to be considered a Universal Design no matter which area of the home you are referring to. Any design must be (1) equally useful to everyone, (2) have flexibility in it's usefulness, (3) be simple and intuitive, (4) be perceived by everyone, (5) have a tolerance for error, (6) require little physical effort, and (7) it must maintain an adequate area for approach and use. Any complexity or discriminating attribute to a design will doom it in terms of being considered universal in nature. However, what better way can you improve on a home's total visitability? The term visitability pertains to anyone entering freely into a home, having unrestricted maneuverability throughout the home, and having the ability to enter and utilize a bathroom's facilities without assistance.
Whether you refer to this needed housing revolution today as accessible design, inclusive design, or Universal Design, it is all about making a home safe, attractive, and easy to use for all residents. It has nothing to do with the age, agility, or status of life for anyone living within the home. The main intent of this way of thinking is to be sure the inhabitants and their visitors are equally able to enjoy their home throughout their entire lifetime. This way Aging in Place can be accomplished without the expense and hassle of having to make periodic or interfering abrupt changes to the home to meet a person's ever-changing physical needs. With Universal Design, you have the ability to proactively plan for all stages of your life cycle using forethought which, once discovered, you ultimately find is just common sense. Even if you are in perfect health, you can be disrupted by a minor mishap. A more serious injury changes things forever once you no longer have all your abilities.Universal design ideas do not strictly deal with accessibility or Aging in Place design and does not implement precise ADA standards; but it does offer flexibility to add accessories now and later to those planning ahead or to the end-user. It also provides for a wide range of human performance characteristics for the way people use spaces within their homes including well integrated usability features. Hence, a Universal Design/build project is appealing to all users.
Can you envision building a house as a young adult that you can live in safely and comfortably while you age no matter what your basic physical needs require? In this home, visitors are never problematic if they exhibit limited mobility or other issues. This flexible Universal Design home contains wider doorways of 36-inches or more and adequately lit hallway widths of 42-48-inches to accommodate a stroller, wheelchair or walker. There is a wide-open feeling of comfort throughout the house's main living areas in the bathroom, kitchen, and living area that do not restrict moving about. A five-foot turning radius is observed throughout the home. Wood blocking is installed behind the finished walls in all wet areas to accommodate secure grab bar installations at the proper time. The towel racks in the kitchen are installed so they can double as grab bars once you become unsteady from lack of balance. All the no-step entryways from the front door to the shower entrance are smooth to prevent tripping from high thresholds and all flooring transitions are level. Non-slip flooring is installed, especially in wet areas, using cork or smaller floor tiles which in turn increase friction from the grout lines. All doors and faucets are controlled by lever hardware. Sinks inside the bathroom and kitchen have roll-under capability. Within the sink base cabinets, doors or roll-out shelving are installed until the roll-under design is needed. Full-extension drawers and pull-out shelves are installed in lieu of doors. The cabinet tops and work areas throughout the house are placed at varying heights to promote adaptability. This universal designed home is barrier-free without looking modified and is accessible to everyone no matter their age, size, or capability of movement. Furthermore, this home is usable by everyone from your father to your son.
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. Consequently, David is certified in Universal Design in the US and Australia. T-Square Company is a Universal Design contractor offering a full compliment of Aging in Place services including bathroom modifications for elderly clients with special needs. Each design/build project contains the principles of Universal Design. The modifications will be customized to fit your personal needs while increasing your accessibility. Call 512-444-0097 today to begin the accessible second chapter of your life while remaining safe and secure in your existing home. CAPS #1636580
As an answer to his clients requests over the years, David 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. The book dwells on this inclusive design concept as a solution to our current housing dilemma.
Suppose the current pandemic taught us anything concerning safety and institutional living situations. In that case, we now know it is much safer to remain in a barrier-free home surrounded by familiar surroundings and friends. During the stay-at-home mandates, everyone knew what Aging in Place meant because all family members lived within this inspirational and needed solution. We all became better acquainted with our homes and family members. The best way to approach a desire to Age in Place is by being proactive before an illness takes control of your life. At that point, you must deal with it reactively. There are many differences between home modifications and a home remodel. The main difference is home modifications involve investing in your familiar home versus spending during remodeling. Home modifications enhance your ADL (Activities of Daily Living), whereas remodeling deals more with aesthetics. An example of a home modification increasing accessibility includes a walk-in tub with easy access versus an aesthetically pleasing deep soaking tub. Investing in your home using the principles of Universal Design will benefit your future retirement years by making your home gradually conform to your needs. The point of involving this universal technique in periodic remodels within your home is that the alterations appear invisible until their advantages are needed when your housing needs change. A professional CAPS program graduate performs accepted home modifications to increase accessibility for any resident.
What are CAPS services, and what does CAPS stand for? Let's be clear, it has nothing to do with hats or the associated industry. First of all, CAPS stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialist. The aging societal changes and inventory of inaccessible existing houses created the need for a CAPS certification program. This designation program, offered through the National Association of Home Builders, NAHB, in collaboration with The American Association of Retired Persons AARP, incorporates components of assessment, technical knowledge, and management skills related to proven home modifications used to help people stay at home safely and independently for a more extended time. The program was developed in 2001. The CAPS program connects responsible professionals with homeowners needing specialized accessibility services ever-increasingly. Professional CAPS services include home assessments, consultations, accessible designs, complete build-outs, accessible additions, and determining a positive path forward for any individual or their visitors requiring better accessibility and usage of their existing home, better fitting their personal needs.
