Aging at Home: Tiny Homes

An example of a beautiful Tiny Home intended for Aging in Place -- accessible outdoor beauty is always a must and it's something to behold here. 

Choosing to build a tiny home (or live in an existing one) can be a very smart, economical way to age in place, at home. Not only is the space cost-effective, but it can be designed and built to specifically suit anyone with special needs -- in fact, one of the examples in this slideshow was specifically built by a dad for his special needs daughter. And Universal Design principles are exactly what we use when creating an aging-in-place ready home. 

Another reason tiny homes can be a great option: you can build on existing land right next door to family. We've learned from firsthand experience that having family nearby makes a huge difference in our ability to help (which is why my in-laws are moving next door), and can mean a much better quality of life for everyone involved. Remember that when you're considering how and where to build your Aging in Place home, the people who care about you the most want to be available to assist -- and the closer you are, the simpler that is for everyone. 

This article from Builder on Tiny Homes for Aging in Place is a great way to start the discussion about moving closer to family and friends. Are you considering a tiny home, either stand-alone or as an addition or extension to a family home? We'd love to hear about it!

Building Forever Homes: Millennials to Boomers

Family homes should be built to last for multiple generations and a multitude of needs. Boomers are quickly becoming the largest portion of our population, and the 55+ generation are fast increasing, in need of homes that fit their needs as they age. But it's not just boomers looking for smart homes that grow with them; according to this Builder article, millennials don't want houses with a big footprint -- they want a home with features that suit now and later, including plenty of storage with less square footage. Homes that incorporate Universal Design, the same principles that apply to Aging in Place design, allow both millennials and boomers to buy and live in a functional home that grows with them and their changing families. 

This video is titled "Dual-ing Demos: How Design Can Transcend Age and Income Stereotypes." It's a synopsis of how smart design can incorporate function, beauty, and transcend generations. 

Universal Design and CAPS Design incorporate the same principles -- and are intended to allow multiple generations to live happily and comfortably in the same home. The perhaps unintended effects of this kind of purposeful building is creating sustainable, community-conscious living spaces.