Construction Insights

CONS TRUC TION INSIGHTS

People are living healthier, more active, and more prosperous lives than at any other time in history, and they are living longer. Improved healthcare has increased our life expectancy but with age comes the need to modify our surroundings to support the activities of daily living.

Where we live is a central component of our well-being and quality of life. Our homes are the setting in which many of our basic physical, social and psychological needs are met. As people age they generally prefer to stay in their current communities and homes. In doing so, the predicament is that the home may not be suitable for their changing physical needs.

Th e term “aging-in-place” refers to this social and demographic challenge. While this term may seem specifi c to a certain category of age or ability, aging is progressive meaning it is continuous. Taking a holistic approach that will improve functionality and minimize impediments in the physical environment for all occupants who live or visit the home can help to create supportive “ageless” environments that are healthy and safe. Changes in vision, hearing, strength, and colour perception aff ect how we experience the physical environment. As a result, some of the common modifi cations clients make to their homes to accommodate these changing needs include:

• Quality and quantity of lighting in the design. For example, increasing ambient lighting, specifi cally recessed lighting, can help to spread light particularly in open-plan areas.

Additionally, brightening high traffi c areas, including outdoor areas, can help to improve safety around the home.

• Improved access and circulation around the home. For example, ramping landscapes to the home, providing lowbarrier thresholds at the garage and front entrance, and increasing door and corridor widths can make day-to-day task like bringing in the groceries much easier. And, for homes that are multi-level, planning that provides preframed shaft s for future lift s can ensure easy and effi cient access across all areas of the home.

• Preparing spaces for alternate use and multiples routines.

For example, a built-in seat in a shower may limit the use of the shower area for standing, leaning, or even washing the dog. A spacious, open, less defi ned shower would allow more manoeuvring and provide alternative uses for varied routines.

• Reduced maintenance and convenience features. For example, integration of smart home technologies such as automated lighting, video doorbells, smart thermostats, and home monitoring systems can make a big diff erence to comfort and security.

Th e key to planning an “ageless” home is planning for vitality. Places where people remain engaged with their families, hobbies, and friends. Places where people can age gracefully and continue to thrive later in life. From a planning perspective the same strategies are relevant whether you are downsizing in an urban setting, exploring options for multi-generational living, relocating to rural life, or adapting a primary residence.

Planning to remain in your present home as long as possible is much easier to establish at age 50 than age 70. Whether it is a new build or a modifi cation of your existing home, signifi cant energy will be needed for the project. But if thoughtfully planned, the result can be a home which adapts to your future needs. Th is means you may be able to enjoy your home for many more years without the pressure to relocate due to physical limitations.

In addition to people living longer more active lifestyles, the recent years have also forced us to see our homes in a radically new light. Consumers are understanding the value of living in healthy environments and decisions regarding our well-being have shift ed from elective to essential. ] Collaborating with a team that are experienced in design and construction intended to achieve the goals of an “ageless” home can help to establish strategies and techniques for creating attractive, barrier-free living space for your future including information about building codes and standards, useful products and resources as well as the costs and time required.

Vertu Construction Ltd. offers a wide range of services including Pre-Construction, Consulting, Design-Build, Owner’s Representation, General Contracting, and Project Recovery. This specialized suite of offerings allows for tailoring the right services required to support a variety of project requirements and owner’s needs. For more information visit: www.vertuconstruction.com