Take a Tour of Our 'Lifelong' Home

Posted on 01/05/24

As Sharon and Howard Johnson designed and built their "lifelong home," they realized they were so passionate about the idea of aging in place, they wanted to introduce it to others. They became Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) and founded a nonprofit to spread the word about the advantages of building homes for people of all ages and abilities. 

Scroll down to see pictures of their home, and learn about the design decisions that make it both attractive and suitable for all.

Come On In and Take a Look

After lots of research about how and where to live, we bought a lot in Twin Creeks, a walkable, transit-oriented development in Central Point, a city in Oregon's Rogue Valley. Our custom-built abode is a "lifelong housing certified" home.

spinner image Front Door And Front Of House showing the Lawn in Oregon
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

One-Story Living

We worked with W.L. Moore, Inc., a local builder, to create our 2,265-square-foot, single-story house, which features a master bedroom suite, two full baths and a multi-use "great room." Three additional rooms can be used as a bedroom, a home office or den.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, one story
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

The Entrance

The threshold of our home's no-step entry is less than a half-inch high. That, and the 36" wide doorway, makes the house easily accessible for a wheelchair or a stroller. Wide halls (at right) and an open floor plan allow for easy mobility inside.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, entrance
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

The Great Room: View #1

The main area of our home is divided into activity areas including the kitchen, two dining areas, a conversation corner centered on a fireplace (not shown) and a “library, game, music” niche.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, great room
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

The Great Room: View #2

In addition to natural light from a solar tube above the cooking area, the kitchen features recessed, accent and task lighting. Windows throughout our house are wide and lower to the floor for increased visibility to the outdoors. This photo shows our dining areas.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, great room
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

The Kitchen

Our open kitchen features products and design elements that are Americans with Disability Act compliant, including a gas range with controls at the front so we aren't reaching over hot pots. There's a 5-foot turning radius between the island and the range.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, kitchen
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

Easy-Access Cabinetry

Kitchen drawers are easier to reach, see into and organize than lower-level cabinets. These drawers are strong enough to hold heavy pots and pans, dishes, platters and more.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, cabinetry
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

Island Life

A fold-down surface at one end of the kitchen island sits at a useful height for wheelchair users or small children. Hiding the trash cans within the island keeps them in a handy, yet out of the way, spot.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, island
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

Useful Storage and Utilities

The kitchen pantry has a wide door and plenty of reachable shelves. The raised, front-loading washer and dryer are easy to access. A motion sensor provides hands-free lighting.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, storage utilities
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

The Master Bedroom

The bedroom fits a king size bed without limiting mobility. Electrical outlets throughout the home are 22" above the floor for easier access (the standard is 12" to 18"). Light switches are "rocker" style, which are easier to use.

spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, bedroom
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

The Shower

The tiled master bath shower has a no-step entry and is private, even though it has no curtain or door. The shower contains a grab bar and dual showerhead with a hand-held spray. The space is roomy enough for a shower seat if one is needed.

spinner image

As Sharon and Howard Johnson designed and built their "lifelong home," they realized they were so passionate about the idea of aging in place, they wanted to introduce it to others. They became Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) and founded a nonprofit to spread the word about the advantages of building homes for people of all ages and abilities. 

Scroll down to see pictures of their home, and learn about the design decisions that make it both attractive and suitable for all.

spinner image Front Door And Front Of House showing the Lawn in Oregon
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, one story
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, entrance
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, great room
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, great room
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, kitchen
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, cabinetry
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, island
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, storage utilities
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON
spinner image Take a Tour of Our Lifelong Home, bedroom
PHOTO COURTESY SHARON AND HOWARD JOHNSON

This article originally appeared on AARP.org in January 2024

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