A thoughtful, contemplative look as she enjoys her morning coffee and ponders how well her home is working for her now and how it will in the years to come – we all like to have answers to life’s issues.
We like answers
Generally, we like to know how things are done. We watch online videos, TV documentaries, and read books and articles on how things work. We have a curious mind. We don’t always just accept something because we can see it – we want to know more.
We want to peel back a layer to what goes on underneath to make whatever happens to come about. We Google items or concepts, watch YouTube videos, participate in online chats, and ask family members or others that we think might have some answers. We live in an age of so much readily-available information, literally at our fingertips, just there for the asking as long as we know which questions to ask. Sometimes, it’s a trial and error to narrow our focus to the correct question.
And so it is with aging in place solutions and designs – a topic not even searchable until relatively recently.
Looking for answers
Consumers look for answers on how they should remain in their homes – or if they should. What should they do to make them safer? Should they downsize to a smaller home? Should they consider moving in with family? What would be a wise investment to provide for themselves in the coming years?
With questions frequently come answers, but they aren’t always as helpful as they might be. People volunteer their experiences or suggestions on forums and social media. They want to share what worked for them or what they feel everyone else should want to do, but each person’s situation is unique to them. Other people’s experiences may not be a perfect match or parallel. Still, we like answers even if we don’t accept and implement them.
Being the answer
Recognizing that people occupy and use their homes differently from each other and that the dwellings themselves (even if they look similar or even identical on the outside) can look and live very differently inside, we know that there are no formulas or prescriptions for effective aging in place design. We know they are some basic best practices and acceptable guidelines, but there are no rigid rules to follow.
This is where we are called upon to be part of the solution. As Certified Aging In Place Specialists (CAPS), we can survey what the client is experiencing, offer our suggestions for a more effective living space, prioritize the changes to accommodate their budget while addressing the most urgent matters, and help them attain a living environment that works for them. It may require very little or a more major approach.
When people are looking for answers to their aging in place needs, we need to be available as that resource.