Jean Armas's List: Future Environments for an Aging Society

Green House Design

In Denmark the first cohousing communities were multi-generational. Less than 20 years later, an age-targeted cohousing model began to emerge. Now there are over 200 completed elder cohousing communities in Denmark.\n\nWe are seeing a similar trend in the U.S. The first wave of cohousing communities here have been intergenerational. A second wave of elder cohousing groups are popping up all over the nation. Aging baby boomers are seeking a new environmentally sustainable housing option which provides both independence and community. Cohousing offers both in a supportive close-knit neighborhood where people can actively contribute during the last phase of their life.

We provide a range of accessible, barrier-free, housing solutions for both short and long-term care needs. Our premier product is a home care optimized, locally coded and modular-built, master bedroom suite that cost effectively supports independent living at home for the care recipient. The suite is attached either temporarily or permanently to the side or back of a main residence and seamlessly reunites care providers and their care recipients. Our home care suites truly fit the description of "home suite home".

Seven principles of universal design:

1. Equitable Use: The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users.
2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple, Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach & Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Persons with Disabilities - Home and Congregate Living\n \nThis section introduces you to the various opportunities for independent living, whether you choose to stay in your current home or move to a home-like, congregate setting within the community.

The development of a college/university linked retirement community (collegiate retirement community) on or near a college or university campus has become a significant movement across the country.\n\nA national survey conducted by our research team indicated that there are an estimated 50 such college/university linked retirement communities (collegiate retirement communities) in the United States and approximately 45 to 50 in the feasibility or early commitment phase.

Look for these 10 senior housing development trends from 2007 to pick up even more steam in 2008 as the age wave gains force:

San Francisco Bay Area has it's own Beacon Hill!

Many independent living and assisted-living facilities, in particular newer facilities or those that embarked on ambitious expansion plans when the economy was riding high, are offering specials to boost flagging occupancy rates.

Potential FYI in terms of criteria (I am not sure what they are) used to rate facilities - North Carolina's Division of Health Service Regulation has begun posting star ratings for the state's adult care facilities on its Web site to help consumers decide where to place themselves or family. The ratings, from zero to three stars, are based on results of each facility's 2009 health inspection. After initial posting, they will be updated monthly. In 2010, DHSR will add a fourth star to the rating. As of mid-February, 62 certificates had been issued; DHSR expects it will take at least 12 months for the 1,200-plus facilities in North Carolina to be inspected and placed online.

It was inevitable we guess what with everyone plus your grandma using the Wii. Now Nintendo Japan has announced a new Wii "Check-Up" channel that acts as a health guidance system between you and health professionals. Scheduled for an April launch, the system developed in partnership with Hitachi, NEC, Panasonic and a health insurance company is said to provide 2-way communication between users and health leaders who'll provide "healthy guidance" to otherwise Cheeto-stained gamer-types.

There has been a 28% increase since last year in the total number of units under construction in the top 75 metro markets. The NIC/ASHA report indicated that Seattle (with 2,347 units) had the greatest amount of new construction started in the survey year (April '06 through March '07). The next four metros, in order, were Dallas, New York, Houston and Chicago.

National Rehabilitation Information Center's research in participation and community living.

As persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities are living longer and their presence in the community increases there is a growing need for information on ways to support these adults and their families. This web site is designed to provide information on the latest research, model programs, and policy issues pertaining to this population. It describes training and technical assistance opportunities, conferences, and available resources.

Extensive list of disability statistics

USICD has become the key convener and coordinator of the American disability community on US-based advocacy and policy initiatives on a range of international disability issues. USICD has led efforts to develop and implement an official disability policy within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and to promote inclusive policies, practices and programs within the US State Department. These two federal agencies are responsible for the vast majority of US foreign assistance, post-conflict reconstruction and other international development work. Their historic lack of attention to disability issues means that billions of American dollars have been spent abroad in ways that fail to apply accessibility and inclusion standards defined in our domestic disability protections. USICD is working with Congress and decision-makers across the US government to ensure that all future efforts are fully accessible and inclusive of people with disabilities.

Keeping Track: National Disability Status and Program Performance Indicators includes a set of statistical social indicators that NCD believes are currently able to measure the progress of people with disabilities in important areas of their life, over time. The report includes 18 indicators determined by stakeholders to measure "quality of life" using both objective and subjective measures. The indicators span a variety of life domains, including employment, education, health status and health care, financial status and security, leisure and recreation, personal relationships, and crime and safety. Collectively they will create a holistic representation of the lives of people with disabilities.