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Home Design For Aging In Place

Home Design For Aging In Place
Nishi Brahmbhatt, OTD-PP, MOTR/L, CAPS, CDP, & Realtor®
August 22, 2024

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Editor's note: This text-based course is a transcript of the webinar, Home Design For Aging In Place, presented by Nishi Brahmbhatt, OTD-PP, MOTR/L, CAPS, CDP, & Realtor®.

*Please also use the handout with this text course to supplement the material.

Learning Outcomes

  • As a result of this course, participants will be able to recognize and describe the aging in place market segments.
  • As a result of this course, participants will be able to identify and distinguish between types of design for aging in place.
  • As a result of this course, participants will be able to identify critical areas to assess in homes for aging in place and list appropriate home modifications to address critical areas.

Introduction

Thank you for joining me this evening. I appreciate you taking the time, and I hope that by the end of this presentation, you will have gained useful insights that will support you in your work. This presentation will give you an overview of how we can better design homes to support aging in place. 

Defining Aging in Place

My definition of aging in place would integrate elements from the CDC and AOTA definitions while adding a broader perspective on community and life stages. Here's how I would define it.

Aging in place is the ability to live in one's chosen environment safely, independently, and comfortably while participating in meaningful activities and maintaining connections with the community. This concept applies across all stages of life, emphasizing adaptability and planning to meet changing needs, whether for a growing family or older adults. The focus is on ensuring a supportive environment that enhances quality of life, fosters independence, and allows for continued engagement in valued roles and activities, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

I resonate most with the CDC definition, particularly its inclusion of community and its applicability regardless of age. I believe that aging in place is not just for older adults but anyone looking to create a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment as they navigate different life stages. While my definition will guide the broader understanding, like you, I would focus on the older adult population for specific strategies and interventions in the context of occupational therapy.

Market Segments in Aging in Place

The emerging market segments in aging in place are fascinating, and it’s interesting to see how they align with different types of individuals and their approaches to planning or procrastinating about future needs.

Aging in Place Population Without Urgent Needs

These individuals have no immediate health issues or urgent needs but may still be thinking about future-proofing their homes. This segment is proactive to some extent, considering potential needs, even if they aren’t pressing. This is where you identify yourself, given your current health status and forward-thinking approach.

Aging in Place Population With Progressive Condition-Based Needs

These individuals have chronic or progressive conditions that they are aware of, yet they may not feel an urgent need to address them. They might recognize that modifications are necessary but delay taking action. Your parents fall into this category, as they are aware of their osteoarthritis but haven't made changes to their home, despite your professional advice.

Aging in Place Population With Traumatic Change Needs

This segment includes individuals who have experienced an abrupt health change, such as a fall or stroke, that necessitates immediate modifications to continue living in their home safely. These individuals often react to a crisis, making necessary changes under pressure.

An important aspect of working with these populations is identifying whether your clients are planners or procrastinators when addressing their needs for aging in place. Planners like myself tend to anticipate future needs and make changes in advance. For example, when I purchased my home last year, I thoughtfully designed it with aging in place in mind. This foresight was especially valuable when my mother came to stay with us during her recovery from knee replacement surgery. We have a bedroom and accessible bathroom on the first floor, and she could rehabilitate comfortably. On the other hand, procrastinators—such as my parents—often wait until a crisis forces them to take action. This group may need more guidance and encouragement to make the necessary changes before an urgent need arises.

Approaches to Home Design for Aging in Place

When we talk about designing homes to support aging in place, several approaches exist to consider. Each approach has distinct principles and applications, but all aim to create safer, more accessible living environments.

Universal Design

You can refer to the National Association of Home Builders' definition of universal design on the slide, but I define universal design as creating an environment that is usable by all people, universally, without the need for adaptations. I’m particularly drawn to universal design because it offers convenience, functionality, safety, ease of use, and comfort, all while having broad market appeal. The beauty of universal design is that it doesn’t look like a modification for any specific population—it looks good and works well for everyone.

