What Does Aging In Place Mean For You?

ADA LIFESTYLES

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

Have you ever heard of the term aging in place? Do you know what it means? Aging in place is when a senior citizen wants to live in the residence of their choice as they age, while having the services and support they may need over time as their needs change. As well as choosing to age in the place that the individual feels most comfortable, it should maintain or improve quality of life as well. Quality of life should cover yourself, your home, finances, care and other items.

As you age, there are many changes that come along with it. Some of these changes include reduced vision, decreased muscle strength or endurance, reduced mental processing capabilities, increased risk of falls due to balance, increased risk of illness, reduced hearing and decreased mobility.  These changes can impact and effect daily life in the ways of getting around the home easily, driving safely, transportation, socializing, home upkeep, health maintenance and various other ways.

If you are having trouble deciding if you should age in place ask yourself these questions. How would you like to spend your retirement years? How do you want your home to be setup? What are your healthcare options currently and what will they be? What type of assistance is right for you? And what are your wishes for major life events including sickness, housing transitions and financial decisions.

Have you thought about aging in place? Do you know anyone who’s made this decision? Let us know on our Facebook page linked HERE! 

Aging In Place! A Trend for Baby Boomers!

ADA LIFESTYLES

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

More and more baby boomers are quickly beginning to prepare for retirement. Some chose to move to traditional assisted living facilities and senior homes, while others may choose to move in with family members.

There are also select groups that choose to stay in their homes for as long as possible. These individuals may need to incorporate some changes into their home to make sure it is a safe and comfortable living environment for a senior citizen. There is a new trend being seen in the remodeling and interior design community referred to as “aging in place.” This new type of design tackles these issues head on and represents a move toward a more holistic building project that incorporates future-oriented planning through architecture and interior design.

If baby boomers are opting to stay in their current homes, there are a couple of ways they can make their houses more comfortable for years to come. Individuals can incorporate wider doorways and roll-in showers to accommodate seniors with walkers or wheelchairs.

There are numerous amounts of baby boomers retiring every single day who want to maintain their freedom and stay in their current homes. Contractors and builders across the country are working on incorporating “aging in place” into many new innovative plans for the boomer generation!

What are your thoughts on “aging in place?” Let us know on ADA Lifestyles Facebook page linked HERE!

The Campaign for Disability Employment Awareness Videos Announced the Winners!

ADA LIFESTYLES

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

Last month, The Campaign for Disability Employment  (CDE), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, chose the winning videos for their contest entitled “What can YOU do”.

The contest was a nationwide one which challenged filmmakers to come up with a disability employment awareness video that reflects the diversity of skills that those with disabilities possess. Often times, individuals with disabilities skills are misconceived by employers.

The contest winners were selected in three categories including employer, youth and general public. Contestants were judged on originality, content, reflection of campaign themes and categories, production value, impact and accessibility.

The winner of the employer category is, Adam Dylewski of Washington, D.C., and the Chemists with Disabilities Committee of the American Chemical Society were recognized for their video, "Chemists with Disabilities: We All Can." The video, which features chemists with disabilities sharing the value and talent they bring to their industry, demonstrates ACS' leadership on the issue of disability employment and the benefits of fostering a work culture welcoming of the talents of all individuals, including workers with disabilities.

The winner of the youth category is Jake Johnson of Clarence, N.Y., for his video "What WILL You Do?" The video illustrates the importance of developing and reaching goals and believing in oneself.

Lastly, in the general public category, the winner was Dylan Johanson of Rosendale, N.Y., for his video "Challenge Your Assumptions." The video shares the true story of Margaret, a school cafeteria employee who helped a child who was choking, potentially saving her life. Margaret is a hard-working and valued employee who has a disability. 

CDE is encouraging everyone to watch these videos and to share them with your friends and family to spread awareness!

What do you think about the contest? Will you watch the videos and share with your friends? Let us know on ADA Lifestyles Facebook page linked here! 

Improving the Quality of Life for Our Clients

 ADA LIFESTYLES

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

At ADA Lifestyles, we are focused on improving the quality of life for our clients. We are passionate about creating an environment that will provide the most independent lifestyle for them. We strive to make it easy for clients to acquire, modify and develop living spaces for people with disabilities.

We provide design and building solutions for the physically challenged. Our goal is for safety, accessibility and independence for people in their apartment, home or office setting. 

We offer expertise across the entire metropolitan NY area to find, build, convert and develop existing houses, lots, apartments and indeed any residential space for clients with specific needs due to disabilities. Additionally, ADA Lifestyles and partners offer business access to suitable commercial real estate and consult on existing premises on ADA compliance and problem solving including physical therapy offices, professional medical buildings and restaurants.

ADA Lifestyles provides commercial, residential and hospitality architectural services from conception through completion of your custom project. Our services are more than just lines on paper. We rely heavily on universal design, illustrating the idea that all residential environments and products should be easily used and accessible by all members of the family. 

Products are usable regardless of age, size, physical or sensory abilities throughout their life, in their complete surrounding. We can make homes, apartments and office areas safer by incorporating the necessary architectural features and products for those with physical and sensory challenges. 

