Housing the Elderly: Investigating Solutions to Help Seniors Age in Place

Abstract

This study evaluated the information in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to determine if those guidelines would be helpful in the construction of new homes in the U.S. Universal design features and the housing needs of the elderly were compared to see if univers al design features as outlined in the ADA could diminish the problems people have with aging in place. A case study was conducted on an existing house with three alternatives explored: a newly constructed house without universal design modifications, a newly constructed house with universal design modifications, and remodeling an existing structure to ensure usability for an elderly homeowner. The research revealed that new construction with modifications was not significantly different in cost than a newly constructed house without universal design features. The remodeling option to meet the requirements for an elderly homeowner proved to be extremely costly. Built environment professionals, such as interior designers and architects, must recognize the needs of the aging population and design houses that adapt to individuals as they age in place.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Starr M. Gobtop

Starr M. Gobtop, former ISU Graduate Student, is a licensed Interior Designer for Nordine’s, a firm in Bloomington, IL, that specilizes in aging in place remodeling

Jean A. Memken

Jean A. Memken is Associate Professor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL.