Planning for Hawaii Retirement Using Universal Design

Photo from QualityHomeConcepts.com Featuring Universal Design

Tips for Seniors (66+) and Baby Boomers (47+)

Aloha! In learning more about how to plan for our aging family, I wanted to share some information with you that I received when becoming a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist [SRES]. During my training, I fell in love with the concept of a Universal Design.

Universal Design Standards are building guidelines for creating homes “…so that they are usable by all people to the greatest extent possible.”

If you are preparing for retirement (or planning to help take care of aging parents or people with disabilities) you may want to re-design your home, or update the floor plan, to add more functionality.

Universal Design Principles Include

1. Equitable Use: Does it meet the needs of a variety of users with diverse abilities?
2. Flexible Use: Does it accommodate a wide range of individual preferences?
3. Simple and Intuitive: Is the design of the home easy to use & understand?
4. User-Sensitive: Is it sensitive to the user’s abilities? i.e. hearing impaired, low vision.
5. Minimizing Room for Error: Does the home minimize consequences of accidents and provides fail-safe features?
6. Ergonomics & Functionality: Is the space adjustable, and is it easy to reach from a normal body position with little or no bending?

Universal Design Video

If you would like more information on Universal Design and Aging in Place, please contact me. I would be happy to share the helpful knowledge I received as a Senior Real Estate Specialist, and I look forward to helping you & your families in preparation for the future.

Blessings Always,

Claire K. Bajo, RS
Senior Real Estate Specialist
(808)-756-4874
claire@hawaiilife.com