At ADA Lifestyle, we will work with your doctor, therapist and home care provider to coordinate the capabilities of the individual who is physically challenged. With this collaboration of information together we can design an environment that is attractive and provides safety, comfort and independence.

Furthermore, we know the DOB codes (including ANSI Standards, local codes, standards of HUD, Legislation by the Fair Housing Act as well as your Civil Rights,) and implement each of them; we sit down with you, survey your wants and needs and evaluate your surroundings; we design concepts and consult each idea alongside you; provide expediting services and provide job site progress and compliance evaluations. 

You can actually “experience” the many Universal Design features and products at our 1,800 square foot facility in Ardsley, NY. Call for an appointment to actually see, touch and use the various products and ideas presented on our website in an actual, physical home.

Check out our website, ADALifestyles.com, for more information on our services and mission, and be sure to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

"Aging in Place" using Universal Design Solutions

ADA LIFESTYLES

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

“Aging in place” is becoming a popular term as the largest generation of people move into retirement accommodations. Using the principles of Universal Design, ADA Lifestyles can improve and enhance your current apartment, home, or office space to be more accessible and safer. 

ADA Lifestyles can reconstruct your space to make entrances more accessible, add assistive technologies, automate doors, windows and blinds, provide barrier free shower and doorways, add elevators and lifts, improve lighting, adjust cabinets and appliances and improve flooring. 

Your chances of falling increase steadily across a person’s lifespan, starting at age 40. $55 billion will be spent annually treating nonfatal falls. Falls are the 5^th leading cause of death. 

Contact ADA Lifestyles for design and building solutions to make your spaces more accessible and enjoyable. For more information, visit ADALifestyles.com or call 914-231-6107.

Latest Technology for Persons w/ Disabilities Launched at 27th Annual Conference!

ADA LIFESTYLES

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

Check out this article published in UTSanDiego.com, discussing the new technology designed for the disabled launched at the 27^th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference held last week in San Diego. 

From mobile devices to websites, and home automation to screen magnifiers, this conference displayed all the latest and greatest devices to bring those with disabilities limiting their abilities to use technology effectively. 

Read the article, linked HERE, and then let us know what you think of the article on the ADA Lifestyles of New York Facebook Wall, linked HERE.  Don't forget, ADA Lifestyles of New York can integrate any and all of the technologies featured in this article into your home! Visit ADALifestyles.com for more information, or call 914-231-6107.

New Construction & Public Accommodations

ADA LIFESTYLES

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

ADA Lifestyles provides commercial, residential and hospitality architectural services from conception through completion of your custom project. Our services go beyond lines on paper. We rely heavily on universal design, illustrating the idea that all residential environments and products should be easily used and accessible by all members of the family. 

Contact ADA Lifestyles if you are in need of building modifications to comply with ADA standards. Here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers, provided by ADA.gov.  

Q. What does title II require for new construction and alterations?

A. The ADA requires that all new buildings constructed by a State or local government be accessible. In addition, when a State or local government undertakes alterations to a building, it must make the altered portions accessible.


Q. How will a State or local government know that a new building is accessible?

A. A State or local government will be in compliance with the ADA for new construction and alterations if it follows either of two accessibility standards. It can choose either the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards or the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, which is the standard that must be used for public accommodations and commercial facilities under title III of the ADA. If the State or local government chooses the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, it is not entitled to the elevator exemption (which permits certain private buildings under three stories or under 3,000 square feet per floor to be constructed without an elevator).

Q. What are public accommodations?

A. A public accommodation is a private entity that owns, operates, leases, or leases to, a place of public accommodation. Places of public accommodation include a wide range of entities, such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctors' offices, pharmacies, retail stores, museums, libraries, parks, private schools, and day care centers. Private clubs and religious organizations are exempt from the ADA's title III requirements for public accommodations.

Q. What does the ADA require in new construction?

A. The ADA requires that all new construction of places of public accommodation, as well as of "commercial facilities" such as office buildings, be accessible. Elevators are generally not required in facilities under three stories or with fewer than 3,000 square feet per floor, unless the building is a shopping center or mall; the professional office of a health care provider; a terminal, depot, or other public transit station; or an airport passenger terminal.

Enjoying Your Freedom In & Outside Your Home

ADA LIFESTYLES

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

 

 

Jessica Servis, a Mays Landing resident, wants to share her love and experiences with sailing with as many people as possible, especially those with special needs, through her special program "Just-Sailing," (ShoreNewsToday.com). 

 

Many teens and adults with disabilities have a very limited amount of freedom, whether it be around their town, place of work or residence. Jessica noticed this and hopes to change their situation for at least an hour a week with a trip on the open water. 

 

Jessica's program launches on March 17th at Lake Lenape in the Mays Landing Section of the Township. 

As Jessica is helping people with special needs enjoy their time outside their home and work environments, ADA Lifestyles strives to help you enjoy and have full freedom and accessibility within your home and work environments. 

To find out more about "Just-Sailing," click HERE. For more information on how you can make your home a more enjoyable and accessible living space for you and your family, visit ADALifestyles.com.