There are seven principles of universal design: equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, low physical effort, tolerance for error, and size and space for approach and use. I’ll review examples of these principles in the upcoming slides, and you’ll notice that some examples overlap multiple principles. For instance, an example I give for equitable use might also be relevant for low physical effort, and so on.

Equitable Use

This principle is about designing spaces that people of diverse abilities can use. For example, awning windows with a crank mechanism and a fold-down handle are easy to open and reach for people of all different heights. Although not pictured, other examples include zero-step entries in showers and adjustable height counters or workspaces.

Flexibility in Use

Flexibility in use accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities, such as right- or left-handed use or varying positions, whether seated or standing. An example of this is a multi-level counter in the kitchen, where a child can use the lower section, and a taller adult can use the higher portion. Other examples include a built-in tub bench, bathroom faucets with lever handles on top, handheld showerheads, and front-loading washers and dryers.

Simple and Intuitive Use

This is when a design element is easy to understand and use, regardless of a person’s background or experience. For instance, this could be a faucet head with hinged components. Even without using it, you can easily understand how to adjust it. Another example of this principle is a simple thermostat with large numbers and color-coded indicators for hot and cold.

Perceptible Information

This principle ensures that the design communicates necessary information effectively to the user. An example would be a rocker switch on a white wall, where the contrast makes the switch’s location clear. However, the black door and handle in the same image lack contrast, making the handle less visible. In my home, I applied this principle by using different flooring colors to cue transitions between spaces—like the beige luxury vinyl plank in my living room and the dark gray tile in my kitchen, signaling a change in surface.

Low Physical Effort

Low physical effort is another principle that includes comfortable designs, requiring minimal exertion and reducing fatigue and repetitive actions. A common example is the rocker light switch found in many new homes. Lever-style handles on faucets and doors also exemplify this principle, making them easier to operate than traditional knobs.

Tolerance for Error

Tolerance for error refers to designs that minimize hazards and reduce the risk of accidents, like falls or injuries. For example, matte porcelain tile is glare-proof and less slippery than shiny travertine or marble tiles. Other examples include soft-close drawers that prevent slamming and jamming, which can injure fingers. As a quick FYI, the best flooring types for older adults are cork, rubber, and low-loop carpeting, in that order.

Size and Space for Approach and Use

Lastly, size and space for approach and use means that the design accommodates a range of sizes, postures, and mobility levels, allowing people to reach and use things easily. The open-concept floor plan shown in one slide is a good example—it offers clear sightlines and ample maneuvering space, making it easier to navigate. Another example, which I mentioned earlier, is the multi-level counter in the kitchen, accommodating different heights and uses.

Adaptable Design

Another important aspect of home design for aging in place is adaptable design. Adaptable design is all about planning with the future in mind, taking into account individual differences and potential changes in capability over time. Let me share some examples of adaptable design, which are illustrated in the pictures you see here.

First, let’s talk about the wiring shown in the handout. You’re looking at a window with electrical wiring running over the top. This isn’t just by chance—it’s intentional, especially for a first-floor bedroom window. The idea is that, in the future, if you need to convert that window into an exit door for easier egress, it can be done without having to redo the electrical wiring. For example, I don’t have a door in my first-floor bedroom, but I have a window with the wiring running above it. If I ever need to install a door for direct access from that room, it will be a straightforward process for a contractor without the hassle of redoing any electrical work.

In another image, you see some elevators. Planning for a potential future need for an elevator in your home is smart. I recommend installing a vacuum or pneumatic elevator, which is the most cost-effective choice. These elevators don’t require the construction of a shaft, making them a practical and convenient option for homeowners looking to plan ahead.

