It's no secret that the aging of Boomers will mean changing housing needs. This massive generation will include people who need accessible features in their homes, but won't want to give up convenience, style, and livability. Safety is always an issue, but no one wants to feel as if they are living in an institutional environment.
In Baltimore, one company has taken on the challenge. Accessible Housing Services bought a typical, small ranch house in the Pikesville area, and made changes that open the home up with options for the mobility-impaired and wheelchair users. I had a chance to see the home a while ago, and came away impressed.
The front entrance is remarkable because it looks completely "normal" – the nicely fenced porch has the kind of walkway to the front door you would expect. Then you notice that the end of the porch next to the driveway is open, and it is actually the beginning of a gently inclined ramp.
At the front door, a push-button lock and handle simplify opening. Inside are halls that are comfortably wide, and even fiberglass-reinforced walls that resist dings and dents from wheelchair bumps. The kitchen features multi-height counters to serve both standing and seated chefs. And out back, the fenced deck features the same level driveway access and French doors.
Eric Anderson received the Accessibility Award from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities, and an Executive Citation from the County Executive for his creation of this house. It illustrates what can be done to help people stay in their homes as their health needs change. Isn't that what most of us want?
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Very nice. Baltimore is very progressive about promoting homes for older citizens. There are definately benefits for all, builders, sellers, buyers and, of course, agents.
Might as well get those homes availaible.
We're taking over!!!!!
Margaret, This is an excellent idea and one that builders certainly need to start thinking about. The baby boomers are going to be needing these types of houses real soon. And there are a bunch of us. What a cute little house!
I've never heard of accessible housing, I've heard of Universal Designed housing. Another cool idea, lower the light switches a few inches for anybody in a wheel chair or who can't raise their arms.
Margaret - What a great house and a wonderful idea that builder has! We need to do this here in Texas!
Lynn, What is special about Eric is that he helps get existing homes accessible. And yep WE are taking over.
Bryant, As a former RN I was so impressed with how special this home is. Anyone can use this property. It all makes so much sense!
Dena, There are so many of these idea that we can adapt to many of our homes and help our clients age in place.
Linda, We need to do this in every state!
Margaret~
WOW! This is really interesting news. I want to know more about this subject. Hope you will post this to the ECO-All-Stars group, too. This is that kind of stewardship that opens doors to new perspectives and hope. Thanks for letting us know about this.
janeAnne, Thanks for the suggestion. I just posted to the ECO-All Stars group.
Margaret was it TS Elliot who said Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night? I may have my poets mixed up but the point is, this is something not worth resisting. It's also a great resale home for young folk since boomers are gonna be around for eons and needing one floor homes.
Margaret, thanks for bringing this to our attention. There are a lot of things we can design into our homes that don't shout "handicapped" - wider hallways and doorways, lower light switches, lipless showers, grab bars that are architecturally interesting ... why not design for now AND when we get older.
Carole,I call these "forever" homes. Good for extended family...young, old, accessible etc.
Sharon, Just being aware of our needs make homes livable for all.
Good talking with you today. Happy Birthday .....I was a day early.
Margaret - What smart design! I love the ideas and agree they should be incorporated into all homes. This designer truly had aesthetics in mind! Great post!
Happy Birthday Sharon!
Mary, Hoping that this post brings more awareness to all of us in Real Estate. Just think a sport's injury at any age would require some of these features.
Margaret,
I look froward to my SRES designation this upcoming year.........We 'll need it to help them.
Thanks for post, incredible information
Maria, You are welcome.
The SRES is a good designation.. received mine this past year.
I am offended. My children are baby boomers and now everyone is jumping through hoops to make life more enjoyable for them as they retire.
Poor me, a neglected old man amongst those that are controlling (well maybe not totally) the world.
Sure hope they do not forget their fathers and mothers. If they do, maybe their children won't. 'Scuse me while I go and write to my grandchildren. They still love me.
Ed, Never would I do anything to offend you. You are way too special. These houses are for ALL of us. Accessible ..As I commented above..Just think a sport's injury at any age would require some of these features.
And there is nothing poor, old or neglected about you, my friend! Enjoy the grandkids.