An article by Valerie Jurik-Henry, Aging in Place Specialist
I don’t like the tag line ‘Aging In Place’ one bit. I don’t like that most people who speak about AIP immediately go to the aging/elder people as the main subject. I don’t care for industries creating product geared to the AIP population that are absolutely useless.
There’s a lot that I don’t like as far as what’s going on in this VERY new $17 trillion arena of AIP. But let me tell you what I do know and why I am different and successful with the building industry.
Aging in Place
Aging = all people
In Place = at home
All People At Home. The AIP industry caters to ‘all people who want to live at home for as long as possible’
So if you have a business that provides anything that will help someone stay at home longer, you are a winner! This includes products, technology and services. But what is the KING here? What has to be in place before anything else can even function?
The HOUSE! The HOME!
Every national aging government report, AARP, medical journals, established authors and more are starting to make waves about our aging country.
Aging is everyone not just 65+.
People need to focus on longevity AND the mid age range (30+) of people in this country.
A child that needs specialized care will continue to grow and a recently injured person will need their homes to be able to adapt to their changing needs, not just what makes it easy today.
When you create a home with inclusive design, you are a winner! Some call it universal design but to me the published description of universal design is limited.
I use the word “Inclusive” as it is an easier word that promotes an image in your head.
Example:
Step-less entrees: in the AIP world people will immediately say its for wheelchair use and old people. I say yes AND a parent pushing a stroller or carrying a lot of packages.
Wider doorways: easy to move furniture in and out.
And so on…the design makes a person’s life easier regardless of their age.
Now take this thought of inclusive design is carry it throughout the house. Every room on every floor. The design immediately opens up an entire new thought to your customer as you now look like their hero.
The customer could be of any age and here you are, listening to their needs in a house and then educating them about inclusive design inbuilding for their future needs. Think of inclusive design as an accessory. Would you buy a car without an airbag?
Then educate your client about selling their house at some point. When and if the time comes, the buyer base for their inclusive designed house has NO barriers. Any age group can function in it and it will sell quickly.
With an extensive background in AIP and Inclusive Housing I can help your business get on the Inclusive House (AIP) train by working with your design and marketing departments. My housing and healthcare background allows me to understand design and a person’s physical need over time. It’s time you get seen as the expert in Aging in Place with Inclusive Housing.
For more information about how designing and building Inclusive Homes will increase your business, contact Valerie at [email protected]or visit her website.