Lastly, let’s discuss one of my favorite and easiest adaptable design features, particularly in new construction: wall blocking for future grab bars. Grab bars are essential for bathroom safety, and planning for them during the construction phase can save a lot of trouble. There are two methods to consider. The first, more affordable option is known as "let-in blocking." This involves placing two-by-tens of wood into the wall before the drywall goes up, positioned wherever you think you might need to grab bars in the future—inside the shower, near the toilet, or wherever else you might want extra support. It’s a simple, low-cost way to plan for future needs.

Though more expensive, the second method offers greater flexibility: plywood reinforcement. With this approach, sheets of plywood are installed behind the drywall, providing a stable surface to anchor grab bars or other fixtures, no matter where you decide to place them later. This method ensures you can always install supports securely, giving you peace of mind.

Adaptable design is all about thinking ahead and making your home as versatile as possible to accommodate future needs. These three examples—wiring for future exits, planning for elevators, and reinforcing walls for grab bars—are key considerations for anyone looking to age in place comfortably and safely.

Accessible Design

Next, let’s talk about accessible design in the context of home design and aging in place. Accessible design can certainly incorporate principles of universal design, but its primary focus is on addressing the specific needs of a person with a disability within their home. In this case, market appeal isn’t the priority—what matters most is making the home functional and accessible for the individual.

When you’re working with accessible design, you’re tailoring the space specifically for someone with particular challenges or disabilities. The goal is to create a space that works for them, ensuring it’s practical and meets their needs, without worrying about how it might appeal to others. Because of this focus, accessible design sometimes has a more clinical or medical appearance.

For example, the highlighted bathroom reminds me of a bathroom you might find in a skilled nursing facility or a hospital unit. That’s one of the downsides of accessible design—it doesn’t always have that broader market appeal or aesthetic charm. But ultimately, the key is functionality and accessibility for the person who will be living in the space, and that’s what accessible design aims to deliver.

Visitable Design

Another important aspect of home design for aging in place is visitable design. This concept ensures that the first floor of a home is minimally accessible at a wheelchair level. Essentially, it provides a minimum level of accessibility, allowing a person using a wheelchair basic access to the ground floor of a home. The National Association of Home Builders embraces visitable design because it not only enhances the functionality of a home but also adds value.

When we think about visitable design, the wheelchair becomes the ultimate defining test—ensuring that the ground floor is relatively barrier-free. To qualify as a visitable home, there are three key requirements:

  1. A zero-step entrance: You just need one, and it can be at any entrance into the home.
  2. Doors with 32 inches of clear passage space: This ensures that a wheelchair can easily pass through.
  3. One bathroom on the main floor that is wheelchair accessible: It doesn’t specify whether this bathroom needs to have a toilet and a shower or tub, or if it can just have a toilet—it just needs to be accessible.

Livable Design

Building on the concept of visitable design, we have livable design. Livable design is an extension of visitable design but takes accessibility a step further. In addition to the requirements of visitable design, livable design includes an accessible full bathroom and an accessible bedroom. Here, we specify that the accessible bathroom must include a toilet and a shower and/or tub, making the space fully functional for someone using a wheelchair.

Critical Areas for Home Modifications

There are many people who only consider home modifications in response to a traumatic accident, injury, or new diagnosis. Often, these incidents occur in the home, such as a fall or even a near fall, which can be enough to prompt people to reconsider their home design. A study by Moreland et al. in 2020 revealed that the most common places where falls occur within the home for individuals 65 years and older are the bedroom, stairs, bathroom, and kitchen. This finding was surprising to me, as I had always assumed that the bathroom would be the most common location for falls. But when I reflected on it, it started to make sense.

Many people retire to their bedrooms in the evening, and as they age, they may need to use the bathroom more frequently at night. If the lighting is poor, or there’s no light switch near the bed, and they have to fumble around in the dark, it increases the risk of falling before they even reach the bathroom. This understanding is crucial for helping older adults and their caregivers prioritize home modifications. It guides us in making recommendations for improving safety in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and on stairs.

