Now that spring is here the need for setting up your outdoor home in undeniably on everyone’s minds. Designing your patio and outdoor home can be a challenge for those with special needs. Last year, my guest blogger Wendy Martin Turley had an excellent article on designing your outdoor home for those with special needs to enjoy.

Image via: Room Galleries.My Home Ideas

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Original Entry Guest Blog #48, Entry #447, March 14, 2011

When we create outdoor spaces, from our porches and decks, to the stepping stone garden that meanders around our house, do we ever think about is this area accessible for all? Outdoor spaces especially have the characteristics of being uneven, narrow, and often times unaccessible for those who have special needs, as well as elderly, or those who have small children with strollers.

Creating outdoor spaces that have proper width clearances, even ground, and ensure leisure areas have good seating for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

______________________________

Today, I’m pleased to have Guest Blogger, Wendy Martin Turley from Parenting Blind By Design, to discuss how to make your outdoor areas accessible and enjoyable for all. After all, when you have you entertain this season, what is better than inviting the neighborhood over for a barbecue? Feel comfortable and confident that your home is enjoyed by all your guests!

Outdoor Spaces for Everyone

There’s always one house on the block that has people in their backyard all summer long. But how can you do this when your house has special needs?

First thing people think of is let’s play it safe. This is often an uninspired look that leads to a place no one can enjoy and therefore isn’t used.

You don’t need a flat square space even if you have a walker or wheelchair. What you do need are wide secure paths. Make sure that all entrances and exits are ease to pass through. Any stairs or ramps should have handrails. Deck or patio edges should be bordered by a railing, wall, benches or planters. This will help lessen the chances of falls. Also, when using a builder in your area be aware of local by-laws on how to construct decks and patios in your area because if they are constructed incorrectly you may not be able to sell your property before it’s repaired. These by-laws are there for safety too, so get the permits you need and feel confident that your new space is a safe place.

A great space for everyone has been well thought out.

Dos and Don’ts for creating your outdoor space:

Dos:

– Do decide on a number of people maximum you want to be out there at one time.

– Do create zones with wide paths between zones (3’) for wheelchair or walker use.

– Do create a space where wheelchair or walkers can turn around in (5’ dia. Space)

– Do make a space where walkers or wheelchairs can go within the space (i.e. lounge space) that has them in the space and not within the walkway and they don’t get blocked in either.

– Do invest in good furniture which has the seat height of 18”-19”.

– Do plan on where you are going to store your cushions, because no one wants a wet seat. A storage bench can add to your seating and add needed storage space.

– Do try to keep the lounge area away from the BBQ area for safety reasons.

– Do if you can have a window close to the BBQ area so that food and supplies can be passed through and hot food is kept off the walking paths.

Don’ts

– Don’t use gravel for walkways or broken slate, these are tripping hazards. Do use solid surface treatments, like concrete (can be coloured or stained).

– Don’t use a rug, they become a tripping hazard and makes the use of walkers or wheelchairs impossible to manoeuvre over.

– Don’t clutter the space with things that can become tripping hazards as the numbers of people increase in your space.

Small planters are nice; however, they should carefully used. The pottery bowl of strawberries is pretty on the corner of the stairs, but it’s a tripping hazard and a barrier to reaching the railing. Instead, build in planters on either side of the stairs and along the deck. At the right height the built-in planters can hold vegetables, fruit and flowers a person in a wheelchair or using a walker can putter around in.

Do make sure that you have shade for the lounge and eating areas as these are the places where you will spend the most of your outdoor time.

Lighting is another special safety feature that will extend your time on your patio or deck. Light your paths and edging of the deck or patio. There are many kinds of lights out there, but LED lights have come a long way and rope lighting can be laid in a garden bed, or by the path to give that extra guidance. LED lighting has come far recently and it’s improving as time goes by. They are cost effective too. Candles and tiki torches should be kept to the minimum also, because of the increase in fire hazards. If you want natural bug protection, try marigolds or other indigenous plants that secret scents that repels the local bugs.

