Multigenerational Housing Trend

Universal Design Can Make a Home Work for All Ages

By Janet B. Cook, Cook Remodeling

The Pew Research Center’s study The Return of the Multigenerational Family Household (March 2010) reports that 16% of households have two adult generations living under one roof, a 33% rise from the previous decade. From 2009 to 2010, there was an increase of 500,000 multigenerational residences. Is this trend a result of the economy?

While the economy may be a main factor, the aging of the population and living longer is also a major influence. According to the Alliance for Aging Research, every day 10,000 baby boomers in the United States turn 65, and boomers will continue to do so for the next 20 years. The U.S. Census Bureau in 2004 found that the age group of 65 and older made up 12% of the U.S. population. That demographic is expected to rise to 21% by 2050.

The term “sandwich generation” is used to describe over 16 million Americans who find themselves caring for children AND their parents in their home. Caregivers are likely to provide assistance for 10 years or more for a parent or a spouse. Living with family and hiring help when needed costs significantly less than residing at an assisted living facility.  People want to remain active and independent in their homes as long as they can, but few homes have entries, hallways or bathrooms that are easily accessible to facilitate aging in place or a disability. Events as sudden as a car accident or debilitating stroke can make a home unusable, even with assistance, leaving family members to scramble to have a place for their loved one when they are discharged from the hospital.

It can save money and duress to plan ahead and incorporate universal design principles when remodeling. It is wise to make a home ready to care for all stages in life and meet a growing need as the senior population continues to increase. Here are some significant changes that will make your home user friendly for all:

• Have at least one zero-level entry into the home. Fill in sunken rooms.
• Have interior doors with a minimum 32” wide opening and 36” wide hallways.
• Raise the height of the dishwasher, oven, washer and dryer.
• Have base cabinet shelves roll out. Incorporate visual cues in the floor or countertop to delineate edges.
• In the bathroom, brace walls around the tub, shower, and toilet for grab bars. Have anti-scald controls, adjustable/handheld showerhead and a shower seat.
• Faucet and door handles should be levered hardware for ease of use.
• Specify that electrical outlets be located higher off the ground.
• Have adequate lighting and rocker light switches.

Dual master suites are gaining in popularity, with at least one on the first floor with a universally designed bathroom. It can be for designed for guests, renters (for added income) or caretakers and may include a kitchenette, sitting area, study/office and a separate entrance.

Beyond the benefits of planning ahead for physical changes that occur as we age, the Pew study also found more subtle health benefits for multigenerational living. Regardless of gender, race, age, income and education level, “older adults who live alone are less healthy and they more often feel sad or depressed than their counterparts who live with a spouse or with others,” the study found. Providing adequate personal space and clear and continual communication of expectations will help create harmony and moments to treasure.

Consult with an experienced remodeling professional to help with the design and details to make a home ready to serve multigenerational needs. There are nationally recognized training certifications, such as Universal Design Certified Remodeler (by the National Association of Remodeling Industry) and Certified Aging in Place Specialists (by the National Association of Home Builders-Remodelers). To earn and retain certification, the individual needs to be experienced in remodeling, adhere to a code of ethics, be recommended, take coursework, pass a national exam and complete continuing education requirements.

Janet B. Cook, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, is president of the design-build firm Cook Remodeling. Celebrating their 32nd year, Cook Remodeling was voted #1 Best Business in Kitchen & Bath Remodeling by Ranking Arizona. She partners with Jeff Cook, a Certified Graduate Remodeler. For more information on universal design, visit www.cookremodeling.com.