However, we also need to advise our clients on other preventive measures. Regular vision and hearing checks, routine doctor appointments to review medications (especially new ones), and staying active and exercising as per their doctor’s recommendations are all critical components of fall prevention.

Another study by Brim et al. in 2021 explored the barriers individuals face in their aging in place plans. These barriers often relate to bathroom safety, home mobility, and home maintenance and improvement. These findings reinforce the role of occupational therapists in providing comprehensive assessments and preventative education, using foundational models like the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model to support aging in place.

There are several general considerations for home modifications. For example, doors should be between 32 to 48 inches wide to allow for wheelchair clearance, with 36 inches being ideal for hand clearance. Hallways should be about 36 inches wide to accommodate safe movement.

Now, let’s go through each of the critical areas identified by Moreland et al., and discuss specific recommendations for aging in place.

Bedroom Recommendations

  • The main floor should include a bedroom to avoid the need to navigate stairs. If stairs are unavoidable, consider installing a stairlift, wheelchair lift, or stair climbers.
  • The bed should be at an appropriate height—not too low or too high—and bed rails can help prevent rolling out of bed or provide support during transfers.
  • Bed steps with motion sensor lights and a handrail can assist with higher beds, especially for those with hip, knee, or joint pain.
  • Clear walkways are essential to avoid fall hazards. If rugs are necessary, they should be securely fastened to the floor.
  • Lighting is crucial—motion-activated night lights, smart lights, touch lamps at the bedside, and light switches near the bed can all prevent falls.
  • In my own home, during the construction phase, I ensured that there were light switches next to the bed in the downstairs guest bedroom, which has a fully accessible bathroom. This small detail makes a big difference in safety and convenience.

Flooring Recommendations

  • Low loop carpet, cork wood, rubber, or vinyl are recommended flooring options. Rubber is particularly good because it absorbs shock, is warm, and is easy to clean. Cork is also shock-absorbing and warm but less durable, requiring a sealant for moisture protection.
  • LED bulbs are a great choice because they last longer and require less frequent changing, reducing the need to climb ladders.
  • Rocker light switches with a glow-in-the-dark feature are easy to identify, even in the dark.

Stair Recommendations

  • Stairlifts have a track on the wall of the stairs with a seat, allowing the user to be transported up and down the stairs safely.
  • Wheelchair lifts or stair climbers are similar but allow for the wheelchair to be raised directly up the stairs, which can be a more affordable option than an elevator.
  • I recently discovered a unique piece of adaptive equipment called the stair study, which features a movable horizontal handrail that slides on a supporting rail along the stairs. Unfortunately, it’s not yet available in the U.S., but it’s a space-saving and supportive option for navigating stairs.
  • Handrails should be installed on both sides of the stairs and extend beyond the last step to reduce strain on the shoulders and neck.
  • Half steps or blocks can reduce the effort required to climb stairs by lowering the height of each step.

Bathroom Recommendations

  • Zero-entry walk-in showers or bathtubs are ideal, as they eliminate the threshold that can be difficult to navigate.
  • Grab bars or handrails should be strategically placed around the bathroom, including in the shower, to provide support.
  • Toilet seat risers or comfort-height toilets (17 to 19 inches tall) can make it easier to sit down and stand up.
  • Handheld shower heads and shower chairs are essential for safety and convenience.
  • Small shower floor tiles provide better grip and proprioceptive input, which is especially important for older adults.
  • Non-skid mats, bidet attachments with additional features, and slip-resistant floor tiles also contribute to bathroom safety.
  • A five-foot (60-inch) turning radius should be maintained in the bathroom to accommodate wheelchair users.

