Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist in Michigan

What is Aging In Place?

Not everyone understands what aging in place means, but it is a fairly simple idea.

“Aging in place is a person choosing to live in the residence of their choice, for as long as they are able to safely and comfortably, while getting any assistance they may need along the way.”

Technically, we’re all aging in place. We’re all living in the home of our choice and we’re growing older. The real issues begin to crop up when a person gets a little older and begin to experience some of the things that happen to folks later in life. Because, if you’re going to have a home that supports you later in life, you need to plan for it now.

Why a CAPS professional?

Choosing a Certified Aging in Place Specialist to work with you on your home remodeling project means you are selecting someone who has been trained by the National Association of Home builders in running a business (and crafting home remodel solutions) for seniors and the elderly wishing to age in place.

What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist?

Alexander from Home Instead Senior Care. Mary explains what a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is and how they can help you stay in your home longer, and more safely, as you age.

Homes Are Not Designed For It

The truth is most homes in the U.S. are designed for people in their 20’s and 30’s. That leaves the rest of us out.

Not to mention, most homes are not built using Universal Design, accessible design or barrier-free design; both of which can make life at home easier for anyone, regardless of age or ability.

Essentially, it means that nearly every home … probably yours, too … is not designed to actually help you live your life.

Aging In Place Remodeling

That’s where home remodeling comes in. You see, at the heart of aging in place are the ideas home safety, accessibility and comfort.

That means for the average person over 50 years old, you have a home that is easier to live in. Period.

It doesn’t mean you have a handicap, are sick or anything else like that. On the contrary, a home remodeled for aging in place allows you to enjoy your home more now and is ready to support you in case you need it later on.

So often we talk with homeowners who don’t really think about what life may be like for them later on. They’re thinking about now, and what they would enjoy or would contribute to their current lifestyle.

However, if you work with the right design-build firm, you can incorporate features in your home that can give you that level of comfort and support later on, and still make your home more enjoyable now.

That’s why Stella Contracting offers the highest quality accessible home design and remodeling for people who want to prepare for their future. Our Universal Design and accessible remodeling service are perfect for people who want to keep living in their home for the long-term.

To learn more about our aging in place remodeling and Universal Design options in Plymouth and surrounding areas, contact Stella Contracting to schedule a professional consultation.

Aging In Place Home Designs In Plymouth

So many people think that preparing your home for aging in place means it has to look institutional or ‘hospital like’. Nothing could be farther from the truth! (Which, you’ll see if you keep reading… we have photos.)

In general, the goal of this type of remodeling is ‘main floor living’, which means you have everything you need on the ground level of your home. This includes a bathroom and bedroom (often in the form of a master suite), kitchen and laundry. If that can’t be accomplished in your home, there also is the option of an elevator to a second floor.

We couple our experience in aging in place home designs and modern products for your home to create rooms that look beautiful and are easy to use.

As mentioned earlier, our focus is on safety, accessibility and comfort. That translates to your home being easy to get into and out of, easy to use, has features that reduce your chances of getting hurt and are enjoyable to live in.

Senior Bathroom Design

The first room we focus on when planning a remodel for aging in place is the bathroom. Mainly because more accidents happen in the bathroom than any other room of the house. (That’s true regardless of age.)

What we help you prepare for in terms of safety is reducing the chances of you slipping and falling. Falls such as this can create emergency and long-term health problems. (Or, worse!) Having a bathroom that is designed for safety and comfort is one of the most important things when it comes to aging in place.

Thankfully, with the array of products available today and high quality senior bathroom design, you can have that for the years ahead.

Take a look at this modern aging-in-place shower we designed for one of our Plymouth customers.

As you can see to the right, this shower has no threshold … you simply walk into the luxurious shower area without having to step. You can certainly see that this shower would be so enjoyable for you now. And, if life happened to throw you a curve ball later on, it also would be easy to use even if you had to sit or need help.

There are several features that our customers typically install in their bathrooms, including built-in shower seating, designer grab bars and multiple shower heads (including a handheld shower wand).

None of these look institutional. Rather, they contribute to the overall beauty and luxury of your bathroom.

Aging In Place Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

A safe and comfortable shower is but one feature to have in your aging in place bathroom remodeling project. However, there are others you should consider for bathroom makeovers, including:

• More open space
• Wider doorways
• Comfort height toilets
• More light
• Sit down vanities
• Grab bars

Kitchen Makeovers

Another room in your home to think about things being easily accessible and easy to use is the kitchen. So much of our time at home is spent there preparing meals, and socializing with family and friends.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, the best place to start is to think about how you use your kitchen. Do you love to cook extravagant meals? Do you spend a lot of time in it while entertaining?

Thinking about things like that will help you see clearly the amount and type of things you do there. That will help you decide on the features that are important to you.

Once you know that, then our kitchen remodeling team can translate that into a kitchen design that will not only meet your needs, but also help you later in life. Features might include:

• Adjusting the height and location of appliances
• Universally designed appliances
• Varying counter height
• Accessible cabinets
• Task lighting
• Roll-out and pull-down shelves
• Open shelving
• Sit-under sinks, counters or cook tops

Your home for life

Though the bathroom and kitchen are some of the most important rooms in your home when it comes to aging in place, there is still plenty you can do to prepare for the future.

Some specific features we recommend to our customers, include:

• Main floor living
• No-step entry into home
• The right flooring (to reduce maintenance & falling)
• More lighting
• “D” style drawer pulls
• Wider door ways and entrances
• More open space
• Lever handles for doors and faucets
• Shelving or storage to reduce clutter

Stella Contracting has a team of professional designers and remodelers ready to help you learn how you can create your home for life in Plymouth.

To learn how you can remodel your home for aging in place, what you should be able to expect from your home later in life and how we can make that experience wonderful for you, just give one of our friendly remodeling specialists a call.

Certified Aging In Place Specialist

Jeff Stella is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. This National Association of Home Builders Certification identifies him as a top building industry professional with skills and knowledge specific to home remodeling for people over 50 years old. Jeff has been trained in Universal Design and has experience designing homes for people later in life.

Plymouth Aging In Place Resources

Jeff Stella is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. This National Association of Home Builders Certification identifies him as a top building industry professional with skills and knowledge specific to home remodeling for people over 50 years old. Jeff has been trained in Universal Design and has experience designing homes for people later in life.

• Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan
• Laws and Programs for Senior Adults (pdf)
• Plymouth city senior transportation
• The Senior Alliance
• Veterans Benefits & Services for Michigan
• Plymouth District Library senior resources
• Wayne County Senior Services (government)
• Plymouth Township Senior Programs
• City of Plymouth Community Council on Aging
• Plymouth, MI Senior Guide