June 2009

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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Aging in Place Remodeling #1

June 12, 2009

Good friends visiting over the weekend told me excitedly that they are making Aging in Place modifications to their home. I told them what I always say in these cases. Please let me glance at the plans and make suggestions so I am not disappointed. I explained, gently, that many well meaning contractors don’t have… Continue Reading Aging in Place Remodeling #1

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Individual and Collective action

June 11, 2009

I was part of a recent discussion led by Matt Wald, energy and environment correspondent for the New York Times. Matt pointed out that individual and collective action are both parts of the solution for global warming and sustainability. We can conserve energy in our homes, and make purchases to lower our impact. We can… Continue Reading Individual and Collective action

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