Market Need

Universal Design principles have been around since the 1970’s. Advocates for the disabled have been its biggest supporters, but now it is catching on across the country as the first baby boomers reach retirement. There are currently 35 million Americans over the age of 65 and that number will reach 40 million by 2010, according to the Census Bureau projections. According to AARP, 80% of the population now lives past age 65 and 86 percent of older Americans plan to stay in their homes for the rest of their lives..

Universally designed homes provide the homeowner the freedom of choice of remaining in their place of residence as they age. The majority of people 45 years and older want to stay in their own home and not be forced into institutional care prematurely just because their home does not accommodate their changing abilities.

Additionally, these homes can be an alternative to assisted living complexes. A private nurse or assistant can care for an individual in their own beautiful home. A separate living area is easily incorporated into the design, giving each individual privacy and space.