Aging in place Niche

[Eieio]

I see a ton of ads for the walkin tubs being advertised online. Which lead me to think about the aging in place as a niche service.

Maybe bathroom that are set up to make life easier for them. Walk in tubs, grab bars, ada toilets and vanities

Anyone doing this currently??

[Silvertree]

I have this certification from NAHB.
It just means I took the classes, 3 day course/
I have plenty of info if anyone is interested.

[fez-head]

Thanks to Paul I have studied the niche quite a bit - but unfortunately have not taken the time to move forward with marketing like I should.

Arnold Roeland (see below) sent an email about their walk in tub but i haven't had the time to check into that either. Why is it that the older we get the less time there seems to be? I guess I can blame it on RC because this place eating up most of my day. :surrender:


Jesse,

My name is Arnold Roeland I represent SeniorSafe solutions, the national
distributor for the finest walk-in-tubs made in the USA, as well as other
exclusive products. We at the present time have no dealers in MO. If you can please contact my partner Tom Harrington at 1-860-416-3556. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for exploring this exciting opportunity.


Regards;
Arnold Roeland
www.seniorsafe.com (http://www.seniorsafe.com/)

[Eieio]

The pricing on the walking tubs have come down tremendously over the years. When I first looked into them they were about 10K for the models I looked at.

10K= old and brok

[kevjob]

just finished a bathroom wirh walk in bathtub. grab bars everywhere, comfort height toilets etc..

cost of tub was about 2k

[Blue]

WTF Where in the hell did you find that tub for 2k??? The one in the pic wholesales for $6500.00

[kevjob]

some place in Texas HO found it online I believe, when I originally quoted the walk in tub I quoted it around 6k

[Eieio]

some place in Texas HO found it online I believe, when I originally quoted the walk in tub I quoted it around 6k


Do you have a Preference on brand for the walk in tubs??

[Silvertree]

I have excellant resources for these things.

I might suggest an Aging in Place spot, I could probably ask about getting people certified.

That would cost for the course, money would go to NAHB.

[Blue]

Don't need the course....I could teach it.

I just need the tubs at 2k. get about 6-10 calls a year for them but peeps puke when I tell them I can't get one to their driveway for under 6k

[TulsaRemodeler]

WTF Where in the hell did you find that tub for 2k??? The one in the pic wholesales for $6500.00
No $hit, I put in a handicap shower earlier this year, was $1200 for the shower itself.

[Winchester]

Wow... I haven't seen any for under 10k... I haven't really looked very hard, just wondered how much they were and that's what I came up with. Any members in Canada find these for under 10k?

[kevjob]

If eveyone wants I will see if I can find the guys name nad number and post it here.

[Eieio]

If eveyone wants I will see if I can find the guys name nad number and post it here.

Please do I know Jessie and I are interested

[Dusty]

There are products available to convert an existing tub which may be an option for some of you guys. I am not familiar with the process or the products available, but it may be worth looking into.

[fez-head]

Bump................

[SLS-Construction]

Bump................

Feeling a little old there? :grin:

or do you have a question on it - I mean this is the second AIP thread you bumped

[fez-head]

Both. ;) I think this will be HUGE but it doesn't get much attention. Also things have been a little slow on here so I am bumping old threads that I am interested in hoping to spark some more good discussion and brain storming.

[SLS-Construction]

Well I guess I could point you to a few of my blog articles:

http://blog.sls-construction.com/2009/utilizing-universal-design-principles-accessible-deck

http://blog.sls-construction.com/2009/universal-design-principles (bunch of tips)

If your on Twiter - @AEChurba @ElderCareRN @PamDesigns @pamdurkin @AdaptMy @Agingabundantly @GREATGRABZ @SandwichINK - are heavy AIP Twitters and most have websites or blogs dedicated to it (if you go to twitter.com - drop the @ symbol, you can see their profiles & web links)

[fez-head]

Well I guess I could point you to a few of my blog articles:

http://blog.sls-construction.com/2009/utilizing-universal-design-principles-accessible-deck

http://blog.sls-construction.com/2009/universal-design-principles (bunch of tips)

If your on Twiter - @AEChurba @ElderCareRN @PamDesigns @pamdurkin @AdaptMy @Agingabundantly @GREATGRABZ @SandwichINK - are heavy AIP Twitters and most have websites or blogs dedicated to it (if you go to twitter.com - drop the @ symbol, you can see their profiles & web links)


I will read these. Thank you very much :2thumbsup:

I dont go to Twitter or LI - FB is hard enough to keep up with.

[AdaptMy]

Thanks SLS-construction for the call-out. I completely understand fez-head's aversion to following LI and Twitter - they take up a lot of your time! (but occasionally can provide some really useful information)

I'm happy to join the AIP discussions in your forums if that will help more Remodelers.

To start, we have recently developed a new home assessment survey for remodelers/builders/designers with a list of probing questions that will help you identify problem areas in your clients' homes so that you can plan the remodel more effectively for their specific needs. We think that they will be a great tool for AIP remodelers.


