Christina Higuchi began her career in corporate and commercial interiors, broadening her experience in sales and management, and presently, designing lifestyles for one's wellbeing.  Her firm, Dezine Refined, has provided interior design services since 2006, offering inspired yet functional concepts for both interior and exterior spaces. 

She is a founding member of DAASE, one of those that helped form the organization from the very roots of conversations back in 2013.  And she currently serves our group as a Board of Directors member and the Board Secretary.       

When we asked Christina about her design philosophy, she replied, "Every design project is a unique adventure. It’s about happiness and comfort, family and friends, culture and social interaction, hobbies and entertainment, focusing on the essential needs and activities of a lifestyle." 

In addition to being a member of DAASE, Christina is also a member of the Palm Springs Chapter of the Interior Design Society ( IDS ).

To be in touch with Christina, you may reach her via email:   
[email protected]
 

By Robert Deschene in the Sun Chronicle. 

Aging in place is a growing movement in elder law planning. Its goal is for people to plan ahead so they can live safely and independently in their own homes and communities as they age, and avoid moving to a nursing home.

There are many reasons for aging in place. Seventy percent of adults over age 65 will require some type of long-term care during their lifetime, but 90 percent report they'd prefer to stay in their own home as they age. We typically become more intolerant of change as we age, and cling to familiar places and routines. Even if you find a quality nursing home, the abrupt and drastic change can adversely affect our mental health. In-home and community-based care give seniors a sense of continuity, while satisfying their need for more intensive medical support and companionship.

Aging in place is also a practical necessity. The 76 million baby boomers are hitting retirement age in record numbers. Fourteen percent of today's population is over age 65; by 2030, that will increase to 20 percent. At the same time, the number of available nursing homes is decreasing each year, falling nearly 10 percent from 2000 to 2010. The shortage is fueled by many factors, including aging infrastructure, the recession, and decreases in the amount of Medicare reimbursement rates. If these opposing trends continue, we'll have no choice but to find more alternatives to nursing home care.

One alternative is having family members provide care to the senior in their home. Many family members do so out of love and affection, neither wanting nor expecting compensation. But as the senior ages and requires more care, the family member may have to consider quitting their job to continue as caregiver. At that point, the senior may consider paying the caregiver. This allows the senior to stay in their own home and to receive care from someone with whom they are familiar and at ease.

Despite the benefits of having a paid family caregiver, families must be cautious in setting up these arrangements. The senior's condition eventually may deteriorate, and they might need to be admitted to a nursing home. If the family then applies to MassHealth to pay the costs of the nursing home, they will be penalized if the senior gave away any assets during the prior five years. MassHealth normally presumes that family members provide care out of love and affection. Even if the senior gave the caregiver money, MassHealth may see this as a voluntary gift in appreciation. To avoid this risk, the senior and the family caregiver should sign a written personal-care contract, which creates a legally enforceable obligation to provide and pay for services.

The personal-care contract should specify exactly what types of care the family member will provide, how many hours a week and the hourly rate of pay. You should research and compare rates for comparable services in your area. If the senior plans to move into the family member's home, and it needs modifications to accommodate their medical condition, the contract can provide that the senior will pay for these modifications. Once you have a contract in place, the caregiver should keep a written, detailed log of hours spent on caregiving, so that they can document for MassHealth that the contract wasn't illusory.

We all need to start thinking of practical ways to age in place. If you decide to have a family member provide in-home care for a senior, protect yourself in advance with a written personal-care contract.

Robert Deschene is an estate and elder law planning attorney at Deschene Law Office in North Attleboro, and a member of WealthCounsel and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Contact him at 508-316-3853 or by email at [email protected].

A couple of weeks ago, several members of the Design Alliance for Accessible Sustainable Environments (DAASE) attended a symposium on the campus of the University of Southern California presented by the USC / Davis School of Gerontology and the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center.  

Nearly 150 people from a variety of backgrounds including interior designers, builders, occupational and physical therapists attended the daylong conference, which featured knowledgable speakers, a panel discussion, breakout sessions on design and workshops on topics related to the conference’s theme of aging in place and universal design.

Several attended the event specifically to hear the keynote address by Henry Cisneros, a former mayor of San Antonio, the former Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development( HUD) and the author of a well written book, Independent For Life: Homes and Neighborhoods For An Aging America. 

