Are There Retirement Homes Available?

My parents recently visited Prescott and are thinking of relocating.  They are in their late 70’s and do not want to move to a retirement community.  As a construction industry representative, what other options are you aware of in the area?

There are alternatives for housing vs. Retirement Housing and Assisted Living facilities. Remodeling and modifying an existing home is one possible but overwhelming consideration and then there is considering building a new home constructed to meet the needs of Multiple Generation households which are becoming more prevalent with today’s homeowners.

On speaking with Ron and Kelly Owsley, founders of Premier Development AZ, LLC about home construction for elderly and/or multi generational families, Premier Development is building new homes in The View Point in Prescott Valley with unique accommodations for situations meeting the needs of families that do not want retirement community living. As Ron explained “we read reports stating that as many as 35 million families had multi-generations living in a single household in 1990 and data as of 2008 saw that number increase to 49 Million or about 16% of the population, nationwide”. With the baby boomer generation reaching its peak, one would suspect that number to increase dramatically at next count. There are many dramatic lifestyle, living and health changes taking place and how convenient would it be to have a “friendly home for individuals with hindered mobility or even a home that is prepared for future aging and unknown medical issues. Premier Development is constructing their new homes with features such as “no step access at all exterior doors” walk-in Showers, single French style doors vs. large and heavy sliding doors, dual suites for added privacy in multiple generation situations (or perhaps summer guests). As the baby-boom generation ages we see more and more folks considering the private guest suite as a good, affordable alternative to costly Adult Care facilities. Ron said that building homes “friendly to these situations is not at all difficult”. Wider door ways, multiple, easy-access showers, taller commodes, levered door handles, lower closet rods & shelves and the elimination of steps in a home all contribute to improved convenience whether during recovery of a recent surgery, the addition of an elderly family member or perhaps simply accommodating someone planning on living in a home long term. With designs and features such as these it is very easy to slightly modify the plans and specifications to be completely ADA compliant with roll-in showers, grab-bars, lower bathroom vanity and or kitchen cabinets etc. Premier’s current home plans provide a private entrance from the second suite to the front covered porch, so in the case of a family member or guest staying for an extended time, they have their own private space yet full access to the main house. These private spaces essentially serve as a second master bedroom and are even set up for an added refrigerator if needed.”

Designing homes with features convenient for individuals with mobility challenges is important to family members. These new exciting homes being built in our community are further designed for homeowners to save on energy costs to help control heating and cooling expenses. Efficient features like R-38 ceiling insulation, insulated garage doors and re-circulating hot water systems along with large covered front and rear porches to add shade further help reduce energy use. After visiting these homes which are built sensibly and efficiently there are other features not so evident but considerably important to elderly and health challenged home buyers and those are a 2-10 year Home Buyers Structural Warranty and a specially designed structural steel & concrete foundation. Maytag appliances, a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty, 30+ year manufacturer’s warranty architectural shingles, 3 car garages, ceiling fans with light kits, low care hard surface tile and laminate wood flooring throughout and easy clean cultured marble shower surrounds. All important features when considering a home which can serve the needs and provide alternatives for multigen families, the boomers looking after two generations and /or just the folks that do not want to live in a retirement community.