Waukesha County Home

MUSKEGO — September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual observance designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older. As more and more Americans embrace an active lifestyle, they are also opting to stay in their homes longer, even into their late 70s and 80s. Remodelers and homeown- ers alike are becoming more aware of modifications and design elements in the home that can help them "age in place." Dave Clark, an award- winning design specialist for Callen Construction Inc. in Muskego, noted that requests for accessible design, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, is increasing. "It's a very hot topic right now and much more preva- lent than even 10 years ago," he said. "Some of my clients have been as young as their 40s, but are thinking ahead about what their needs may be down the road." Clark, a certified graduate remodeler, also is a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS). The CAPS program from the National Associa- tion of Home Builders and the AARP trains remodel- ing contractors, architects and designers in home mod- ifications that address cur- rent and future needs to continue living independ- ently longer. "The idea is that the home can be lived in comfortably by all members of the household. One of the nicer things is that manufactur- ers are turning out products that do not look institution- al," he said. "There are many things on the market now that are more user- friendly to people of all abil- ities." Clark outlined some of the bathroom and kitchen modifications that are becoming popular with homeowners. Among the wish list is easy cleaning and ease of maintenance. ■ Curbless and low- threshold showers: "You can roll a wheelchair right in, but it also benefits any- one who has a knee or ankle injury that limits their mobility. The same thing goes for handheld showers. Many homeowners say they have no need for a hand- held, but if you need to sit while showering, it's a good thing. A big benefit also is that it makes cleaning the shower or tub easier because you can direct the water where it needs to go," Clark said. "I also place the transfer valve (the valve that changes the flow or direction of the water) lower for easier access instead of having to reach up for it." Ease of cleaning and maintenance are important in the kitchen too, and Clark noted that there is a lot of conversation about granite versus quartz, with homeowners thinking quartz is easier to maintain. "Granite now comes with a 15-year warranty on the sealer and with every gran- ite counter installation, we provide the homeowner with a cleaning kit when they want to spruce it up a little. Every time they use it, they are actually resealing so the granite has the poten- tial for a lifetime guaran- tee." ■ Faucets: "Changing out the faucet controls to levers on faucets in both kitchen and bath make it easy to turn on and off," Clark said. "Also available are more options for motion-activated faucets and soap dispensers. Levers can be placed on the side of the sink, instead of the back for easier reach. Thermostatic or anti-scald controls can protect both adults and children. Drain stoppers can also be con- trolled with a push of the finger on the sink." ■ Comfort Height® toi- lets: "It's very common in bathroom remodels now to install a standard chair- height toilet," he said. "It makes it easier to sit down and stand up." ■ Cabinetry: "Bending, stooping, even getting on your hands and knees to search for an item is vexing no matter your age," Clark said. A more user-friendly change-out doesn't mean you have to order custom cabinets. Existing cabinets can be modified so drawers or shelving can extend fully, adjust for different levels and pull out for ease of use. ■ Flooring: Carpeting can be difficult for wheel- chair users or for people who can't lift their feet. Hard surfaces are easier to walk on and are more easily cleaned. Special coatings can be applied to make them less slippery. For those who find hard sur- faces too cold to be comfort- able, in-floor heating is an option. ■ Lighting: Multiple lay- ers of light provide func- tionality and ambience as well. General lighting, such as can lights, can illuminate work zones; task lights, such as undercabinet lights, direct the light to a specific area; and accent lighting provides ambience and can also be used as a night light. "Any of these design ele- ments works for any age. It's not just institutional or handicapped-accessible, it's living better for everyone," Clark said. www.CallCallen.com. 245312001 *One special per household. Not valid with any other offer or previous purchase. *One special per household. Not valid with any other offer or previous purchase. *One special per household. Not valid with any other offer or previous purchase. Expires 10/10/15 Expires 10/10/15 Expires 10/10/15 $ 250 INSTALLATION OF ENTRANCE DOOR AND STORM DOOR COMBINATION $ 150 OFF * OFF * INSTALLATION OF EACH REPLACEMENT WINDOW HOMES PLUS SEPTEMBER 2015 10 Modifications designed to help homeowners age in place Submitted photo A low-threshold shower allows a wheelchair to be rolled up to it. Other design features, such as a lower water valve make for easier use. Bathroom, kitchen are key areas for remodeling for elderly

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