I won’t be recommending a specific brand of outdoor furniture act I am a Canadian Interior Decorator and not familiar with what sells within you region. I just will leave this with the note that, nature knows no colour limits, and with today’s developments in outdoor furniture, ensure that it is solid, fade resistant and rust resistant.

The patio or deck have become actual rooms now within our homes, so don’t feel guilty when you’re investing in its furnishings.

Deck the deck when it’s cool with pillows and throws. Table top fires can be purchased and enjoyed also. But always make sure that you have a fire extinguisher nearby the main exit.

Enjoy your dishes outside by mixing and matching old dishes for that mismatched feel. People will have memories of those plates and you can create conversations about those memories.

Just eat, drink and be merry. Life is for those that reach out and grasp it. Simply plan everything step by step.

The Plan:

1. How safe are the entrances and exits of your yard and home. (Should have 2 exits from backyard)
2. Wide even paths that are well lit. (3’ wide)
3. Zones for entertaining (BBQ, Lounge, and Dining)
4. Do provide a 5’ diameter space for wheelchairs and walkers can turn around that’s not near the stairs.
5. Ensure that the deck, patio, stairs and ramps are surrounded by something like a railing, built-in planters, and bench seating/storage.
6. Decide on the number of people you want at any given time on your deck or patio and plan for that many. Include a space where a wheelchair or walker can go that’s out of the way of traffic but easily accessible by the person. Don’t make them feel like they are in the way or have been tossed aside.
7. Do buy furniture with a seat height of 18”x19” high, for mobility restricted people.
8. Do plan on where you’re going to store those cushions because you don’t want to be always sitting on a wet cushion.
9. Think of plants as a raised garden bed for the aging gardener.

Well I hope this gives some people ideas on what they can do if they to entertain people with special needs. I know it’s always fun here because life always tosses something new into the fray.

The big thing is, just get out and enjoy yourself!

Wendy Martin Turley is an Interior Decorating Student at Humber College and will be graduating in April 2011. I’m a wife and a mother. Sounds simple right? Here’s where it gets complicated. I’m no bored housewife. My husband, Peter is blind and my son was born 11 weeks premature. I learnt fast how important great design makes life easier and possible in some cases. I started with our nursery and then decided that there was a need out there for Great Design to make living possible for those with disabilities. Also find Wendy on Twitter

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If there’s any place where we should feel secure, it would be our homes. Yet, even if we live in a safe neighborhood with flood lighting and house alarms, there is still something that we’re all at risk of and that’s falling.

This is especially of great concern to our elders because as we get older, our bones become more fragile which makes a bone brake or even an ankle sprain, for them, more than a little inconvenient. It could actually be potentially devastating. So, when it comes to securing senior safety to prevent falls both in and around your home, here are some tips to keep mind.

Image via: 7001 Spring  Ville Court

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Watch the floor’s surfaces.

If your home flooring basically consists of hard wood and tile, that can be aesthetically attractive, but also a big fall risk for seniors. Be sure to have a couple of floor mats around, especially in the entrances of your front and back doors so that if they have wet or slippery soles, they can gain wipe off their feet before walking around the house. However, when it comes to throw rugs, studies show that more people fall with rugs than without with them, so you may want to consider rolling those up in places where an older person may be moving about.

Keep the lights on.

Night lights are not something that has an age demographic on its packaging. At nighttime, be sure to have them on in hallways, kitchens and bathrooms so that if the senior in your life needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night or wants a drink of water, they can clearly navigate from room to room. Also be sure to have some motion-censored lighting outdoors so that they can see porch or deck steps and any holes in the yard that may be difficult to see at dusk or dawn.

Secure your bathroom.

When it comes to leg and hip fractures, many of them happen while in taking a bath or shower. This is because, understandably, when the water is running, the bathroom is a slippery place and oftentimes there are not things around to help people maintain their grip. For a senior’s sake, purchase a grab rail for inside the shower and place a rubber mat on the floor outside of it. You might want to also get some flip-flops for them to wear while inside of the tub (if they’re standing) for some additional traction.

Proper footwear.