In his 20 minute address to the crowded auditorium, he passionately spoke of his own personal experiences with his late mother, her desire to remain in the family home as she grew on in years and remain in the surrounding neighborhood where she has raised her family, had many close friends and attended church.

Cisneros’ story was beautifully told but it wasn’t a story particularly unique to him. Studies by AARP and others consistently show that the majority of older Americans prefer to age in place, in the homes and communities of their choice.  And in a most recent survey, 90% of Baby Boomers would prefer to remain in their own place for as long as possible. But the question may be: Are our homes, neighborhoods and communities equipped to meet the needs of growing numbers of older Americans?

The answer is a resounding NO!  The architecture of most American homes, a substantial number built between 1946 and 1964 to answer the need of a growing population of fathers and mothers and their Boomer Babies, were not designed to adapt, accommodate nor anticipate the physical needs of Boomers in their later years.  

American traditional and ranch style architecture, popular designs of the era, features steps leading up to a front porch, small halls, narrow doors and sunken living rooms, each of which creates obstacles that can impede mobility and reduce one’s personal independence. 

In Cisneros’s remarks, he asked those attending to consider that “the sheer size of the baby boom generation guarantees that, as the health and mobility of so many begin to deteriorate, communities could be saddled with enormous burden. What can be done quickly and affordably to support successful aging in communities throughout the United States? What will be our plan for supporting the oldest of the old among us?

We learned that there is no easy answer with no one perfect solution but to begin with one client, one home at time and provide each with options that support their quality of life,... ideas like creating building earthen berms for pathways that lead to front entry thereby getting rid of steps; and opening up interior spaces by eliminating doors and when possible and economical, widening halls to maximize passageways. But there is more that can be done beyond just remodeling current housing and building new homes for accessibility and safety. 

The impact of the 76 million Boomers and the change it will have on our culture requires us to consider how to retrofit existing neighborhoods to connect needed services and amenities, and make plans for new communities that work well for people of all ages and all abilities.

In his concluding remarks, Cisneros said,

“We, as a nation, must examine ways to support aging in place for the unprecedented numbers of older Americans seeking to live healthy and contributing lives in communities that serve all ages. Americans are aging in traditional homes, neighborhoods and communities that were designed for yesterday’s demographic realities, not those of today or in the future.”

“Homes can be retrofitted, new age-appropriate homes built, existing neighborhoods reconnected and new communities planned. Financial strategies must adapt to new needs and opportunities. Public opinion must be better aligned with the values of accessibility, affordability, connectivity and diversity. All levels of government must address these challenges with bold solutions.”

The members of the Design Alliance For Accessible Sustainable Environments couldn’t agree more. 

During this unique online conference, we will feature our State Of The Organization presentation and an open Town Hall Member Meeting.  In addition, we will be debuting our IDECE-approved continuing education for our practitioner and professional members.  

During the conference, you will be able to interact with the group, ask questions, make comments about the direction of our organization and provide recommendations for our future strategies.  Look for the official announcement along with the Conference Agenda headed to your email in the next few weeks. 

If you have an interest in providing a presentation during the conference, CLICK HERE to send us an email.  

As a part of our continuing interview series with members, we reached out to Patricia Lockwood to learn more about this DAASE member and what she believes when it comes to "staying in place." Her answers were very interesting and revealing,... especially about her single biggest challenge.   
 
1. At what point in your life did you discover an interest in your current profession?
My parents tell me that when I was in preschool, I would go get my Dad and lead him upstairs to help rearrange my bedroom furniture.  So obviously, it goes back before I can even remember.
 
2. Why do you believe that accessible and sustainable design is such an important concept?
We want to create a space where people can stay in place because we are all living longer. I know my clients in Southern California live active lifestyles because of our great climate and the availability of activities such as golf and tennis.  We should all be thinking about accessibility when we remodel a house instead of waiting until it's too late. 
 
3. What is the biggest single challenge in the implementation of accessible, sustainable design?
Denial. People do not necessarily want to face aging and loss of independence. Also, I think a fear of the style and how it might look in the end holds people back.  Forget your impressions of that outdated handicap hotel room; functional sustainable design done right can be stylish and beautiful.
 
4. Considering your clients, what might be some of the benefits of “staying in place?”
It's an investment in the future. Not only for resale value of the home but the quality of your life improves by being able to stay in place.  I don't know about you but I'd much rather be able to roll a wheelchair into my own shower rather than at a rehabilitation center or hospital.
 
