Lately I’ve been working with many seniors who need modifications to their homes. The common thread is expense vs. return on investment – some Seniors see living in their own home as the only option for a happy life. Even if they are wheelchair bound, or suffering from other maladies that would benefit greatly from some simple grab bar and handrail additions, to a walk in shower, and possibly even a stair chair.

What amazes me is that Seniors and their families are so attracted to walk-in tubs, which I believe are inherently unsafe. These ‘little’ items can cost up to $20,000 to install, while a complete ADA compliant bathing solution and remodeling the entire room would cost less than a “jump” in tub. These tubs require a step up – even two inches can be really difficult for an elderly person. One manufacturer’s web site even shows all the tubs with cross handle fixtures! Putting in lever handle faucets is one of the most important and simplest thing to do for yourself.

A good assessment and review of the home can expose details about where grab bars would work, and sometimes these are placed in garages, laundry rooms, kitchens, and of course, bathrooms. There are many, many options for beautiful grab bars. One thing to be aware of when installing grab bars is to know the weight of the person using the bar. Then check with the manufacturer to make sure the maximum weight it can hold, and choose the right brand. Anti-bacteria molded plastic over stainless steel is the best solution. Basic white costs just as much as a range of colors if you choose Ponte Giulio, Hewi (from Hafele) or “Great Grabz” styles.

Take into consideration the height of the client as well. While standards are standards, it doesn’t help to have a grab bar too high for a petite woman to hold comfortably.  Right height the bars by taking the client into the room, and mark the heights on the tile or walls before drilling any holes.

For multiple grab bars, it should take one or two days to install up to 20. Then there will be patching and painting for any walls where a hole must be cut in the sheet rock to provide the proper backing per the manufacturers (and best practice) instructions.

Everything we know about lighting is changing faster and faster. As of January 1, 2012, all light bulb packaging will be changing as we move from Watts to Lumens! Incandescent bulbs will be unavailable in a couple of short years! As with other technologies, we have found ways to make better lights, with true colors, using far less energy and save money over time. These lights are called LED’s, or Light Emitting Diodes. They have been around since 1962, traditionally used as indicator lamps in many devices and increasingly used for other lighting. Early LEDs emitted low-intensity red light, but modern versions are available with very high brightness, or Lumens.

LEDs are often small, and present many advantages over incandescent light sources including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved robustness, smaller size, and faster switching. LEDs powerful enough for room lighting are relatively expensive, but as shown in the chart below, a very economical choice over time:

 Cost Comparison : LEDs, CFLs and Incandescent bulbs

Here are three new definitions you should learn before you purchase your next light bulb or light fixture. Keep in mind that in a couple of short years, you will no longer be able to purchase regular incandescent bulbs, they are being completely phased out in the United States.

Lumen – a unit of standard measurement that is used to describe the amount of light contained in an area as perceived by the human eye. The more lumens, the brighter the light. Here’s the key, you can use lumens to compare the brightness of any bulb, regardless of the technology behind it, and regardless of whether it’s incandescent, CFL or LED.

Coloring Rendering Index (CRI) – CRI represents the quality of light and its faithfulness to render colors correctly. The CREE CR6 bulb, for example, features a CRI of 90 Warm White making it one of the highest in the industry.

 Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) – is the measure used to describe the relative color appearance of a white light source. CCT indicates whether a light source appears more yellow/gold/orange or more blue, in terms of the range of available shades of “white.” CCT is given in kelvins (unit of absolute temperature). 2700K is “Warm” and 5000K is “Cool”. (Which seems the opposite of what it should be!)

This is the new vocabulary of lighting and bulb manufacturers. When you go to the store, you will see something like this on the packaging, depending on the type:

It may take a little getting used to, but it’s better to know as much as possible about lighting your home, landscape, or business, especially when huge cost saving benefits over the lifespan of your lumens!

HB Building and Design can light up your life with a new lighting design and installation to prepare you for the future. We are lighting specialists! Call for a free quote 650-728-5878.

by Virginia Maddan, guest blogger

A common conversation my new clients initiate when I arrive at our first appointment unfolds as follows:
New client: “I just want to warn you that my place is a total mess.”
Me: “That’s ok! That’s what I’m here for. I’m sure it’s not that bad, but don’t worry about it.”
New client: [Reluctantly leads me to the ‘mess.’] “This must just be the worst you’ve ever seen. I [or my spouse, or my parents, or my friends] think I’m a hoarder.”
Me: “No, really, you’re not; don’t be embarrassed.”
New client: “I bet you say this to everyone…”

Well my secret’s out. In truth, I do apparently say “this” to everyone. But, in my defense, it’s true! My clients tend to be very hard on themselves for no reason. Having clutter is nothing to be embarrassed about and it doesn’t make you a hoarder.