It would be a shame for someone to hire an ICBC lawyer due to an injury that could have been avoided simply by purchasing the right kinds of shoes. One of the best ways to ensure a senior’s safety is to not only make sure that their shoes fit well, but that they are also non-skid and without thick soles. The best ones are probably the lace-up kind, but definitely make sure to avoid purchasing a lot of slip-ons or heels. Also be sure to check the surfaces of them daily for signs of rocks, gum or mud that could have been accumulated throughout the day; that’s definitely another potential way to throw someone off balance.

Image via: The Enchanted Home.Blogspot

Be pet aware.

Basically, if it’s not a pet that’s in a cage, it has the potential to do some pretty unpredictable things. Cats tend to jump on various surfaces and even the best-trained dog can get excited and run from one room to another without notice. When a senior is moving throughout the home, it’s a good idea to either keep your pet in an area of the house where they are not or to let them play outdoors for a while. Once everyone is stationery for a period, then your pet can come in and hang out with everyone. Remember, a safe environment provides the opportunity for a fun one for all.

For more home safety tips on Stagetecture, click here.

When considering an elderly parent who wishes to remain in their home for as long as possible, or any person with mobility issues, it’s important to understand two key concepts –

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Activities of daily living are skills that an individual must be able to perform if they are to live independently, and safely.

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Instrumental activities of daily living are skills which are important, but not necessarily essential for an individual to live independently, as there are often services such as home care which can provide the additional required support.

The process of home modification involves making changes and adapting a home so that a person with limitations can perform their ADLs as safely as possible while maintaining a level of comfort which they are accustomed to, and an acceptable degree of independence. The modifications can range from quite simple – such as removing area rugs to prevent falls – to more complex – such as researching options like stairlifts and stairlifts prices, or elevators and elevators prices, or having a specialized consultant come into the home to map out an individual plan of action to make the environment as safe, and functional as possible. The type of modifications will depend, of course, on the person and their specific issues, along with the current physical layout/setup of the home. Investing in the necessary modifications can be very worthwhile, as in many cases the need for institutional care can be significantly delayed, or sometimes even eliminated.

Considerations

Home modifications can help people with disabilities maintain their independence and remain in their home for as long as possible. Modifications are suitable for those who have some degree of mobility and who do not require extensive medical care. Modifications can range from inexpensive to a considerable investment, but, even at the more expensive end of the spectrum, they are almost always a great savings over longterm care.

Specialists who evaluate individuals and their home environments tend to use two lists, based on the key concepts covered above. When consulting against the ADLS list, if there are problems with any of the following, the need for outside assistance and support is considered to be critical:

• Ability to get in and out of bed
• Preparing meals and/or eating independently
• Maintaining Continence
• Bathing and Dressing

When consulting the IADLs list, it can be quite a bit more difficult to determine if an individual has issues unless they are observed on a daily basis. Problems with the following indicate the need for support:

• Doing the shopping
• Performing housekeeping duties
• Using the telephone
• Accessing transportation
• Taking medications properly
• Managing finances

It’s also important to take note of the following areas of the home which are considered problematic, and almost always require changes of some sort:

• Stairways and steps
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Exits, walkways, driveways
• Basements and cellars

After reviewing the specific needs of the individual with disabilities, and the considerations which are present inside their home, you may wish to make the necessary home modifications in order to allow them to remain in their home environment and maintain their independence for as long as possible. Best of luck to you!

This guest post was written by Spencer McKinney for Stairliftadvisor.co.uk, who invite you to visit their website for curved stair lift prices as well as other useful information.”

For more seniors and aging adult topics on Stagetecture, click here.

Many adults these days are opting to skip retirement homes and bring their elder relatives to live with them.  This could be because the economy has made it difficult for seniors to live on their own (or for families to pay for senior facilities), or it could be a reaction to the many horror stories of elder abuse at nursing homes that make their way to the press.  Perhaps people are just returning to the family values of old that require the young and able-bodied to see to their elders.  Whatever the case, you may find yourself playing host to elderly parents, aunts and uncles, or other seniors in your life.  And you probably want to make sure that they are comfortable and happy in your home (especially if they are suffering from any ailments).  So here are just a few tips for creating the tranquil retreat they require.