We would love to have feedback from your community on the content and usefulness of these assessments. Unfortunately, I'm not yet allowed to post the link, so please email me if you would like the link.


Also, we have a lot of knowledge and experience at AdaptMy.com (Dynamic Living Inc) on Accessibility/AIP solutions that we would be happy to share. Please just ask!

[fez-head]

Great web sites. I assume you offer contractor discounts? Most of my older clients are not searching the web but they do trust and use what I recommend to them after researching on the web myself. A wholesale supplier would be an excellent recourse for guys like us.

As a matter of fact I am going to start converting some of these fix-and-flip foreclosures that we are snatching up into ADA compliant rentals. Seniors will be my target demographic for renters as well as AIP clients. They have no kids, steady income, and don't seem to trash up the place. They should be attracted to affordable ADA compliant homes like bees to honey.

[fez-head]

Here is an excellent link to download a complete manual on the subject that The Paul turned me onto last year:

http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/content/resource/detail/1194/ 128 pages worth

and even more:

http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/section/resources/

The Elderly

Will double in numbers – 34 million to 70 million – by 2025.

There are more people now aged 85 and older than in any time in the collective history of the country.

80% of those aged 50 and older own their own homes and 92% want to age in place.

[AdaptMy]

Great web sites. I assume you offer contractor discounts?
Absolutely! Go all the way to the bottom of any AdaptMy.com or Dynamic-Living.com page and click the 'Contractors/Home Modification' link to apply for an account (or call our customer service line).

They should be attracted to affordable ADA compliant homes like bees to honey.
No doubt! The need is definitely there (huge need in some areas).
Let us know if we can help with anything.

[fez-head]

Thank you Sir.

Here is the link for everyone else: https://www.adaptmy.com/register/#clear

[Silvertree]

Hold on a minute, AdaptMy is here to sell us something, I would like to see a little giving before there is promotion.

Rules are pretty relaxed here and vendors have always been welcomed but I would like to see more than 1 post before the order sheets come out.

Also, we have member wholesale dealers who have been helpful to the building community who offer good products with attractive pricing, so were cool for now but be respectful.

[AdaptMy]

I completely understand your point Silvertree, but please note that I didn't post the link, nor ask anyone to visit the retail part of our business.

While AdaptMy is indeed a retail site, I actually came here both for advice and input on our totally free Home Assessment Surveys (to which I do hope someone can post the link) and for a good discussion about Aging in Place in the Remodeling world - something I feel has been lacking in other online forums I have been frequenting.

Accessibility and Aging in Place may be our business, but it is also our passion. So, honestly, I don't care if you buy anything - just let me join in your discussions a bit. ('course, if you wanted to buy something I also wouldn't stop you ;-) )

[fez-head]

I completely understand your point Silvertree, but please note that I didn't post the link, nor ask anyone to visit the retail part of our business.

Hell no I did it on my own.

You may have to ban me. I'm a loose cannon posting links willy nilly. Here's one for the best hardware store in the world: www.menards.com

"Save big money"
"Save big money"
"Save big money at Menards!"

[fez-head]

"Save big money"
"Save big money"
"Save big money at Menards!"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menards

[orson]

Kev did that tubs have water jets and/or air jets?

I paid about $4600 for the same tub w/ water and air jets.

A week after the job was done the HO saw one on sale for $2600. :censored:
I bought it through USMedicalSupply and they were the middle man for some place called Spa World which I think is located in Texas.

Incidentally the one Kev pictured is the exact same tub line that Re-Bath sells although I think Re-Bath has a different faucet set on theirs.

[Silvertree]

Fez, I'd ban you but you'd just come back as Modern Style Painters or something.

By the way, at Menards you can buy lumber, shampoo, jeans, beef jerky and a compressor, I kinda like that.

[fez-head]

It would be nice to have a "go to" list of reputable suppliers that members here have actually used and recommend or condemn. It could be our own private Angie's list but we would call it "The Paul's List"

I hate ordering blindly on the internet. Even with proper research I still feel like I am missing out on something......Orsons situation is the perfect case in point. 50 or so member eyes scouring the internet are better than mine alone. Not only do "we" win but so do our clients.

[Silvertree]

We can put a list together so lets get to know Adaptmy and move ahead.

[neolitic]

Fez, I'd ban you but you'd just come back as Modern Style Painters or something.

By the way, at Menards you can buy lumber, shampoo, jeans, beef jerky and a compressor, I kinda like that.

Don't forget your dog food
and birdseed!

[fez-head]

And auto parts! :)

[framer55]

Found a $2,000 dollar tub.

Not recommending just did some Googling!

http://envywalkintubs.com/model.html?gclid=CKS8muePwaECFRlN5Qod0Uvf-g#top

[neolitic]

"Save big money"
"Save big money"
"Save big money at Menards!"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menards

So John has made it to Mo.
When they opened, the store
near me was his farthest south.

[paulie]

Don't forget your dog food
and birdseed!

Ours has birthday cards and such. I think I've gotten every birthday card for the last 3 years for my wife there.