5. If not this profession, then what other profession or career have you ever contemplated?
Believe it or not, Interior Design is actually my 2nd career. I spent my 20's working as a police officer. Although certainly considered an opposite field, I was in it for the same reasons I'm in design - I love helping people.  Thankfully, I found a place to belong in the design community where I can do just that.

Recently, a client of one of our DAASE members - we will call her Barbara - had one of those "a-ha" moments. But a little background first.   

Barbara is one of the 76 million Baby Boomers who are in "age-denial" and as such, don't see a need - nor have a desire - for incorporating design features in the home that would permit them to "age in place"... or what we as DAASE members prefer to say... "Stay In Place."   

The DAASE member tried to explain at length and in great detail that this wasn't the "trend du-jour" nor was it something that was going to be expensive to do during the remodeling process of the home.  Adapting a home to stay-in-place usually adds about 1 to 3% of the costs.  Not a bad investment considering the cost of just one extended hospital or nursing home stay. 

But Barbara continued to resist approving such work such as making the master bathroom shower more accessible including getting rid of the planned shower curb for a European-style entry nor adding 3/4" plywood behind the tile walls in order that - should she need - a balance bar might be installed at some later date.

While a few things the DAASE member suggested Barbara curiously approved like wider doors and hall to the bedroom and bathroom and the addition of LED-style lighting, there was a road-block ahead. 

"Why would anyone want a taller toilet with a chair-height seat? I much prefer the low-profile styles.  


And I certainly don't need a grab bar that looks like it came from a gas station bathroom in my shower."

Could it be that all this rejection was because the client just really didn't want to admit that at some point, she or her spouse might need such design elements?

Perhaps this was really about the Cleopatra Syndrome.  .  .  
The Queen of De Nile.  

For a series of days and endless meetings, the DAASE member, sometimes relentlessly, continued to pursue the client in hopes that Barbara would finally give in and agree to have her newly remodeled bathroom be both "beautiful" and "safe."  

"This was about making a few simple changes to the remodeling plan and that would keep the space from looking like some hospital room,"... the DAASE member explained in depth."

THEN.... the unexpected happened.  
Barbara got a call from a neighbor. 

The client's dear friend and colleague had taken a nasty fall during an intense match on the tennis court, breaking multiple bones in one leg and one arm.  After immediate medical attention and surgery, Barbara's friend would not be able to return to their own home for a month because her friend's home couldn't accommodate a wheelchair, walker nor crutches. After a short stay in the hospital, a re-hab facility was next.  Bummer. 

And that is when Barbara experienced her "a-ha" moment.  

Accidents and sudden occurrences like in this example happen to many.  It is part of life.  And while one cannot plan for the unexpected, a person can make it just a wee bit easier for themselves by planning ahead. 

That is where one of the members of DAASE comes in. 

They have the knowledge, education and experience to help people adapt their home for the unexpected, no matter their age or ability. Their goal is designing a home that is both great looking and one that increases the homeowner's independence by making certain changes,... changes such as reducing or eliminating certain types of architectural barriers that impede mobility.

So Barbara - after her big "a-ha" moment - changed her thinking. But this time asked,... "So what else will my home need in order that I can "stay - in - place?"

The DAASE member replied that there are many ways to increase safety and security,... lever handles, lowered light switches, handles instead of knobs, level thresholds at doorways and even  incorporating "green" design principles such as water and air filtration, recycling and energy conservation concepts that reduce utilities and maintenance costs.  

At the end of the remodeling process, Barbara looked back on the experience and said this "....experience was really about sustaining my quality of life." 

Yes, Barbara....  That's what we believe as well.  

( Thanks to one of our DAASE members for sharing this story. You know who you are. ) 

In this continuing series, 5 Questions + 5 Minutes, you'll learn about one of our DAASE members and their passion, a bit about their background and their philosophies.... this time with member: Michael A. Thomas, FASID, CAPS.

(1) At what point in your life did you discover an interest in your current profession ? 

It came early. As a child I was always building stuff and making playhouses from large cardboard boxes. I would spend hours arranging boxes into various shapes, layouts; they had doors and windows, even some with gardens. As to “staying in place,” my interest came from personal experience, taking care of my mother, an independent and sometimes exasperating individual, but one who choose to remain in her home despite a debilitating illness. I learned a lot from her struggles to remain independent. 

(2) Why do you believe that accessible and sustainable design is such an important concept?  

