Driveways in front

[Noahma]

Originally Posted by Greatday

I work with individuals to remove barriers (access) to their homes. One common barrier that sometimes manifests itself quickly is accessing rooms on another level of their home (be it upper floors or lower, as in basement).

One of the best, and easiest ways to remove the barriers is a home elevator.

Be it an elevator car or a stair lift, home elevators have allowed those with physical impairments to once again have access, and enjoyment, of their homes.

They are not that expensive (generally start around 10K) and, if prescribed by a physican, installation is tax deductible as a necessary medical expense.

If someone is elderly (on social security) or SSI, there may be the ability to have SS pick up part of the tab for installation.

Google "Home Elevators" and do some research. You may find it an interesting alternative.

we have been finding that as our population in Colorado gets older, we are adding in more and more home elevators to the designs. A project I am currently working on has the elevator pre framed, so it can be added later as the family gets older.

[Noahma]

Originally Posted by Tom Lane

The US EPA's Smart Growth campaign (Smart Growth Online) involves very small lot sizes and shared backyards, often to the point of having garages right next to the sidewalk w/ no driveway, such as areas in north Boulder. I prefer larger lot sizes with the garage in the back behind a fence, along with an attached greenhouse/sunroom for starting vegetables...

Smart growth homes are often 3-4 stories, and very skinny since the lots are so narrow. The baby boomers who are now in office promoting smart growth will soon be retiring, and won't like climbing 3-4 sets of stairs. They would prefer ranch homes on acreage north and east of Boulder. An apartment manager just pointed this out to me the other day.

Perhaps the solution to the garage taking up space on the lot is to eliminate it, and park on the street, if not underground in shared parking garages for these smart growth neighborhoods.

Another issue with the smart growth plan is too much concrete: wide driveways, 10' wide sidewalks on both sides of the street, etc. -- leading to less green space, and the urban heat island effect. Gravel driveways or cobblestone drives with grass in between the stones are much better. They absorb more water for the landscape plants, reducing sewage runoff over the concrete -- consistent with permaculture/water conservation principles.

But one must be careful NOT to talk down infilling completely, because it does allow young people and the elderly to AFFORD homes in the middle of dense urban centers, often for less than $200K. Many elderly individuals don't want to own cars, and would like to walk to the library and stores...

Boulder has a VERY strict height limit in place for residential construction. 35' is the limit in most areas, which barely lets us get away with doing 2 story homes in most areas. We have occasionally been able to get that 3rd floor loft within some homes though, but it is very situational.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Noahma

we have been finding that as our population in Colorado gets older, we are adding in more and more home elevators to the designs. A project I am currently working on has the elevator pre framed, so it can be added later as the family gets older.

Excellent! I've talked with a number of home builders about doing what you mentioned - framing for future adaptation of the life.

Some builders are now offering elevators and other accessibility features as part of the upgrades for the new home buyers

Thanks for your efforts

[livecontent]

I am elderly and disabled with many health problems, including a mobility disorder. I live in a small ranch with a basement. I have installed grab bars along the steps to help me get up and down. I will consider a elevator in the future if I am still in this home.

To make it very clear, Social Security does not supplement handicapped access for the elderly, if you are on Social Security Retirement Income (SSRI). SSI is Supplemental Security Income and is paid to those over 65 or disabled who have limited resources. SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance. You can have SSI with SSDI or SSRI; you can also have it without these programs. These programs and the acronyms are often confused.

Federal Medicare and State Medicaid are the programs that provides Durable Medical Equipment and I do not think that disabled home adaptation for elevators is part of these programs but I have never looked fully into that issue, at this time. I will have to in the future as my health is deteriorating and a wheelchair is in my future; now I can get by with a rollator/walker. Being a Veteran, I think the VA does provide such help and there are grants available from many sources.

I have been looking into senior independent living housing. All senior housing that would qualify for senior designation will have elevator access for multiple floors. As a senior, I think the high rise complexes are better because they are constructed of steel and concrete vs. stick built housing. They can easily be secured with fewer entrances vs. multiple smaller building. These living area would be on one floor, as an apartment style. In addition, I like the idea of secured parking under or adjacent to the building. It is safer than going to outside garages that are not attached. There are many of these high rise senior living in the area--they remind of living in a Coop in NYC. Many are very luxurious with a nice congregate living area on the main floor. However, I noticed many smelled of flowering scents, and had the look of my grandmothers front pallor.

Multiple floor housing for seniors would not be acceptable. Builder and Developers are always looking for tax savings, and grants and would want to meet these requirements. I have not seen senior housing on multiple floors with steps, in all that I have explored.

I have seen many new complex built either by private developers or a part of a municipal program of senior services, obviously in anticipation of more elderly needs in the future. You will see Senior Independent Housing being part of the new urban developments because the municipalities are demanding certain set asides for seniors. For example Stapelton has some and their are also requirments for market rate housing and percentages for HUD Section 8, for low income.

Every city that I have looked at in the Denver area have government funded senior housing; either at the county level or the city level. You never would look into this housing when you are young but now that I have a need, it is a big learning experience. Of course, I did not even know what Medicare, Medicaid, Home Health Care, Durable Medical Equipment etc were, and I did not care to know---I was healthy and suddenly I got ill in my forties, over 15 years ago.---and surprise--you got to learn quickly.

There are many complexes in Boulder and many of you young, vibrant, "look at me I am so great" residents of Boulder will be using them in your future. Ah, it is so great to know that Age plays no favorites and it will get all of you who think you will live forever---ha, ha, ha.


Livecontent

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by livecontent

There are many complexes in Boulder and many of you young, vibrant, "look at me I am so great" residents of Boulder will be using them in your future. Ah, it is so great to know that Age plays no favorites and it will get all of you who think you will live forever---ha, ha, ha.


Livecontent

So glad we could make you feel better
You hang in there - some of us will be catching you up sooner than later