Kitchen Recommendations

  • Multi-level counters allow individuals to engage in meal prep from different positions—whether seated or standing—and accommodate children’s participation as well.
  • Pull-out shelves and cabinets can prevent strain and make items more accessible.
  • The sink, stove, and refrigerator should form a functional triangle, known as the triangle theory, for efficient meal preparation. This layout is so intuitive that when my cousin visited from England, she was able to navigate my kitchen and make breakfast without any orientation.
  • Clearance between opposing walls, cabinets, and islands should be 60 inches for U-shaped kitchens and 40 inches for pass-through kitchens.
  • Task lighting over the island, sink, and countertops, as well as under-cabinet lighting, can prevent accidents and improve the overall cooking experience.
  • Wall ovens and microwaves should be installed at or below 31 inches from the floor for accessibility.
  • Rounding countertop corners can prevent injuries, especially for children, and slip-resistant floor tiles are essential for safety.
  • Raising the dishwasher by six to eight inches reduces the strain of loading and unloading, protecting the lower back and promoting good body mechanics.

These are just some of the key recommendations for aging in place within these critical areas of the home. Of course, there are many more considerations, but these are the ones I wanted to highlight today.

Food for Thought/Conclusion

When we're recommending modifications, renovations, or even relocation for our clients, there are many factors we must consider. These factors can be cultural, social, financial, personal, and even related to the age and size of the home or housing stock. Each situation is unique, and it's essential to tailor our recommendations to the individual circumstances of our clients.

Personal Factors

Let me start with personal factors. Modifications may need to cater to the specific tastes and preferences of individuals. There was a study by Struckmeyer et al. in 2022 that highlighted how some people might resist home modifications if they feel those changes would compromise the aesthetics or attractiveness of their home. This means that as occupational therapy practitioners, we must be mindful of our clients' personal preferences and ensure that any modifications align with their individual style and comfort.

Financial Factors

Moving on to financial factors, we need to weigh the costs of relocating versus renovating. Relocating can be very expensive, but renovating can add value to the home and allow the client to age in place. However, large-scale renovations can be challenging for older adults, especially if they have to stay in the home during the process. The dust, dirt, and disruption to air quality can be significant concerns. So, there are pros and cons to both relocating and renovating, and these must be carefully considered.

Social Factors

Now, let’s talk about social factors. There’s a study by Granbaum et al. that found relocation among individuals aged 65 and older within their community was often linked to poor indoor accessibility in their current homes. Older adults generally want to stay close to family and friends, who often serve as informal supports. However, an inaccessible home can make it difficult for them to leave and engage in social activities, which are vital for their well-being. Social interaction is, after all, the number one predictor of longevity, as shown in research on the Blue Zones. So, we must consider whether making the home more accessible through renovations could help our clients maintain these important social connections.

Cultural Factors

Cultural factors are also important. More older adults are moving in with their children, or vice versa, their adult children or grandchildren are moving in with them. As clinicians, we need to consider the entire household when suggesting renovations, modifications, or even relocation. It's not just about our client; it's about everyone living under the same roof.

Financial and Social Factors

Regarding the financial and social aspects, home design for aging in place can help people stay in their social context and avoid more expensive and less desirable settings like assisted living facilities (ALFs) or nursing homes. For instance, the cost of living in a government-funded ALF is around $92,000 per year, whereas a one-time bathroom remodel might only cost $30,000. There are also programs available to help with the cost of these renovations.

Another financial consideration is the energy efficiency of older homes. Older homes tend to have higher electric bills and often require costly replacements of windows and roofs, which can be a financial burden and difficult to coordinate, especially for older adults. This might lead us to recommend relocation instead of renovation, depending on the client’s situation.

Personal Factors and the Size of the Home

Personal factors and the size of the home are also important. Larger homes require more upkeep, which older adults might not be able to manage without outsourcing the work. But then comes the issue of affordability. For example, during COVID, I had to move my parents from their large two-story home in Texas to a smaller townhome in Jacksonville because the upkeep was too much for them. While the townhome is smaller and more manageable, it still lacks a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor, which isn’t ideal.

