2009

Aging in Place-Two Keys

December 30, 2009

The New York Times Blog, The New Old Age is a really good and wide ranging approach to the issues of coping and caring. The current entry on small scale assisted living by Paula Span, is right on the button, as I would expect. Clicking around as things work with on line media I hit… Continue Reading Aging in Place-Two Keys

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Universal Design – Do You Believe in Magic?

December 23, 2009

…from the Lovin’ Spoonful to: And you know something is happeningBut you don’t know what it is.. Bob Dylan The wonderful magic of Universal Design is unanticipated corollary benefits. Closed captioning is a really clear example. Including those with hearing difficulties to mainstream media was the intended outcome. Reading TV in bars and airport waiting… Continue Reading Universal Design – Do You Believe in Magic?

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Aging in Place Technology Status

December 17, 2009

Someone asked me to summarize the situation with Technology and Aging in Place. I share my Rambling reply: 1. There is a lot of interest and promise. PERS (lifeline) is the only thing making significant inroads to people’s homes. A few pill minders are also working. 2. The VA, using Health Buddy, is reaping benefits,… Continue Reading Aging in Place Technology Status

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NORCs / Villages – What's the DIF?: Intentionality

November 11, 2009

NORCs and Villages are both hot topics. What is the difference? How do they relate? NORC, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, just happens. People move to an area, grow older and the result is a NORC. A Washington, D.C. example is upper Connecticut Avenue. The apartment rich area and surrounding neighborhoods became popular as the area… Continue Reading NORCs / Villages – What's the DIF?: Intentionality

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‘Optional’ = ‘Never’

October 5, 2009

The word ‘optional‘ is kind of funny in Universal Design. In fact, it really doesn’t work. Almost no one chooses the accessibility items we advocate. Especially if there is an associated cost. Universal Design must be required, standard or strongly incentivized. NOT optional. Two points. One is that over time we find that Universal Design… Continue Reading ‘Optional’ = ‘Never’

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Report: ASHRA conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia

June 24, 2009

I am so glad I was honored with an invitation to speak at the Atlantic Seniors Housing Research Alliance conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada last month. This conference was the culmination of a five years study of the situation and conditions of senior hosuing and services in this part of Canada. Don Shiner, a… Continue Reading Report: ASHRA conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Aging in Place Remodeling #3 – Entries

June 22, 2009

Of course you need an entry that works to get in and out. But, like a cigar, the entry is never just an entry. You need to know that you can get in and out, that you are not a prisoner or shut in, that you don’t have to ask favors or hire people to… Continue Reading Aging in Place Remodeling #3 – Entries

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Affordable, Sustainable & Universal Design!

June 19, 2009

The Cutting Edge! Howard County Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development released an RFQ for affordable, sustainable and Universal Design homes on a small parcel. I believe this is the first time these three factors have been combined in one place. The county required a Universal Design consultant on each team. This is a… Continue Reading Affordable, Sustainable & Universal Design!

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Paula Span on Caregiving in the Washington Post

June 17, 2009

Paula Span wrote an excellent article on caregiving issues in yesterday’s Washington Post Health Section. I wrote about another article of hers in the Post just last month. I guess this is a firm endorsement. Paula gets it! Though she does not specifically speak to Aging in Place the implication and recommendation are clear. Have… Continue Reading Paula Span on Caregiving in the Washington Post

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Aging in Place Remodeling #2

June 15, 2009

Since Aging in Place remodeling is pro-active – planning for an unknown future – the goals are not triggered by immediate needs like other remodeling projects. How do you decide when your project will do what you need it to do? Performance Standard #1. Of course you want it to be attractive. Performance Standard #2.… Continue Reading Aging in Place Remodeling #2

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