Aging In Place
& Universal Design

"The overwhelming preference of older persons is to age in place; that is, to remain in their homes as they grow older. It is essential that residences be designed to be safe, comfortable, and accommodating to persons of all ages but particularly to those who are faced with diminishing physical abilities which make daily domestic routines difficult to manage. Universal design is a concept that will enable older people to remain in their homes as they would wish."

By definition, a universal home is a home that suits everyone so by modifying your home to incorporate Universal Design principles, you will be converting the home into a user-friendly property with much broader resale appeal. Universal Design is not intended to create handicapped accessible homes but rather homes that offer accessibility and appeal for everyone.

According to a recent AARP housing survey, 83 percent of older Americans indicated that they would prefer to remain in their current homes for the rest of their lives. These older citizens love their communities and enjoy the comfort, convenience, security and independence of living in their current homes.

If you are interested in learning more about how your home can be modified to become more functional and accessible for everyone, below are useful links to more information.

• An Overview of Universal Design (2 pages)
• Home For A Lifetime (16 pages)
• The Seven Principles of Universal Design (poster)
• Home Modifications For Seniors (4 pages)
• Home Modifications For Seniors II (29 pages)
• Universal Design Manual (22 pages)
• Universal Design - Simple Automated Solutions (54 pages)
• Universal Design - Residential Remodeling HUD (127 pages)
• Universal Design - Builder's Guide & Checklist (22 pages)
• The Model Universal Design Home (poster)
• Universal Design - A List of Publications (15 pages)

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