Image via: My Home Ideas

Special needs to consider:

First and foremost, you need to consider that seniors often have special needs.  They may be unable to navigate stairs, so putting them in first-floor accommodations is a good idea, if possible.  They might also need to be near a restroom, so give them the room that is closest to the water closet.  Once you have determined the proper room to house your elderly guest, it’s time to get to the fun of decorating the space.

Image via: Interior 4 You

Interior aesthetics:

It’s always a good idea to get input from the person who will occupy the room, since he/she may be averse to certain color palettes, but you really can’t go wrong by arranging for a neutral base.  You should probably skip bright white, though, and go for warm neutrals like cream, beige, or tan on walls and floors since these tend to be comforting.  Or if you want to go a little feng shui, consider pale blue (like a robin’s egg shade), which is said to produce a feeling of calmness and love.  These options will create the basis for a Zen space that is sure to appeal to just about any inhabitant.  And use carpeting rather than wood or tile flooring: it will help to insulate the room and provide a non-slip surface.

From there you’ll need to add a few items.  When it comes to the bed, you may want to let your houseguest make the call on a mattress, since everyone has different requirements for comfort in this most basic furnishing.  Go out mattress shopping to see what your senior guest requires.  Just remember that even people who prefer a firm mattress should go for a softer option than what they think they’ll like since it will feel a lot different after several hours lying on it.  If you’re not sure, go for an adjustable mattress (like the Sleep Number Bed) that can be programmed.

Image via: Universal Design

Display area:

Finally, you’ll want to include storage and display space for personal items.  This means adding a dresser and nightstands, usually.  You may also want to include easy-to-reach shelving for books, photos, and knickknacks.  And if your senior guest is confined to bed much of the time, think about wall-mounting a flatscreen so that your relative can enjoy some much-needed distraction.  You may also want to include plants to provide extra oxygen and brighten up the room.  Remember that this person is an adult, with his or her own likes and dislikes (not to mention personal needs), so try not to instill too much of yourself into the space and allow for changes that will make your guest as content as possible in a new place.  A retirement home may not offer seniors decorating options, but a personal home certainly can.

For more senior lifestyle ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Whether you are just learning you have to move, or you’re helping a friend or loved one move suddenly, there are ways to prepare yourself, without being traumatized by moving homes. While the list of ‘to-do’ items may seem daunting, today my Guest Blogger gives tips for preparing when you weren’t planning to move.

Image courtesy of Fun 140

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Unplanned moving situations can occur in life due to a variety of situations like divorce, loss of job, sudden death or foreclosure. These unexpected events build a mental pressure on the householders as they have to work on a very short notice to take care of packing, calling utilities and looking for the best Removals in Sydney.

While relocating to another place you need to do a lot of things, for instance, notifying people, preparing documents, and packing. All these things are really time taking. Ideally one should start preparing for the move at least three months prior to the moving date.

But some things happen so suddenly, even if you hate them but you have to bear its repercussions. There is an old saying- Haste makes waste. But following points are surely going to benefit you in conducting a sudden move in a safe way.

Do not panic

Do a breathing exercise to shun any kind of panic. If you are mentally relaxed you would do things rightly and in in lesser time. Eleventh hour move is it is nerve-racking indeed but a little calm is required to take a bird-view of the moving procedure and then working accordingly.

Look for professional movers

Call a friend or anybody known to you who has had a relocation experience recently. He is the best person to tell you about the industry rates. Do not contact a lot of moving companies to get moving quotes, as it is a time taking process. IF your friend had a good experience with the removalists that he hired, you can give the moving contract to them. You will be able to save a lot of time and money by hiring movers for conducting your sudden move.

Ask movers to be on time

Since you have a shortage of time, you must convey it to the moving company that they should be on time. Usually moving company takes weeks to set your moving estimate. But if you are running short of time, ask them to provide a written quote for packing and moving services that they would be providing.