With the recent rise in television shows about hoarding, I think it’s on peoples’ radar more now than ever. To make matters worse, every hoarder starts by accumulating a little bit of clutter and adds to it. So, people fear that being a clutterbug will quickly devolve into full-scale hoarding.

I think people have begun defining hoarding to include anyone who has an excess of clutter and isn’t able to declutter on their own. Luckily, The Institute of Challenging Disorganization (yes, there is an institute) developed an objective hoarding scale that can assess homes.

And, guess what? I’m on the scale and you are too.

The scale starts with a low level of clutter (level 1), and I’m guessing that’s where most people fit into the scale. The people who are in this group have a little bit of clutter, exits are accessible, there isn’t major disrepair and the home is in generally good working order. At the opposite end of the scale is the “severe” level (level 5). The people who are in this group have clutter everywhere. Multiple exits are blocked, the home is in great disrepair and the inhabitants are at risk because of mold, lack of fire exits, and animal infestations. There are three levels in between these two extremes, guarded, elevated, and high.

For each level, 5 areas are assessed in each: structure and zoning, animals and pests, household functions, health and safety, and personal protective equipment that should be used when working in the home. I’m reluctant to summarize each category because it can be easy to misdiagnose yourself. For example, one of the points under level 2 is that there are expired medications present. I have yet to work with a client who is always completely on top of properly disposing their medication as soon as it expires. However, just because expired medications are present, doesn’t mean they are a level 2 hoarder. Though it’s an objective tool, this scale is best used with a subjective mind.

If you’re interested in learning more or think you (or a loved one) might fit into levels 2-5, please email . I’d be happy to forward the Clutter Hoarding Scale to you. You can also learn more about hording by visiting the Institute of Challenging Disorganization at challengingdisorganization.org.

Virginia Maddan, The Comfortable Structure Organizer, is the founder of Comfortable Structure Organizing Solutions. Known for her custom, simple, easily maintained organizingsolutions, she also has the unique ability to simultaneously help her clients achieve their goals while reducing their stress. Her ability allows her clients to spend their time on things they love. For more information and specific solutions, contact Virginia via www.comfortablestructure.com.

Want to hear more about water-efficiency efforts across the county? Then sign up for our Articles of Interest by contacting the WaterSense Helpline at watersense@epa.gov or (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367).

Read all about it here… we were the first retail plumbing group certified as WaterSense Partners in 2008. This is our third Fix A Leak Week! Call HB Building and Design if you have any leaks or wet spots around your home you’d like taken care of. We are quick and leave when your job is complete!

Watersense Partner

September 23rd was Fall Prevention Awareness Day (yes, it has a day!). Thought I’d post a reminder about how to avoid falls in the home. Especially if you are an older adult, falls can trigger many different issues, and fall related injuries and deaths are a significant health hazard for the 60+ generations. I myself happen to fall down a lot, people that know me know that. My equilibrium is just a little off balance. My falls usually take place out biking or hiking, on stairs or sandy streets,  places like that. But one night I did tumble out of bed, stand up, lost my balance and slammed my face into the wall. I actually got a black eye. And it was all because my feet got tangled up in the bed clothes.

My very vibrant and active 86 years young Aunt recently fell twice in one day, and had to be put in the hospital. She is now in Assisted Living, where she NEVER wanted to be. Why did she fall? She slipped on a throw rug next to the seat where she has her phone.  Every one in the family had been telling her to get rid of the rugs. She has a slight case of Parkinson’s Disease, and now will need full time care at home IF she is able to return home. This is devastating news for the family and for our beloved Aunt.

You know that environmental hazards in and around the home can increase the risk for falls at all ages. The majority of falls for older adults occur inside or just outside the home. Addressing some of these risk factors can help prevent accidental falls:

 › Stairways without railings  

 › Bathtubs and showers without grab bars  

› Furniture that is too high or too low for an individual to get up from or on to safely  

› Throw rugs that slide  

› Cluttered pathways  

› Loose carpeting  

› Wet floors  

› Icy or wet pavement outside the house 

  Just a few tips for you. Be Safe!

One of the things that I always feel insecure about are car repair estimates. I know NOTHING about cars. I can quote cabinets, plumbing, tile and lighting specs and prices off the top of my head, but I don’t know the difference between a spark plug and a piston.

