Millions of people are making the decision to Age in Place, according to AARP, an influential senior retirement group. They say that more than 3 out of 4 Americans age 50 or older want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. And that number grows to 90% by the time people become 65. Given that well over 10,000 people reach that milestone every day, we're talking about a rapidly expanding senior product marketplace that has product and services providers paying close attention.

We are frequently asked to design and implement home modifications for wheelchair clients and their families. Sometimes, the disability is temporary like an accident or a recent surgery. More often, the need stems from a more chronic condition or the effects of aging. Modifications to ease home accessibility can touch every room of the house as we seek to create obstruction-free environments that allow natural flow. What used to surprise us( but no longer does) is that the result often turns out to benefit every family member. So pay attention to these "wheelchair accessible" lessons: they have broad application.