Universal Design And Aging: Keeping Our Homes Safe, Accessible & Comfortable As We Age In Place - Paperback

by Steve Hoffacker (Author)

Universal Design And Aging: Keeping Our Homes Safe, Accessible & Comfortable As We Age In Place" is a special type of book written for both consumers who want to do their own remodeling and renovation as well as the professionals who help them or provide it, to achieve a safe, accessible, comfortable, visitable, and convenient living environment while enhancing the enjoyment and value of the home for everyone in the home and those who come to visit. While universal design appeals to all ages and abilities, this books focuses on seniors and how they can get the maximum enjoyment out of the home they have selected to remain living in long-term. The strategies and solutions that are suggested are nearly invisible ones that do not call attention to the design but fit right in as functional elements to achieve the objective of a safe design for those living in the home as well as the occasional visitor or houseguest. Aging in place and remaining in the home are guiding principles - along with safety and accessibility. The 7 chapters in this book are; 1 - "Why Choose Universal Design For Aging In Place?" 2 - "Universal Design As A Solution," 3 - "Easy Universal Design Solutions," 4 - "More Extensive And Intensive Universal Design Solutions," 5 - "Other Universal Design Safety And Convenience Strategies," 6 - "Universal Design On The Outside," and 7 - "Summary Of Universal Design Treatments." This book will serve as a ready guide for evaluating the improvements in your home that will help it appeal to members of the household, visitors and guests, and future owners - plus doing the work yourself or having it done.

Author Biography

Steve Hoffacker, CAPS, C.E.A.C., Steve Hoffacker LLC, West Palm Beach, Florida (http: //stevehoffacker.com) is an approved instructor for the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist program through the National Association of Home Builders and AARP. He works with non-profits, universities, local governments, health care professionals, designers, remodeling contractors and related professions and specialties to establish strategies and create programs for safe, accessible, convenient, comfortable, and sustainable long-term solutions for people's living environments - regardless of their current age or physical abilities. The emphasis is allowing people to remain living in their current homes - and maintain their independence - for as long as they desire. Universal design is a key paradigm for creating these effective living spaces. Some changes are simple and rather easy to do - a matter of trading out an outdated, ineffective, or difficult-to-use handle, appliance, fixtures, or feature with a more accommodating one. Often homeowners or someone in their family can do it. Other times, professionals need to be involved.