Don’t Let “Age in Place” intimidate you.

Age in Place is a new term and a new industry focus that we are seeing a lot more of but we are also seeing the hesitation from consumers as well.  Don’t let this term  “age in place” intimidate you, this is designed to help you.  Due to factors beyond our control more of us as we get older will not be able to find the funds in order to place our parents or even our selves when the time comes, in a assisted living/nursing home.  This is where CAPS (Certified Age in Place Specialist) come in to assist us for the now and the to come in order to live our lives in our current homes.  To get more details or definitions about what Age in Place is please go to this helpful and informative website appropriately named ageinplace.com

Aging in place

The days of people buying a new home every 5-10 years have disappeared. Families are deciding to stay put and remodel their existing home or build a home that they plan on staying in for along time. Age in place is becoming a common term today.

Unfortunately many people do not want to face the idea that they may need “handicap items” in their bathrooms as they age. I advise designers and clients that if they don’t want those items today, they may need them later. But don’t worry, you can put off having those items installed today, but plan for tomorrow. Have your contractor install the necessary backing (reinforcing) behind the walls during the remodel or new home construction.  This should  add a minimal amount to the budget but may save them a lot later. By doing this, they can now have those “safety items” installed securely years later without having to remodel the bathroom again to put the necessary reinforcement in the wall.

If they happen to sell their house later, it could be a major plus to be able to tell a perspective buyer that the bath is ready to be upgraded if needed.