According to the state Department of Health, Hawaii’s population is aging at a faster rate than the national average. With a higher life expectancy of 81, Hawaii boasts the fastest growing population of those 85 years and older. The U.S. Census Bureau also found that the number of Hawaii residents age 65 and older grew at a rate of more than three times faster than the total state population from 2010 to 2011. Factors such as advances in medicine, healthier diets and exercise are helping people live longer than before.
Hawaii also leads the nation in multi-generational living. However, many of Hawaii’s homes are more than 50 years old and were not originally built to handle an aging population or have equipment commonly used by older adults.
With more than 20 years of helping hundreds of Hawaii families design and build their dream homes, Graham Builders is the authority on multi-generational homes. From its early years, Graham Builders recognized Hawaii’s unique culture and how it embraces ohana, and led the effort to design and build multi-generational homes for families all over Oahu. In fact, Graham Builders was the first home construction company in the state to have a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist on staff. Today, Graham Builders has three Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists to help families who want to care for their elders at home make the necessary changes to provide for their safety and mobility such as grab bars, wider hallways and doorways.
“Whether it’s modifying their current home or building a brand new one, our staff works closely with all family members to ensure that the end result is a home where they all can live for a lifetime,” said Evan Fujimoto, president of Graham Builders. “When designing multi-generational homes, we also take into consideration each family member’s personal space. While there are common areas throughout the home, we also design segregated living areas that are tailored to each family’s unique needs.”
With its three Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists, and more than two decades of home building experience, Graham Builders is a company that truly understands what modifications are needed to help homeowners stay in their homes as they get older.
Homeowners interested in learning more about multi-generational homes or the latest trends in design and renovation can visit Graham Builders’ booth at the 2014 BIA Home Building and Remodeling Show at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall Jan. 24 -26. In addition, on the final day of the show, Jan. 26, Graham Builders President Evan Fujimoto will be speaking on universal kitchen design with emphasis on aging-in-place from 12:15 to 1 p.m.
For those who cannot make it to the show, please attend Graham Builders’ free upcoming “Building Your Home for Life” seminar on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Honolulu Country Club. Seminars are free, but reservations are required. To register, visit www.grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808.
GRAHAM BUILDERS
contact // 593-2808
web // www.grahambuilders.com
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