I
t isn’t really surprising that the vast majority – 92% — of senior citizens hope to spend their golden years in their own homes, in familiar surroundings with people they love.
But the U.S. is short of aging-ready homes, with just 40% of American houses considered adequate for the basic needs of older adults. At minimum, homes for aging in place must have a step-free entryway, a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and an accessible bathroom — features that allow for nominal independence.
“If you want to build or renovate a home that is carefully and deliberately designed to meet your evolving needs as you age, it’s a good idea to consult with a CAPS professional,” says Ryan Graham, vice-president of operations at Graham Builders in Honolulu.
What is a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist?
Trained by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Graham and his fellow Certified Aging-in-place Specialist (CAPS) professionals understand the unique needs and challenges of older adults and individuals with disabilities. They approach construction and renovation with specific training that enables them to create customized solutions for improving a home’s accessibility, safety, and comfort.
“One of our primary goals is enhancing a home’s safety, based on the needs and circumstances of the people who will live there,” says Graham. “We consider mobility, sensory, and cognitive requirements, and try to anticipate future needs, as well.”
With three CAPS on its team – both Graham and head designer Malia Yee are certified, as is Evan Fujimoto, president of the award-winning Honolulu firm – Graham Builders offers decades of success designing and building safe, comfortable, beautiful homes for island residents.
How to prioritize renovations
For most families, prioritizing renovations according to budget is an important consideration. “Invest in areas in which changes will have the biggest impact on safety, accessibility, and quality of life,” suggests Graham.
Because accidents and falls are most likely to occur in bathrooms, they’re generally given highest priority. Grab bars, non-slip flooring, improved lighting, and walk-in showers and tubs are all options to consider.
Enhanced accessibility in kitchens might include countertops at lower heights, pull-out shelves and drawers, and under-cabinet lighting. “Most designs include include wider doors and hallways, easily accessed light switches, no-step entryways, open floorplans, ramps and chairlifts, and slip-resistant flooring materials,” adds Graham.
Storm-specific renovations to might include the installation of hurricane-resistant windows and reinforcement of roofing structures. Functional windows, ceiling fans, sunshades, pergolas, and awnings help keep island homes cool, and solar panels can help reduce electricity costs, which makes aging in place more affordable.
“Last but not least, outdoor spaces can be made accessible with pathways, ramps, or lifts,” Graham says. “Kupuna who love their lanais, gardens, and patios should be able to continue to enjoy them.”
Founded in 1990, Graham Builders remains the only local general contractor honored with Better Business Bureau Hawaii’s Torch Award for Small Business Ethics. The firm’s next free “Building Your Home for Life” seminar is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024. Register now at grahambuilders.com or call 808/593-2808.