Oh crap mothers day is coming, better get to Menards and get 2X's and a card.

[fez-head]

• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) (800-424-3410) (www.aarp.org) This national advocacy organization offers printed materials and web resources on home accessibility and Universal Home Design.

• Livability (651-636-6869) (www.lifease.com) This website asks questions about your home and personal circumstances, thendelivers a customized report with suggestions and resources for making your home more livable.

• Center for Universal Design (800-647-6777) (www.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud) This national resource center offers publications and resources on Universal Home Design.

• Home Modification Action Project (213-740-1364) (www.usc.edu/go/hmap) This national resource center offers publications and resources on remodeling for home accessibility.

• National Association of Home Builders CAPS program, University of Housing, Tara Occhipinti, (tocchipinti@nahb.com) NAHBResearch Center Charlotte Wade (cwade@nahbrc.org)

MORE: http://www.legaleaglecontractors.com/CAPS/article2.htm

[AdaptMy2]

Those are all great resources, fez-head. I hadn't seen the "father of CAPS" before, Dan Bawdin (or have I? - I don't remember).

AARP has lots of good solid checklists, but you'll have to search them out as they're scattered around the site. They seem to have been written by separate departments, for the tone and approach of some are different.

But overall, I like what Dan Bawdin said best: "With a little foresight, a lot of common sense, and only a modest budget bump, a growing number of homeowners are dramatically improving the odds that they’ll be able to stay in their homes well into their golden years."

The research on Aging in Place and Universal Design may be a little overwhelming (and there's more written all the time), the bottom line is common sense. You're planning ahead for some of the changes a homeowner may go through in their lives. Some are more predictable than others; like using a walker or cane and decreasing vision are expected as part of the aging process, whereas the needs for a person who develops Parkinsons or Multiple Sclerosis are not.

You don't have to plan for EVERY contingency. Just the basics, like lever handles, appropriate railings/grab bars and more lighting could be a major improvement for most people.

[fez-head]

I am meeting with my part time decorator/home stager/cleaning lady at 2pm today to talk about being my Universal Design "Person"(?) not sure what to call her yet but she is 65 years old and very good with clients. She also has back and rotator cuff problems so believe she will connect well with the seniors who are also hurting and have not considered home modifications.

Any ideas on what I should tell or ask her today or how I should pay her? I am also unsure what or how to pay for consulting services or what to charge clients for consulting services. She will need a price list of standard modifications and a catalog of products with prices to show as well.

[AdaptMy]

Nice title she's got! She may want to change that on her business card :-)

It's an interesting idea to have a "front-woman" to help you communicate better with clients, though perhaps only useful if that's something that you struggle with. Obviously I have no idea what her background is...is she aiming to become a Universal Design/Accessibility consultant (not just with you?)

I think you need to be careful that she does have some background on universal design and accessibility, otherwise she'll either be turning around to you for answers all the time or not giving the best advice to your clients.

She could be the person to help the clients with the home assessment survey (like the ones that we offer! click here (http://www.adaptmy.com/article/home-assessments/#clear)) walking through the house with the client and discussing any difficulties they may have with their current setup.

As far as "standard" modifications and products, I'd have her take a look at our website to get an idea of what is available (adaptmy.com (http://www.adaptmy.com) for the remodeling specific products and dynamic-living.com (http://www.dynamic-living.com) for daily living aids)...this way she'll have a little knowledge of what is out there. It'll be a while before she becomes an "expert", so I leave it up to you whether you want to charge clients for her consultancy or simply hire her as a boost to your communication strategy.

[fez-head]

It's an interesting idea to have a "front-woman" to help you communicate better with clients, though perhaps only useful if that's something that you struggle with. Obviously I have no idea what her background is...is she aiming to become a Universal Design/Accessibility consultant (not just with you?)

I am awful at sales and a little bit intimidating to strangers as well. I have had a front man for about 4 years now who handles most public relations and sales but he is only 37 years old. He is a super star in the company and out in public.... but IMHO will not come across the same as a soft spoken intelligent woman and "one of their own" if that makes any sense. I think she will be perfect for the job. She is a busy body and looking for low-impact work to supplement her retirement.

I think you need to be careful that she does have some background on universal design and accessibility, otherwise she'll either be turning around to you for answers all the time or not giving the best advice to your clients. She could be the person to help the clients with the home assessment survey (like the ones that we offer! URL="http://www.adaptmy.com/article/home-assessments/#clear"]click here[/URL]) walking through the house with the client and discussing any difficulties they may have with their current setup.

That is a good point.

As far as "standard" modifications and products, I'd have her take a look at our website to get an idea of what is available (adaptmy.com (http://www.adaptmy.com) for the remodeling specific products and dynamic-living.com (http://www.dynamic-living.com) for daily living aids)...this way she'll have a little knowledge of what is out there. It'll be a while before she becomes an "expert", so I leave it up to you whether you want to charge clients for her consultancy or simply hire her as a boost to your communication strategy.

Also a good point.