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Exploring Independent Living: Designing a Home to Meet Your Needs

by Sharon Drager

146 pages; Black coil; illustrated; catalogue #04-2260; ISBN 1-4120-4452-9; US$23.95, C$30.00, EUR19.50, £13.51

Senior citizens, disabled persons, caregivers and contractors: this book will ensure safety, accessability and peace of mind -- refine your home and living environment to maintain independence.

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About the Book      About the Author      Excerpts      Catalogue Information

About the Book

This book is intended to delay or avoid assisted living centers and nursing homes for the disabled and senior citizens. I have reviewed every aspect of an American home. We are doing a woeful job of preparing houses for our senior citizens and disabled individuals. This book includes construction and remodel concepts specifically designed to aid in safety and independence.

The concepts are outlined in significant detail in writing and enhanced by illustrations for visual clarity. The illustrations are both computer generated and hand drawn by an excellent illustrator.

The chapters are designed to define construction and remodel categories. For instance, there are chapters on site selection, electricity, kitchens, baths, plumbing, garages and many others.

The book is in a workbook kind or format including detailed checklists, wide margins for notes and illustrations that can be easily adapted for the reader's specific needs.

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About the Author

Sharon started her construction learning by working in the family business. She was born and raised in a small town in Texas. In those remote areas, contractors had to be capable of performing all skills required in home building.

After college, she joined the Peace Corp and was assigned to the Philippines as a teacher trainer in Math. Sharon began a secondary project building facilities to promote egg and chicken production.

Sharon also worked for the University of Delaware in charge of residence halls as a residence director. Among her responsibilities, she was responsible for facility maintenance and direction.

She also served as Assistant Dean of Students and Dean of Women for LeHigh University.

Sharon has been involved in the construction arena for the past 20 years. She was the owner of remodeling and custom home building businesses as well as working with other builders.

Sharon's long term interest in aging and aging studies began at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Her passion and concern for the needs of senior citizens and disabled individuals in their efforts to maintain independent living fueled the completion of this book.

Her research at Virginia Commonwealth University in conjunction with her lifelong involvement in construction and her commitment to senior citizens and the disabled has given her a unique understanding of the housing needs of both populations. Her experience in "hands-on" construction has provided a unique approach to planning and building houses and environments that will service senior and handicapped individuals and ensure that independent living is a reality.

Visit Sharon Drager's website at: www.sharondrager.com

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Excerpts

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Catalogue Information

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