Camp Karen
As many of you know Camp Karen (our home between Zion Crossroads and Gordonsville in Louisa County, Virginia) provides living space for multiple generations. Karen’s mother lives with us so we designed a suite to meet her needs along with wider doors, hallways, wood floors, no step entry, one level living, zoned heating, etc. Karen also keeps two of our grandchildren several days a week so we have campers from 2 to 89. Ten years ago when we used local design/build firm Stanley Custom Homes, LLC to create Camp Karen there we not a lot of resources regarding multi generational homes. Ken, Karen and I used ideas gathered from visiting retirement communities and other homes plus searching builder magazines for new products.
Fortunately more resources abound for those building now. Universal Design, Aging in Place and other programs exist to help design and build homes or modify existing homes for an aging population. The Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) recently released Senior Advocate 2011 Resource Guide. Also, local companies like Builder Fish provide design build services to clients looking to either stay in their current home or build homes for the future generational changes.
Think ahead about what to included or eliminate.
Heck I turned 50 last year and like many of the Baby Boomer Generation, remaining active while enjoying life continues to be a priority. I am always checking out house plans, new design features etc. and thinking about the next home we’ll build. Karen and I want a smaller home where we can enjoy life in a low maintenance and energy efficiency. If you’re interested in buying or building a home with universal design, aging in place, etc., I am here to help, so let’s talk!