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?