The CAPS services offered by a CAPS professional vary from a complete accessible remodel beginning at the curb and ending inside the backyard. Additionally, you can improve the comfort of the most used rooms in the home, like bathrooms, kitchens, and family rooms. The detailed process begins with a home assessment. The precise modifications identified increase usability according to the homeowner's and family's personal needs. The housing modifications are designed for all generations within a home, from children to older adults. Ordinary homeowners with extraordinary challenges partner up with experienced CAPS professionals and their own families. Working as a team, the trained CAPS specialist and any family caretakers or therapists identify the day-to-day problems weighing on those with health limitations. Aging in Place services provided by a specialized remodeling contractor ensures all accessibility issues of the home are accomplished correctly. T-Square Company, located in SW Austin, Texas, is one of the specialized CAPS certified contractors.
The CAPS credential is a nationwide initiative, and many building and design professionals are taking advantage of the helpful training nationwide. David L. Traut, president, and owner of T-Square Company, is an active CAPS member (#1636580) and has participated in the program for over a decade. Furthermore, he has actively completed accessibility design/build remodels for over three decades for the private sector, HUD, and the VA. Always check a person's credentials to verify the remodeler holds an active CAPS certification and is familiar with Universal Design. All registered CAPS program graduates and remodeling companies are listed in a national registry in Washington, DC. The information is found by calling 1-800-368-5242 or simply visiting their website at: http:www.nahb.org/en/learn/designations/certified-aging-in-place-specialist.aspx.
T-Square Company in SW Austin, Texas, located at 14141 Highway 290 West, Suite 800, is a CAPS-certified remodeler and offers design/build Aging in Place projects using principles of Universal Design. Call 512-444-0097 to discuss your project today and learn how to achieve better accessibility within your existing home. Our knowledge and experience can help solve your personal needs within your existing home. Whether you need a safer shower, wider doorways, a zero-step entrance, or a more accessible kitchen to entertain your family and friends, T-Square Company is here to help.
Let's face it, we all need accessible homes at some time in our lives. It can be a temporary or a permanent need. This situation is consistent whether it's for ourselves, a family member, or a guest. The need is certainly not driven by age but is a result of life's experience. Any family living with a disability among its generations within its group can always benefit from additional accessibility, increasing safety and independence for all involved as they go through life needing elder living solutions. Acknowledging this vital societal need for challenged homeowners is why T-Square Company has offered Dripping Springs home modification services for over 25 years as one of Dripping Springs Aging in Place contractors. We access your living environment for greater accessibility and formulate a custom design/build solution around your specific needs.
There are three categories of Aging in Place customers. Those who are simply and wisely planning for their futures to remain in their present homes. The second category concerns those who know they have a chronic medical disorder and need to prepare in advance for accessibility issues resulting from their diseases, like M.S. or ALS. People with conditions constantly causing increased physical or mental changes to their being are a good representative of this second group. The final category comprises people with progressive chronic health problems or those surviving a life-altering tragedy. The extreme conditions severely alter their mobility.
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. 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 their limitations differently. The blind don't experience their world the same as a person with deafness. Some statistics weighing 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. Professional Aging in Place home remodeling in Dripping Springs for a progressive condition comes into play. This procedure is the only way to ensure safety and mobility for the homeowner or family member requiring the home modifications. The two main groups driving this 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.
Modifications of existing homes using aging-in-place services are essential because people aged 50 and older want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. Aging in place design in Dripping Springs should only be done by a CAPS-certified remodeling company providing Aging in Place services. This procedure is the only way to ensure 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 non-qualified remodeling company did the wrong alterations. Always check their credentials to verify that the remodeler holds a CAPS certification. All registered CAPS program graduates and their remodeling companies appear listed in a national registry in Washington. You can find the information by simply visiting nahb.org/CAPS.
T-Square Company, located at 14141 Highway 290 West, provides a means for our customers to remain in their homes for as long as possible through certified Aging in Place design. Gaining accessibility is the key component. Let us help you design and build a new accessible awareness for your existing home. Aging in Place home modifications in Dripping Springs can show you how an accessible route will give you access to any part of your home, no matter what your mobility situation is or will become. For obvious reasons, the bathroom and kitchen are the rooms most affected by a lack of accessibility when aging in place is a concern.
We can handle any remodeling project and focus on collaborative, client-centered solutions. We are not afraid to think outside the box for solutions that meet our client's needs. We are a company with extensive experience in physical and occupational therapy as well as construction, remodeling, and design. Our Dripping Springs Aging in Place services includes individualized assessments, architectural design, interior design, accessible remodeling & construction, wheelchair lifts & ramps, stairlifts, residential/commercial elevators, ceiling transfer lifts, and other simple solutions such as grab bar & railing installations.
Please call T-Square Company for all your CAPS (#1636580) building and remodeling needs!
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