Take care of children and pets

Make your children feel comfortable during this period. Ignoring them would lead to other problems. They should not feel alone and rejected in the hustle and bustle of the relocation process. Similarly, if you have a pet animal or bird, do not forget to feed him. If your kids are school going, you must answers all their questions in a positive manner.

Talk to your neighbors

If there is no time to give a farewell party, do find time to talk to them. Make sure that you inform them about your new address. If you are living in a rented home, you would have to take care of end of tenancy cleaning services as well. But if it is your own home, you would need to sell or off in the near future. Your neighbors may help you in finding a suitable buyer or tenant for your home in your absence.

By taking care of above mentioned things, your unplanned move may become a little hassle-free.

Author has been associated with removalist in Sydney and packing services Sydney from a long time. Presently with his vast experience, He is helping people in choosing the best service provider for them for their safe and hassle free move.

For more moving tips on Stagetecture, click here.

When we create outdoor spaces, from our porches and decks, to the stepping stone garden that meanders around our house, do we ever think about is this area accessible for all? Outdoor spaces especially have the characteristics of being uneven, narrow, and often times unaccessible for those who have special needs, as well as elderly, or those who have small children with strollers.

Creating outdoor spaces that have proper width clearances, even ground, and ensure leisure areas have good seating for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

______________________________

Today, I’m pleased to have Guest Blogger,  Wendy Martin Turley from Parenting Blind By Design, to discuss how to make your outdoor areas accessible and enjoyable for all. After all, when you have you entertain this season, what is better than inviting the neighborhood over for a barbecue? Feel comfortable and confident that your home is enjoyed by all your guests!

Outdoor Spaces for Everyone

There’s always one house on the block that has people in their backyard all summer long.  But how can you do this when your house has special needs?

First thing people think of is let’s play it safe.  This is often an uninspired look that leads to a place no one can enjoy and therefore isn’t used.

You don’t need a flat square space even if you have a walker or wheelchair.  What you do need are wide secure paths.  Make sure that all entrances and exits are ease to pass through.  Any stairs or ramps should have handrails.  Deck or patio edges should be bordered by a railing, wall, benches or planters.  This will help lessen the chances of falls.  Also, when using a builder in your area be aware of local by-laws on how to construct decks and patios in your area because if they are constructed incorrectly you may not be able to sell your property before it’s repaired.  These by-laws are there for safety too, so get the permits you need and feel confident that your new space is a safe place.

A great space for everyone has been well thought out.

Dos and Don’ts for creating your outdoor space:

Dos:

–        Do decide on a number of people maximum you want to be out there at one time.

–        Do create zones with wide paths between zones (3’) for wheelchair or walker use.

–        Do create a space where wheelchair or walkers can turn around in (5’ dia. Space)

–        Do make a space where walkers or wheelchairs can go within the space (i.e. lounge space) that has them in the space and not within the walkway and they don’t get blocked in either.

–        Do invest in good furniture which has the seat height of 18”-19”.

–        Do plan on where you are going to store your cushions, because no one wants a wet seat.  A storage bench can add to your seating and add needed storage space.

–        Do try to keep the lounge area away from the BBQ area for safety reasons.

–        Do if you can have a window close to the BBQ area so that food and supplies can be passed through and hot food is kept off the walking paths.

Don’ts

–        Don’t use gravel for walkways or broken slate, these are tripping hazards. Do use solid surface treatments, like concrete (can be coloured or stained).

–        Don’t use a rug, they become a tripping hazard and makes the use of walkers or wheelchairs impossible to manoeuvre over.

–         Don’t clutter the space with things that can become tripping hazards as the numbers of people increase in your space.

Small planters are nice; however, they should carefully used.  The pottery bowl of strawberries is pretty on the corner of the stairs, but it’s a tripping hazard and a barrier to reaching the railing.  Instead, build in planters on either side of the stairs and along the deck.  At the right height the built-in planters can hold vegetables, fruit and flowers a person in a wheelchair or using a walker can putter around in.

Do make sure that you have shade for the lounge and eating areas as these are the places where you will spend the most of your outdoor time.