Housing Stock

Lastly, let’s consider the housing stock. The American Housing Survey found that two-thirds of owner-occupied homes in the U.S. were constructed before 1980, and newly built homes after 2010 make up only about 2% of the housing stock. The age of these homes is an important factor because older homes will likely require remodeling and renovations. If our clients want to stay in these homes, we’ll need to consider the necessary updates to make them suitable for aging in place.

All these factors—personal, financial, social, cultural, and those related to the age and size of the home—are critical to consider when making recommendations for modifications, renovations, or relocation. I hope this presentation has provided some valuable insights for you.

Thank you so much for joining me tonight.

Exam Poll

1)Which is NOT a type of design for Aging in Place (AIP)?

The correct answer is A. Minimally invasive design is not a type of design for aging in place, but universal design, accessible design, and livable design are all correct answers.

2)The 7 principles of Universal Design (UD) include ALL EXCEPT:

The correct answer is high physical effort, as it is not a principle of universal design. The opposite, or low physical effort, is also one.  

3)Which principle accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities?

The correct answer is flexibility in use, which accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities. 

4)Which is an example of an adaptable design that addresses changes in capability over time?

The correct answer is D, all of the above.

5)According to the National Council on Independent Living, to be a "visitable" home, what is one requirement?

The correct answer is B, one zero-step entrance. 

Thank you for your attention this evening. I hope you found this presentation informative and useful, and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

Questions and Answers

What if people cannot afford renovations?

That’s a valid question. As clinicians, we must become familiar with the resources available in our clients' communities. Funding programs vary from state to state and even city to city. Honestly, I would recommend doing a Google search specific to your area. One of the resources I provided during the presentation includes links to funding sources for home modifications in Florida. Many of these programs can also point you toward relevant resources in other states or cities. 

For example, while working on my Capstone project, I researched available funding in Jacksonville, Florida. Unfortunately, Jacksonville did not have specific grant programs for home modifications, but nearby Daytona did. So, it’s really about tapping into the available resources and being persistent in your search.

Do you recommend portable grab bars?

If by portable grab bars you mean those suction cup ones, then no, I do not recommend them. They’re not reliable. We always suggest using commercial-grade grab bars installed by a licensed contractor. This ensures they are securely fastened to the wall and can support the necessary weight. You want to be confident that the installation is stable and safe.

How did you decide to become a realtor? I think others might be interested in hearing that as well.

That’s a great question! My journey into real estate started during COVID. We had decided to sell our home at that time, and it ended up being the right moment for us. I did a lot of my research for pricing, and initially, my realtor suggested a sale price that was almost $60k less than what I had in mind. I had done my homework and was confident in my pricing. My husband encouraged me to listen to the realtor, but I stood my ground. After 90 days, we received multiple offers at our full asking price, which validated my research.

That experience sparked my interest in real estate, especially since I’m a certified aging-in-place specialist. My parents were aging, and during COVID, it became clear that their two-story home in Texas wasn’t suitable anymore. My dad’s cognitive abilities were slowing, and it was a lot of house for him and my mom to manage. I started thinking about how I could incorporate aging-in-place principles into real estate, not only for my family but also for others.

When I was designing my own home, I wasn’t a realtor yet, but going through the design center process opened my eyes to how simple changes can help people age in place comfortably. However, these features often come with additional costs, so I wanted to be the kind of realtor who provides valuable insights and knowledge about these options. I formed a team with my current brokerage called the “Healthy Home Team.” My partner is a massage therapist with a background in neuro massage and pain management, and together, we aim to create well-being throughout the real estate process. The client feedback has been great so far, and it’s been an exciting journey.

