At the new Lowe’s website Livable Home you can see an informative article and YouTube video explaining how to Create a More Livable Home. The goal of a more livable home is to design a home that focuses on accessibility. Good home accessibility is very helpful for all people but especially for individuals with disabilities.

According to the author, Holly H., “As our lives evolve, our homes do [should] too. Whether you need to make your home easier to navigate or prepare for a return from the hospital, we understand that it can feel overwhelming. With some planning, Lowe’s Livable Home™ can help make your home more stylish, safe and accessible.”

Creating a more livable home should involve Universal Design (UD). The principles of UD contribute to the convenience and function of products and home spaces by making products and spaces safer, easier to use and, in some cases, even more comfortable. For additional information about UD please see Universal Design.

Careful planning is important to creating a more livable home using UD. A more livable home should include aging-in-place considerations.

Universal Design is a key part of aging-in-place home modifications. A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is trained in the application of UD for home modifications to help aging and disabled individuals remain in their homes longer. CAPS consultants and UD incorporate the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA) into residential home design and modifications.

Richard Acree is a CAPS consultant with many years of experience as a home inspector and accessibility inspector. For more information about aging in place services please see Residential Accessibility.

Please call 615-752-0060 or email at inspections4ada@gmail.com for help with aging-in-place home modifications for you or your loved one.

Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy or use any product or service offered or provided by Lowe’s or any other company or vendor. Consumers and contractors should do their own due diligence to determine what product or service best meets their needs.