Lighting is another special safety feature that will extend your time on your patio or deck.  Light your paths and edging of the deck or patio.  There are many kinds of lights out there, but LED lights have come a long way and rope lighting can be laid in a garden bed, or by the path to give that extra guidance.  LED lighting has come far recently and it’s improving as time goes by.  They are cost effective too.  Candles and tiki torches should be kept to the minimum also, because of the increase in fire hazards.   If you want natural bug protection, try marigolds or other indigenous plants that secret scents that repels the local bugs.

I won’t be recommending a specific brand of outdoor furniture act I am a Canadian Interior Decorator and not familiar with what sells within you region.  I just will leave this with the note that, nature knows no colour limits, and with today’s developments in outdoor furniture, ensure that it is solid, fade resistant and rust resistant.

The patio or deck have become actual rooms now within our homes, so don’t feel guilty when you’re investing in its furnishings.

Deck the deck when it’s cool with pillows and throws.  Table top fires can be purchased and enjoyed also.  But always make sure that you have a fire extinguisher nearby the main exit.

Enjoy your dishes outside by mixing and matching old dishes for that mismatched feel.  People will have memories of those plates and you can create conversations about those memories.

Just eat, drink and be merry.  Life is for those that reach out and grasp it.  Simply plan everything step by step.

The Plan:

1. How safe are the entrances and exits of your yard and home. (Should have 2 exits from backyard)
2. Wide even paths that are well lit. (3’ wide)
3. Zones for entertaining (BBQ, Lounge, and Dining)
4. Do provide a 5’ diameter space for wheelchairs and walkers can turn around that’s not near the stairs.
5. Ensure that the deck, patio, stairs and ramps are surrounded by something like a railing, built-in planters, and  bench seating/storage.
6. Decide on the number of people you want at any given time on your deck or patio and plan for that many.  Include  a space where a wheelchair or walker can go that’s out of the way of traffic but easily accessible by the person.  Don’t make them feel like they are in the way or have been tossed aside.
7. Do buy furniture with a seat height of 18”x19” high, for mobility restricted people.
8. Do plan on where you’re going to store those cushions because you don’t want to be always sitting on a wet cushion.
9. Think of plants as a raised garden bed for the aging gardener.

Well I hope this gives some people ideas on what they can do if they to entertain people with special needs.  I know it’s always fun here because life always tosses something new into the fray.

The big thing is, just get out and enjoy yourself!

Wendy Martin Turley is an Interior Decorating Student at Humber College and will be graduating in April 2011. I’m a wife and a mother. Sounds simple right? Here’s where it gets complicated. I’m no bored housewife. My husband, Peter is blind and my son was born 11 weeks premature. I learnt fast how important great design makes life easier and possible in some cases. I started with our nursery and then decided that there was a need out there for Great Design to make living possible for those with disabilities. Also find Wendy on Twitter

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

In a past blog post we explored the idea of downsizing from the family home.  Family of the elderly have to think about lifestyle changes, and so do the people who interact with them.  Having your home comfortable and safe for the Aging, is a concept that we don’t consider enough.

Last week, Guest Blogger, Alesha E. Churba of A.E.Churba Design: Simple and Divine Interior Design, gave us ideas for enticing buyers through their senses when home staging. Today, she explains how making your home safe and comfortable for aging individuals is becoming more mainstream, and important.

Aging in Place takes into account the safety and comfort of everyone living or visiting your home. This does not

necessarily mean that you have to be a senior yourself. It could be that you have a friend who comes by and you would like your home to be visitable. Maybe you have an aging parent that sometimes visits or an aging relative is going to live in the space with you. Or, perhaps you have become limited physically in some way and you need to make your home more comfortable and livable. All of these reasons and just wanting to prepare for your future are reasons to consider design with Aging in Place principles.

Universal Design:

Aging in Place is an important subject just coming to the forefront of the design and construction industries. Aging in Place is related to Universal Design because it is about adapting your home so that it is accessible and functional to everyone who lives or visits there. Universal Design brings to mind the notion of grab bars and funky, big bathroom stalls but that is just a small part of Universal Design. Universal Design is the idea of making

a space as accessible (read easily navigated, intuitive, and easy to figure out) as possible for everyone. The idea of Aging In Place takes this notion and makes it even more personalized to the users of the space, in other words, making your home work for you and your needs.

