Welcome to the house of the future, – wider hallways, variable height counter tops, non-slip surfaces, wider doorways, no-step shower stalls and barrier-free entryways.

These homes will not have the appearance of being "handicap accessible", but will nonetheless be accessible to everyone, regardless of limitations.

This can be accomplished with style and grace, keeping your home's value, or even enhancing it.

Age in Place modifications can be as minor as grab bars, or as major as additions. While major modifications are not inexpensive, they still pale in comparison to the year in, year out, ever increasing cost of assisted living and nursing facilities.

What an Age In Place Home Needs

Studies show that as many as 86% of Americans age 50 and older would prefer to remain in their homes as they age, rather than moving to a retirement or assisted living setting.

The reasons for these staggering numbers are multi- faceted, as people want to retain a connection with friends, neighbors, family and community throughout their lifespans.

Here's a checklist for a typical Age In Place home. Does your home need these:

• A master bedroom and bath on the first floor.
• A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang for weather protection
• Lever-style door handles.
• Consistent levels on the main floor.
• Bright lighting in all areas, especially places like stairways.
• A low-maintenance exterior.
• Non-slip flooring at the main entryway.
• An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area.
• Handrails at all steps.

On an existing home, Age In Place modifications are a one-time cost, not a yearly drain on your finances.

The affordability of aging-in-place remodeling is made enhanced by the fact that medically necessary changes (such as wider doorways or a roll-in shower) are deductible on your taxes, if backed up by a letter from your doctor.

Consult with your legal or tax professional for details and clarification

The Economics of Aging in Place

Assisted living costs average $35,000.00 per year, and nursing facilities average over $79,000.00 per year in Virginia.

According to the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging:

• The average daily cost for a private room in a nursing home is $213.00, ($6,390.00 per month and $77,745.00 annually).
• The average daily cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $189.00, ($5,670.00 per month and $68,985.00 annually).
• The average monthly cost of living in Assisted Living Communities is $2,969.00 or $35,628.00 annually.
• The average cost of living in a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is $2,672.00 per month, or $32,064.00 annually.
• The average monthly rate for assisted living facilities that charge additional fees for providing Alzheimer's Disease and dementia care is $4,270.00 per month or $51,240.00 annually.
• To move into a community, individuals might also have to pay an entry fee ranging from $60,000.00 to $120,000.00 or more.

These costs do not include the fees for additional help with your day to day activities, part-time assistants, or other similar fees. They also do not include moving company fees.

Getting Safely in and out of the house with Age In Place Entrances

The overall goal is to make the home safer, with less maintenance and more barrier-free. Typical changes include the following:

• Better outdoor lighting to get you from your car to the door.
• Attractive ramps, or re-grading for a "zero step entrance" for the home.
• Install a package shelf by front door.
• Add handrails at existing steps and porches.
• Front door with sidelight for security.
• Avoid stairs: build one-story home designs for new homes.
• Low or maintenance free siding, trim, landscaping
  Non-slip flooring at entry

Creating your Age In Place kitchen

Over half of all 55+ households rate their current home a 9 or 10 out of 10 (American Housing Survey). Happiness with your home begins in the kitchen. Here's an Age In Place checklist:

• Lever-handle faucets with pull-out spray.
• Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain (a good idea for front-loading washers and dryers, too).
• Multi-level island.
• Revolving corner shelves (lazy susans).
• Lower, side-opening oven.
• Pull-out cutting board.
• Adjustable height sink.
• Side-by side refrigerator with slide-out shelves and a water/ice dispenser.
• Electric, flat cook top with controls on front .
• Larger, friendlier cabinet and drawer pulls.
• Pull-out or roll out cabinet shelving

Changes in the bathrooms - the number one place for accidents in your home.

Virtually all rooms of your house can be improved, even closets and garages, but the bathroom is a must.

• Install 2 to 3 attractive looking grab bars in shower.
• Lever handles on faucets.
• Slide-bar-type hand-held shower, for sitting or standing.
• Shampoo nooks inset in the wall.
• Curbless showers – nothing to step over, and can be rolled into if a wheelchair becomes necessary later.
  
• Tub and Shower controls moved closer to entry point.
• Anti-scald, temperature and pressure balanced tub shower valves for safer bathing.
• Widen entry doors to at least 32"clearance (36" door).
  32"-36" pocket doors.
• Higher toilets with non-slam seats and lids.

When Elderly Parents Move In

When the time comes for your parents to leave their home, will they be moving to a facility, or to your home?

In many cases, whether due to illness , loneliness, distance or just a desire to be closer to family, elderly family members are moving in with their kids.

These "kids" may be in their 30's, 40's, 50's or 60's, but they all share a common theme. They want or need to have their parent(s) close by.

It can bring many challenges, but also many rewards, as Mom or Dad can reconnect with grandkids or great-grandkids.

Everyone needs a sense of purpose, and helping with the cooking, cleaning and babysitting will surely be as beneficial to Mom or Dad as it is helpful to the adult kids.

This transition will be eased if Mom or Dad have their own space to retreat to. Remember that just as you have grown accustomed to living without them, they have grown accustomed to living without you.

When my wife's Grandmother moved in with my in-laws, they financially teamed up to add on a beautiful addition to my In-law's home.

With a large living area, kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom, Grandmother Curtis had a wonderful home where she could entertain friends, have her privacy, and still remain connected to the family for the remainder of her years.

After Grandmother's passing, the addition became a beautiful family room with an extra bedroom and bath for guests.

These types of arrangements are the best of all worlds, as Grandmother moved from six states away to be closer to family who would have never really known her otherwise.

She retained her privacy and sense of independence, she was there to play with her great-grandkids, have dinner with the family, had help from family as she aged and required it, and she was surrounded by people who loved her to the end of her days.

Not all homes have the space required for such an addition, but a first floor bedroom/bathroom addition, or even a garage remodel can work wonders for giving Mom or Dad a sense of privacy.

The added benefit to this type of addition/remodel is that after the parents passing, the adult children have a readymade Age in Place arrangement of their own. What a wonderful gift from their parents!

-- Chuck White