By the year 2000 the population of elderly Americans, over the age of 65 years old, will be 51 million more than in 1980. This group will face the inevitable effects of time physically, mentally and socially. With this in mind there is already a growing need for appropriate housing designed to meet these lifestyle changes. CFH Architects are prepared to meet this 90's challenge. CFH studies the trends in elderly housing. They understand that advanced age limits mobility, strength, vision, hearing. and tactile and thermal sensitivity. They recognize the desire for choice, control, privacy, intimacy and independence. Providing that delicate balance between personal and social needs while serving the clinical and technical demands is a skill. CFH has honed this skill sInce 1981 when they first opened their doors. They recognize the value of appropriate design. Good design can support the dweller by relieving psychological disorientation, vulnerability and difficulty in adapting to a new environment. There are five main types of facility designs for the aging in America: Senior/Community Centers. Residential Care Facilities, Nursing Homes, Elderly Housing and Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES provide care for the elderly who can no longer live independently without assistance. These facilities may also be called personal care homes or board and care homes. They offer central dining facilities, a house cleaning service and assistance with
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES (CCRC) provide a broad spectrum of services for older people. These communities allow for complete independence. They receive social support, residential and long-term care. Social services. senior/community centers and nursing homes are all encompassed within a CCRC development. CFH recently completed a conformance review of the Renaissance Retirement Center in Cleveland, Ohio. and recommended changes in keeping with its CCRC concept. These are the 5 main facility types. Other alternatives Include mobile home parks, granny flats, cooperative housing and renovation of present living spaces. CFH and their clients work to identify the planned needs of the residents. Those needs range from psychological to the actual living environment. Once needs are Identified CFH can concentrate on a plan which will accommodate residents. When it comes to planning Elderly housing in the 90's. it has to be done right.
NURSING HOMES are health care facilities licensed by a state to provide long-term nursing care. They require 24-hour nursing care, supervision, housekeeping and meal service.
ELDERLY HOUSING consists of single family or multifamily housing projects. Residents here are more independent and need little assistance. This housing can be found in residential areas as well as congregate housing.