Let’s face it.  Unless you are an expert, you have to take the mechanic’s word for it. Your ballcock is broken. Huh? I’m going to have to go get a Spline Adaptor. (hmmm.. how much will that cost?) And the Bonnet, it’s broken. And no, it’s not the hood of an  Englishman’s car.

So, in the hopes of enlightening you, my readers, here is a reference sheet of plumbing terms. That way, next time the plumber needs to fix something, you not only know what he is talking about, but how big a deal it is to fix. Or, should something suddenly break and you have anemergency – stay calm, and remember you have a Plumbing Vocabulary guide!

Enjoy this summary, and bookmark it for future reference!

Complete Guide To Plumbing Vocabulary

Last night I attended our Nor Cal NKBA (National Kitchen + Bath Association) monthly meeting, up at the beautiful showroom DJ Mehler, hosted by the always-elegant Doris Mehler.  The talk by Henry Brunelle, President, Bain Ultra, was brief and showed off some extremely high end solutions for creating a spa like experience in the bath. The ‘Insperience‘ shower panel includes all the gadgets and gizmos designed to offer a complete bath/shower experience using:

• Hydro-Thermo Massage® -  Water, air and heat
• Thermotherapy® – A process of purification through perspiration
• Chromatherapy
• Light Therapy®
• Sound Therapy®
• Aromatherapy

The benefits of this ‘curative’ appliance is to treat your physical, mental, energy, emotional state, your future, health and sensual senses. So, what if you don’t have a million dollars to spend on your bath remodel?  The benefits of all these elements have been demonstrated to be extremely therapeutic, and achieving a state of well being is what we all desire from our daily rituals.

What’s that? You don’t have a ritual? Well maybe it’s time you thought more about what the benefits of showering, bathing, and overall cleanliness have to do with your health and well being. It’s easy to achieve a feeling of well being from spending time at a spa by getting a relaxing massage or body treatment. But the effects dissappear after a week or less. Having a bath system where you can efficiently cleanse and relax your body is the goal. With that in mind, when you remodel your bath, create your own sanctuary, a place for your own ritual for health.

One ritual I began doing as suggested by one of my health practitioners is using a loofah on my whole body. Start one leg at a time at the foot, and lightly scrub in a circular motion, while traveling up the leg. do the next leg, your arms stomach, etc., and finish at your heart. It feels really good, and the side benefit is my skin is smooth and healthy, not dry and flaky as it was before.

For this, a little extra shower/bath space is useful, as is a calming, simply arranged environment. Enjoy creating your sanctuary.

Remember, HB Building and Design excels at bath remodels of all types. See some examples at www.bathpacks.com, or call 1-888-414-3718. We will never talk you into buying something you don’t need. We put your safety first, and then we enhance your lifestyle with a simple update to a completely new room. We look forward to hearing from you! – Bob + Jane

We’re not getting younger. How silly would it be if I had a surgery and found myself a prisoner, not being able to use my own bathroom? That is EXACTLY what happened to me a year after we moved into the house we built ourselves. We had wide doors and hallways, a barrier free shower with a seat, and my recuperation was made even better by being able to wheel chair outside whenever I wanted, without help.

When stairs made doing laundry more difficult for my mother in law., she updated her home so she could live there comfortably as she grew older. We chipped in and bought a washer dryer that easily fit in her large pantry. What she didn’t predict was that a chronic foot problem would open her mind to the benefits of remodeling to age in place. As we had just completed her remodel, when she had to have surgery, she was happy to discover she could easily navigate her home with a wheelchair or walker. “Everything was in place that I didn’t know I’d need before the accident,” she says.

Nearly 90 percent of Americans over 50 say they want to stay in their homes indefinitely. An Angie’s List online poll recently found 18 percent of respondents had performed Aging In Place remodels, and 37 percent planned to do so.

Your builder can qualify to become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist through the National Association of Home Builders. There are more than 3,700 CAPS contractors across the country. Many are remodelers or builders, but CAPS professionals are found in a range of industries.

The simple changes can include a low sink, wider doorways and lever-style handles. “Without all these things in place, I couldn’t have managed,” Lucienne Regan says. “I probably would have had to go to a nursing home.”

It’s before the need arises to consider aging in place remodeling, which involves reducing barriers in the home and using services that allow one to live independently for as long as possible. You’ve heard me say it more than once, when folks who need to start thinking about it, they’re generally in the denial phase. People often don’t consider it until something precipitates an urgent need to remodel. “Unfortunately, it’s still more of a reactive issue than a proactive issue,” says Sithong, fosters collaboration between builders and medical professionals though her firm, Home for Life.

