Families & Housing
Families come in many forms:
Each form has special housing needs
Nuclear
• Includes a mother, father, and one or more children
Nuclear Family Housing Needs
• Fewer Nuclear families exist in our society today in the USA resulting in a need for single unit homes
• Bedrooms for children
• Outdoor space for play
Single-Parent Family
• Includes one parent and one or more children
• Most single-parent homes are led by mothers
Single-Parent Housing Needs
• Housing is smaller and should be more affordable
• Housing should be easy to care and maintain
Extended Family
• Includes relatives in addition to mother, father, and children; for example, grandparents or aunts and uncles
Extended Family Housing
• Housing needs to be larger with space for privacy, some have attached units referred to as “Granny Suites”
• Rooms may have to be shared
• More adults to share with the childrearing and household chores
Blended or Stepfamily
• Includes parents with children from former marriages and relationships
Blended Families Housing Needs
• Two parents to share with the childrearing and household chores
• Housing needs to be larger with more bedrooms
• Members may have to share space
Single Person Household
• Adults that live alone or with roommates
Single Person Housing Needs
• Small affordable housing such as apartments
• Easy care and maintenance
Life Cycles and Housing Needs
• As you move from one stage of a life cycle to another, your housing needs change.
Beginning Stage
• The couple is without children and make adjustments to married life and establish and home of their own.
Childbearing Stage
• With the addition of children comes the need for additional bedrooms, perhaps more bathrooms, and more space in commonly used areas such as the kitchen.
Launching Stage
• When children leave they take many of their belongings with them which leaves more space for the rest of the family.
Empty Nest or Midyears Stage
• When all the children have gone, parents may feel they have too much space. They may want a change of scenery or a smaller home.
Aging Stage
May not be able to afford their housing on retirement income or able to care and maintain their home.
• May need “assisted living” with meals and care provided.
• Many older adults move in with other family members.
Universal Design
• Makes housing convenient, safe, and comfortable for persons of all ages, physical characteristics, and abilities.
• Examples: level entrances, wide doorways, grab bars in tubs or shower, knee space under sink and cooktop, lever type controls and handles.
Universal Design
• What steps would you have to take to make your home meet the needs of Universal Design?
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