By 2020, the number of people 65 and older living in the United States is expected to increase to 55 million. And by 2050, that number could be as high as 88.5 million, according to 2010 U.S. Census figures. Meanwhile, a recent survey by the American Association of Retired Persons confirms that most of those adults want to stay in their current home and community as they age. They want to “age-in-place.”
Whatcom County senior citizens can learn more about aging-in-place and various housing options during two upcoming events featuring a local building contractor.
Charlie Hudson of Hudson Remodeling will be a featured speaker at the “What’s Next – Housing Options as We Age” forum in Bellingham, Wash. on February 25 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The annual event is organized by Whatcom County Council on Aging – attendees can also learn about the concept of village housing, assisted and independent living, and in-home care from more than 20 housing resource representatives.
Hudson Remodeling will also host an informational booth with a unique barrier-free shower unit his company installs at the Whatcom County Home & Garden Show on March 6-8 at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden, Wash.
As a long-time Certified Aging-in-Place contractor, Charlie Hudson understands the needs of today’s Baby Boomers and he has evolved his general contracting business in recent years to help Boomers modify their home so they can age comfortably and safely in place.
“For most, the dream of living life at home with the people and things they love can be a reality – but it does take careful planning and preparation before needs arise. We’ve been helping seniors take steps today to ensure their home is ready when they are,” said Hudson.
In 2014 Hudson Remodeling became a distributor for Best Bath products, a designer line of ADA-accessible bathroom fixtures.
Best Bath produces wheelchair-accessible showers, walk-in bathtubs and grab bars that Hudson then installs in his customer’s homes.
“We chose to partner with Best Bath because they offer the highest quality product that is manufactured right here in the USA. Our customers like this product line – it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing. When we’re done, their space often looks more like a traditional bathroom than an accessible space – and that’s important to today’s seniors.”
In addition to the Certified Aging-in-Place designation, Charlie Hudson is an EPA-certified Lead Paint Specialist and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CRG). These designations come in handy when helping seniors remodel homes they have been in for decades. He has also earned numerous awards including the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County’s Builder of the Year Award and Remodeler of the Year.
For more information about preparing a home for aging-in-place, contact Charlie Hudson or visit hudsonremodeling.com.