Remodeling to age in place can include installing pull-out kitchen cabinets, a walk in shower, or a dishwasher that minimizes the need to bend. Aging-in-place remodeling often involves eliminating steps or curbs from entryways, replacing slippery floor materials or throw rugs. There are simple things that can make a difference between whether people can stay in their home or can’t. Chuck Tanner, owner of Aspen Design Renovations in Littleton, Colorado, who is CAPS certified, says removing clutter, painting to make floor or wall gradations easier to see, and adding lighting underneath cabinets or in dark hallways are inexpensive upgrades that can help accommodate vision loss.

A home with barriers can diminish one’s desire to be active. If you’re in an environment that supports what you need and want to do it makes you happy and healthy, and safe!

Just returned from the Boomer Summit, sponsored by Mary Furlong + Associates, a local firm that provides Marketing and PR for companies working to reach and capitalize on the quickly aging population.  Popular Aging In Place experts, like Lori Bitter, Susan Ayers Walker and even Jody Holtzman, SVP of AARP Thought Leadership. They had several seminars, most focused on “Better Design” and “Innovation and Design.” There was a fascinating MBA Student Business Plan Pitch, and an Elevator Pitch competition, all focused on products or services for the aging population. But the thing that really got me was all the talk about design. They talked about ergomic hand held devices, fall detectors, help for tracking Alzheimer patients and even wheelchairs, but not one word about Aging In Place Remodeling. It seems a bit like a ‘taboo’ subject, or just overlooked. This particular community of thought leaders only considered group housing or building new, Universal Design and Green Concept developments, assisted living centers, etc. What interested me was that they did not acknowledge the reality that many people will NOT be moving from their own home, for personal, or in today’s economy, economic, reasons.

I cringed a little when I heard the term “Geezer Technology,” but topics were mostly about bio-technology, web interfaces other than a standard browser, medical alerts, and other devices.  For example, there is a remote that easily connects to Skype. There were also some cool conceptual designs of “wheelchairs of the future.” But not a word about remodeling the physical environment for maximum comfort. Aging In Place remodeling can do a great deal to keep someone delighted with staying in their own home.

I did learn a little about up and coming trends, like ‘slipcovers’ for wheel chairs designed to be changed even several times a day, like clothes - morning, casual outing, fancy dinner. My personal favorite new chair is the Fuel Cell WheelChair.   Also, GM and Segway are working on the The Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (P.U.M.A. for short). It is to be a two wheel self balancing vehicle.

The P.U.M.A. is powered by lithium batteries, two self balancing in-wheel electric motors controlled by gyroscopes, and a fly-by-wire system.  While the original Segway reaches speeds of up to 12mph, the P.U.M.A. can cover 35 miles on one charge it is expected this range will quickly be extended to 50 miles or more. Digital network information on nearby parking spaces, charge points and coffee shops, as well as vehicle-to-vehicle communications can be displayed by the PUMA on connected devices such as the iPhone.

An enlightening, uplifting and hilarious talk from Guy Kawasaki, one of the original Apple guys, ended the day at the Boomer Summit. I was glad I to be there as an Exhibitor to talk about real world design and useability, educate people about retrofitting, and opening some eyes. This topic and solution for many aging ‘young people’ will become more important every day.

HB Building and design has been re-purposing baths and other areas of the home for retrofitting since I first received AIP certification from ASID in 2005.

When I first mention my role as an Interior Designer for “Aging In Place,” if people never heard the expression before, you can observe their physical change as they begin to understand the idea. At the same time, it brings out other emotions, like fear, denial, anger, sadness or just plain surprise! The next thing they say is, ”That’s for other people, I’m not getting older!” NO MATTER HOW OLD THEY ARE! Everyone says the same thing. People are funny that way.

As parents attempt to “Age in Place”, Baby Boomers experience the difficulties imposed by unnecessary barriers and hazards in the traditionally designed homes of their parents. Boomers will demand that their homes enhance safety and health, enabling them to live in their own homes; not forced into premature institutional living with limited access to old friends and familiar places.

The number one design concern for an AIP designer is client safety, the needs are quite definitive. Everyone goes through the aging process, some sooner, some later. Vision deteriorates, it’s difficult to differentiate colors, shrinking muscle mass makes it more difficult to get in and out of beds or chairs, not being able to lift your feet when walking, tripping on throw rugs and other small barriers on the floor, less strength in hands and arms, reach is limited; the list goes on.

Once I explain these things in a conversational way to our clients, they usually opt for Universal Design, and put a little more thought into how they want to incorporate it into their remodel. We love working with people who recognize this need, and want to get a jump start on aging with new, safe, baths, bedrooms and kitchens. Who wants to age in an aging bath??