The world continues to be a complex and challenging environment. So in a corner of the world we can truly call our own, our homes need to be designed to support our quality of life,… a place away from chaos and confusion,…. a retreat of security, safety and solace. And when homes are designed in such ways as to remove barriers, enhance mobility and sustain our human experience, we can remain independent for an extended period of time

(3) What is the biggest single challenge in the implementation of accessible, sustainable design?

The biggest challenge is educating the consumer.  Everyone is living longer, healthier and active lives and “universal design” concepts are difficult for them to accept. So as design professionals, we need to showcase great design….spaces that not only are awesome looking but with products that are sleek + stylish + when assembled all together are able to  perform in exceptional ways in sustaining one’s independence.

 (4) Considering your clients, what are some of the benefits of "staying in place” you have observed?

Top of the list: peace of mind.  Clients may not realize this benefit at first until a temporary or permanent disability strikes but once they realize it, they are grateful that we included these features into the design of their home.  

(5) If not this profession, then what other profession or career have you ever contemplated?

I really have never thought of undertaking any other profession that design. Having grown up in a family where the construction and design of an environment was a part of the family DNA, it is just what I was to become.   

ABOUT:  Michael A. Thomas, FASID, CAPS is a multi-faceted interior designer, author and speaker with a passion for the design of the built environment and its impact on the human experience.  He is the president of the Design Collective Group, an interior design firm he founded two decades ago. With a special interest in both home and work environments that are functional, practical and accessible to anyone, no matter age or ability, Michael’s designs often features themes of aging in place and universal design.  Michael is the co-author of the well respected book Residential Design for Aging In Place, a contributing author to Interior Graphic Standards and has been quoted in various media including Dwell Magazine, Time, Interiors + Sources, Remodeling Magazine, The Miami Herald, Palm Springs Life, The Desert Sun and the Houston Chronicle on issues of aging in place and universal design for work and home environments.  As a speaker, he has shared his knowledge, expertise and passion in more than 250 lectures and workshops across the country. Michael is also a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS), one of the very few interior designers in the US to hold such certification.

As an active volunteer for his professional society ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers, Michael has served as a volunteer in many capacities including six years on ASID’s National Board of Directors. In 2004 he was honored by his peers with the designation of Fellow of the Society, the highest honor accorded to one of its members. And in 2012-2011, Michael was elected to the position of ASID’s National President.

Michael is a founder and President of the Design Alliance for Accessible Sustainable Environments (DAASE), a non-profit group dedicated to the design of accessible spaces and sustainable communities.  He is also a member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, the American Crafts Council, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation and a member of the advisory board for the Department of Design, Housing and Merchandising at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. Michael established a home décor studio, Design Pure + Simple, in downtown Palm Springs, CA. which features fine craft, art and accessories for the discriminating client and home.

• For More Information About Michael: visit:  www.thedesigncollectivegroup.com

We have a diverse membership in DAASE, most are interior designers who have a certain expertise in helping people to design spaces that are accessible and sustainable, no matter age or ability.  And to get to know our members, we implemented our Member Showcase: 5 Questions + 5 Minutes.  In this series, you'll learn a bit more about our members and their passion, their background and their philosophies.... starting with DAASE member: Leslie Shankman-Cohen, ASID, NCIDQ, CAPS.

• Enjoy these 5 questions + 5 minutes

(1) At what point in your life did you discover an interest in your current profession ? 

I grew up in this profession, my mother was a professional Interior Designer and my father was a Custom Builder, so I guess I was born to be a designer!

(2) Why do you believe that accessible and sustainable design is such an important concept? 

We start aging from the day we are born, some of us faster than others. Even if the issues are not always about aging, the solutions are many times a crossover from the different perspectives of difficulties. For example, an elderly woman might have difficulty getting into her front door while carrying a bag of groceries; and conversely, a young mother might have difficulty entering her front door while trying to maneuver a stroller and having a toddler in tow. If homes were universally accessible, these issues would be minimized, as well as the temporary issues some of us encounter with injuries or surgeries, etc. 

Additionally, as we know, sustainable design and accessible design go hand in hand and can't really be extrapolated form one another. Good design using both of these principals will develop better housing stock; less waste in remodeling; viable communities; higher revenue for cities because of better housing stock; and on and on....

(3) What is the biggest single challenge in the implementation of accessible, sustainable design? 

