HB Building design has been re-purposing baths other areas of the home for retrofitting since I first received AIP certification from ASID in 2005.
When I first mention my role as an Interior Designer for “Aging In Place,” if people never heard the expression before, you can observe their physical change as they begin to underst the idea. At the same time, it brings out other emotions, like fear, denial, anger, sadness or just plain surprise! The next thing they say is, ”That’s for other people, I’m not getting older!” NO MATTER HOW OLD THEY ARE! Everyone says the same thing. People are funny that way.
As parents attempt to “Age in Place”, Baby Boomers experience the difficulties imposed by unnecessary barriers hazards in the traditionally designed homes of their parents. Boomers will dem that their homes enhance safety health, enabling them to live in their own homes; not forced into premature institutional living with limited access to old friends familiar places.
The number one design concern for an AIP designer is client safety, the needs are quite definitive. Everyone goes through the aging process, some sooner, some later. Vision deteriorates, it’s difficult to differentiate colors, shrinking muscle mass makes it more difficult to get in out of beds or chairs, not being able to lift your feet when walking, tripping on throw rugs other small barriers on the floor, less strength in hs arms, reach is limited; the list goes on.
Once I explain these things in a conversational way to our clients, they usually opt for Universal Design, put a little more thought into how they want to incorporate it into their remodel. We love working with people who recognize this need, want to get a jump start on aging with new, safe, baths, bedrooms kitchens. Who wants to age in an aging bath??
