Presentation made by Stephen Thomas at the AlzPossible webinar of June 12, 2013 - www.alzpossible.org

1. 6/12/2013
Presented by
• Boomers are the fastest growing segment of
the population. In 2011, 2.7 million of the 78
million boomers turned 65
• 49.8% of people 65 and older have some type
of disability (2010 U.S. Census)
• By 2030 the number of persons aged 65 or
older is projected to grow to 70 million with
approx 29,400,000 having a disability.
2011 American Community Survey
Richmond Metro Area
• 12.1% of population have a disability
Approx 150,630 people
• 53.4% of this group have ambulatory difficulty
Approx 80,541 people
• 70% of people over age 65 live in their own
home
• 85% of these people say they want to stay in
their own home and never move

2. 6/12/2013
As of Spring 2009
Richmond Metro Area
• 8790 single family homes listed
70 were disability equipped = .7%
• 9884 total residential listings
116 were disability equipped = 1%
It doesn't matter what wonderful
options you have chosen for your home,
if you cannot get into it one day because
of a disability.
As Life Happens, the necessity for
environmental changes become apparent and,
sometimes, critically urgent.
In most cases these changes occur only out
of necessity, but they don’t need to….
…. provides the solution through Planning Ahead.
the creation of products and environments which are
useable by the largest number of people regardless of
their age, size or ability.

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• A concept based on what works for an
individual, their family, and friends
– NOT restricted by specific code requirementssuch as ADA
– NOT just for persons with disabilities
– Increases comfort and ease of living
– Provides aging in place options
– Provides a safer environment
– Attractive
 New Home Construction
 Additions
 Renovations
 Home Modifications
• Adding grab bars — 78%
• Installing higher toilets — 71%
• Upgrading to a curb-less shower — 60%
• Widening doorways — 57%
• Building ramps or lower thresholds — 45%
• Enhancing lighting and task lighting — 45%

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• Safer Environment
• Renewed Functionality
• Provides Emotional Security
• Facilitates Independence
• Homeowner Can Remain At Home
• Tasks made easier to perform
• Wider Future Homebuyer Appeal
• Much Less Expensive Than A Nursing Home
• Tax Incentives
• Physical condition of house
• Property ownership
• Cannot Afford It
• Feelings of embarrassment
• Denial of need
• Identifying a reliable contractor
'My wheelchair makes me a cripple.'
• Increased Risk of Injury to One’s Self
• Reduced Independence
• Reduced Levels of Personal Privacy
• Increased Need for Assistance
• Increased Risk of Injury to Caregiver
• Possible Alienation of Loved Ones
It depends on to what extent you need to
change the existing structure. Prices can range
from a few hundred dollars to thousands.
While it’s more expensive to make these
modifications to an existing home than it is to
incorporate them into a new one, the expense
is far less than the cost of moving into an
assisted living facility.

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• The average monthly cost for an assisted living
facility is $3000.
• The average monthly cost for a nursing home
is $6000 - $7000.

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Linear drain as threshold.

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A pocket
door
improves
space and
increases
accessibility.
It doesn’t have to be plain.
Say no to door knobs.
Don’t be shut out.

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Portable

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Random timer for lights.

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Keep track of your loved one.

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• A new program was started in Virginia in 2008
that offers a “certification” for homes built
with certain accessibility features. These
homes are registered and inspected by
qualified officials to ensure that they comply
with these standards. This new program is
called “EasyLiving Home”
What is an EasyLiving Homecm?
An EasyLiving Home is a new home
constructed with a certain number of
accessibility features to make the home
visitable and easy to live in. The inclusion of
these features is voluntary and is designed
to make the process simple but effective.
The EasyLiving Home is not only
easy to live in, it’s also:
• easy to visit
• easy to build
• easy to sell

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What are the features of an
EasyLiving Homecm?
One stepless
entrance from
a driveway,
sidewalk or
other firm
surface.
Ample
door
widths.
At least one full
bathroom on the
main floor, with
ample maneuvering
space—NOT
a five-foot
turning diameter.

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Entertainment space on the main floor. A kitchen, of course.
A bedroom on the main floor. That’s it!

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The Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit (LHTC) program is
designed to improve accessibility and visitability in Virginia.
Tax credits are available for up to $5000 for the purchase of a
new home that meets EasyLiving Home requirements and up
to 50 % for the cost of retrofiting existing units, not to exceed
$5000. (This increased tax credit was just passed by the GA in
2011.)
This tax credit program is administered by the Department of
Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
• Institutional Look
• Grab Bar Central
• Sterile Appearance
• For Handicapped People
• The Ramp House

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New Residence
For
SSG Dwayne Cole
8217 Madeline Ct.
Henrico County

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EasyLiving Home VA
707 East Franklin St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Tel: 804-643-EASY (3279)
info@elhomes.org
www.elhomes.org
www.easylivinghomes.org
So, why is it so difficult for people to
understand and / or accept the concept,
practicality, and implementation of Universal
Design?
• Knowledge - They don’t know what it is
• Misperception - it’s going to look institutional
• Denial - They don’t need it and never will
• Pride – Too proud to admit limitations or
accept help
• Embarrassment
• Financial – They think they can’t afford it

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Education
• Medical Community
• General Public
• Realtors
• Builders
• Public Officials
• Media
Plan With No Steps
Who Installed This ???
www.stchomes.com
804-672-6806