You have probably noticed that our population is aging: Baby Boomers (born between 1947 and 1964) are entering the stages in their lives where they are considering the future: their future and even their parent’s futures. Maybe you are a Baby Boomer who is becoming your parents caretaker or you are just looking ahead to prepare your home so that you can retire in your home comfortably and safely.

Basic guidelines for evaluation:

Aging in Place takes the concept of comfort and safety into consideration and provides basic guidelines. It should be noted that your living situation is unique to you and can not be evaluated just from this article. There are a few things you can consider as basic design considerations when looking to either re-design your current living situation or evaluate your new living situation.

Some things to look for or consider when evaluating your home for safety and comfort include:

• At least one entrance that is on the level (no steps to navigate).
• The entrance door that will be used should be at least three feet wide.
• The hallways to the main areas like the kitchen, living, bathroom and bedroom areas should be at least three feet wide.
• There should be ample lighting or the ability to add extra lighting in the hallways, kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas.
• A master bedroom and bathroom on the main floor is a great idea or the ability to add one in the future if circumstances require it.

Thinking ahead is your key. Have a plan that will be helpful to everyone of all ages and stages. The more accommodating you make your home, the more comfortable it will be when you are older. Consider the livability and visitability of your home for incorporation in any remodel plans and you will benefit from increased comfort, safety and salability of your home.

TheAARP site has a link to locate a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) who can help you specifically with your own home design recommendations. Each family has unique needs and situations that can be evaluated. Those trained in this particular area have extensive knowledge that can help you with your needs. Not all recommendations and Aging In Place modifications require extensive remodeling. Remember that Aging In Place is really about making your home safe and comfortable for you and everyone in your home.

Alesha E. Churba recently completed the CAPS Training and is the only Allied Member ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) with experience in Residential and Commercial Interior Design and Decorating in Southeast Idaho. Her business niche is primarily designing and decorating with her clients futures in mind- i.e. aging in place, color story investment, and designing for the long term safety and comfort of her clients.

For more home solutions ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

In December of 2009, I shared with you that we moved from our 3600 sf home to our current

2000 sf home. For my husband and I, it was a move that needed to happen. Between the hours commuting, the gigantic house that was hard to keep up with, and our quality of life was suffering. For my two teenage sons, it was not a wanted move.  Leaving friends and getting smaller rooms was not on their agenda.

For many people getting ready to move, and downsizing to a smaller home can be a challenge. Whether it’s for financial reasons, or because a family member has passed, or moving into an assisted living facility, downsizing can be painful.

Unclutterer has a great article on ‘Saying farewell to the family home’.  I found the article especially interesting because I love talking about moving, and helping families stage their homes to move. In the same breath I often realize, moving isn’t always enjoyable. For those who struggle with the concept of moving, read these tips below.  I believe it will help.

If you are preparing to downsize (either yourself or for a family member), keep the following thing in mind:

• Emotions are strong during this time, even when the move is desired. Take the time to carefully sort through everything. Whomever is downsizing needs to be heavily

  

  involved in the process and have time to share stories about the items with others.

• Snap digital photographs of anything you plan to throw out, donate to charity, give away, or recycle that has an emotional connection for you or your loved one. This might be the one time you want to print the photographs and stick them in an album for easy viewing (especially if an older person who doesn’t have a computer will want to look at the pictures).
• Consider hiring a senior move manager to help with the process. Having a third party involved who isn’t emotionally tied to the situation can help significantly.
• Measure the new place and know exactly how much stuff can be moved into it. You may need to go through the “taking with me” pile multiple times to ensure that the right amount of stuff will be transported.
• If family and friends are interested in some of the personal items in the current home, only let the person or persons who are downsizing decide what pieces go to whom. Try your best not to let the person moving spaces be bullied into decisions. When financially valuable items are involved, you can contact an appraiser to provide information so the best decisions are made for the person downsizing.

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