Resources

  • AOTA’s Productive Aging Special Interests Section providing a forum for professional development:
    • https://www.aota.org/community/special-interest-sections/productive-aging
  • Funding sources for home modifications in FL: 
    • https://1j92bd.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Florida-FundingSourcesforHM_stateprofiles.florida.pdf
  • Downsizing for aging in place guide:
    • https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/downsizing-for-aging-in-place/
  • Caring Transitions assists with senior relocation providing packing, downsizing, and resettling services:
    • https://www.caringtransitionsfirstcoast.com/services
  • StairSteady helps you navigate stairs keeping you safe and steady:
    • https://stairsteady.net/

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2024). Productive aging: Finding innovative approaches to support productive aging. https://www.aota.org/practice/clinical-topics/driving-community-mobility/productive-aging

Bawden, D. (2017). Marketing and communicating with the aging in place client (CAPS I). National Association of Home Builders.

Brim, B., Fromhold, S., & Blaney, S. (2021). Older adults’ self-reported barriers to aging in place. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 40(12), 1678-1686. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464820988800

Butler, V. (2017). Design concepts for livable homes and aging in place (CAPS II). National Association of Home Builders.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Healthy places terminology. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/terminology.htm

Cole, M. & Macdonald, K. (2015). Productive aging: An occupational perspective. SLACK INC.

Granbom, M., Perrin, N., Szanton, S., K M Cudjoe, T., & Gitlin, L. N. (2019). Household accessibility and residential relocation in older adults. The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, 74(7), e72–e83. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gby131

Moreland, B. L., Kakara, R., Haddad, Y. K., Shakya, I., & Bergen, G. (2020). A descriptive analysis of location of older adult falls that resulted in emergency department visits in the United States, 2015. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15(6), 590–597. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827620942187

National Association of Home Builders (2017). Marketing and communicating with the aging in place clients (CAPS I). NAHB Education. 

National Association of Home Builders (2024). What is universal design? https://www.nahb.org/other/consumer-resources/what-is-universal-design

National Council on Independent Living (2024). Visitability: Better access to homes. https://visitability.org/#:~:text=A house is visitable when,get into in a wheelchair.

StairSteady. (2024). StairSteady: A step towards independence. https://stairsteady.net/

Struckmeyer, L. R., Campbell, N., Ellison, C., Ahrentzen, S., & Classen, S. (2022). Home modifications and repurposing: perspectives on the accessibility, affordability, and attractiveness. Disability and rehabilitation, 44(17), 4619–4628. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1910866

Wellecke, C., D'Cruz, K., Winkler, D., Douglas, J., Goodwin, I., Davis, E., & Mulherin, P. (2022). Accessible design features and home modifications to improve physical housing accessibility: A mixed-methods survey of occupational therapists. Disability and Health Journal, 15(3), 101281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101281

Citation

Brahmbhatt, N. (2024). Home design for aging in place. OccupationalTherapy.com, Article 5736. Retrieved from https://OccupationalTherapy.com

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nishi brahmbhatt

Nishi Brahmbhatt, OTD-PP, MOTR/L, CAPS, CDP, & Realtor®

Dr. Nishi Patel Brahmbhatt, MOTR/L, CAPS, CDP, Realtor®, has been an occupational therapist since 2008, practicing in acute care, skilled nursing, and home health settings. For the past twelve years, she has been a Keiser University Occupational Therapy Assistant program faculty member. She is the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Master of Science Occupational Therapy Bridge program at Keiser University. Whilst pursuing her post-professional doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University, Nishi became a Realtor® in 2021 and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist in 2022. As an OT Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Nishi is interested in utilizing her unique skillset to serve clients in the real estate industry. She is also interested in promoting student success by focusing on strategies to target students’ health domains.



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Presented by Krista Covell-Pierson, OTR/L, BCB-PMD
Video
Course: #3609Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course teaches practical treatment interventions for the generalist practitioner. Strategies can be used in a variety of settings, including home health, skilled nursing facility, hospitals, and outpatient.

Incontinence: Practical Tips for the Occupational Therapy Practitioner (Part 2)
Presented by Krista Covell-Pierson, OTR/L, BCB-PMD
Video
Course: #3610Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course is Part 2 of this series. Practitioners working in all settings will learn practical treatment interventions to address urinary and bowel incontinence.

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