I call it the "Cleopatra Syndrome" because most people are in "de-nile"! Seriously, denial about their aging and health issues is a very difficult barrier to break through. Once that is overcome, it is difficult to get past the perceived monetary issues; for example, "Why should I go to any extra expense (even though, realistically, there is usually  minimal additional expense) to pay for something now that may or may not be needed until the future?". 

It is also difficult to explain and grasp the concept of Life-cycle analysis: the TRUE cost of something when ALL factors are accounted for (It might cost more on the front end initially, but you save money in the long run).

(4) Considering your clients, what are some of the benefits of "staying in place” you have observed? 

An improved sense of independence, self-confidence and self-esteem.

(5) If not this profession, then what other profession or career have you ever contemplated?  

I really don't think I would stray far, as design is my passion, but if I had the opportunity I am intrigued with all things connected to Urban Design and City Planning.

• ABOUT:   Leslie Shankman-Cohn, ASID, CAPS, CGP is a partner in the firm of Jill Hertz Interior Design, a division of Eclectic Interiors located in Memphis, TN. She specializes in custom designed furniture; space planning; furnishings and finishes specifications; universal design; “Aging in Style”sm; and sustainable design issues.

Ms. Shankman-Cohn is a Registered Interior Designer by the State of Tennessee; NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualifications) certified; a Professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS); and a Certified Green Professional (CGP). She is a Past- President of the Tennessee Chapter of ASID, and the 2014 President-Elect of the Tennessee Interior Design Coalition (TIDC). Besides being on the boards of two local non-profit environmental groups, she has served on the ASID’s national committee on “Aging in Place”, and has been involved in “Redesigning for an Aging America “, a local consortium focusing the future of Memphis’ city planning and social services.  

Ms. Shankman-Cohn was appointed by the governor of Tennessee in 2008 as the Interior Design representative on the Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners for the State of Tennessee, where she served until the end of July 2012. In addition, she was the Tennessee Delegate to the NCIDQ National Board and sits on one of their national task forces. Leslie is currently involved with the Plough Foundation of Memphis as an advisor for their Aging in Place and Livable Community initiative.

In addition to presenting continuing education programs to other professionals, writing articles for different publications, and giving lectures to various groups throughout the nation, Leslie has been interviewed on TV, radio, in local and national newspapers, magazines, and on the web. Her work has been featured in the book, Spectacular Homes of Tennessee, and the recently released Aging In Place Gracefully.

• For more information about Leslie: visit:  www.jillhertz.com

Beginning at least two decades ago, a well known Florida interior designer - and now member of DAASE - Bernadette Upton advocated about the importance of creating sustainable environments.  Today her words rings true more now than ever.  In fact, she and her firm, EcoDecor, were doing sustainable designed spaces long before it was "the thing to do." 

“Green design” has become more popular but also more important to the world.  With only a limited amount of available resources on the planet and more and more people on the earth, choosing building products, furnishings and fixtures that meet a standard of excellence and performance is just one part of the green equation. 

Nowadays, it is important to incorporate recycled materials in the design plan and choose items that can be remade into other products when their life cycle is over.  All of this suggests responsible decisions that will leave the planet with adequate resources to continue to sustain life for future generations.

There are numerous new “green” products that have been introduced in the last few years. One of the newest products is a commercial wallcovering that is not only flame resistant and stands up to heavy wear but is made from recycled paper and newsprint.




 • Being green can also mean something as simple as the type of paint for the walls.

Most paints release volatile organic compounds into the air as they dry.  Known as VOCs, they are harmful to the atmosphere as well as the indoor air quality of the home or office. This can be especially troubling for those who have lung disease like asthma.

Consider natural fibers for fabrics for window and floor coverings.  Choose manufactured products that are domestically made since it takes a lot of oil to ship goods from places a long distance like China.

Selecting lighting that is energy efficient will not only save on the light bills but will reduce the American reliance on foreign oil that power electric plants. Compact fluorescents and LED-type light fixtures are quickly becoming popular by designers and architects as well as homeowners. 

In fact, LED lighting is a great choice when light fixtures are up in very high ceilings and are difficult to change since some LEDs will last for 50,000+ hours.  (That’s about ten to twelve times longer than a standard light bulb.) The key is choosing the type of fixture and bulb that will mimic the warm color of incandescent lighting so as to avoid a blue tint to the interior.

So when planning for the future, choices are simple and costs are competitive to other “non-green” products.  And make a commitment with your design team to select and purchase items that can be recycled and made into something else when they are ready to be replaced.