Fellowships at Green Mountain Ranch
"Green Mountain Ranch makes my heart sing."…
Elizabeth Brawley
(Author of "Designing for People with Alzheimer's Disease")
Find the answers to aging beautifully at Green Mountain
Ranch. A maximum of four invited design educators live the lifestyle for a week without charge,
balancing learning and relaxation with active recreation and healthful fine dining.
We will pick you up from the airport and drive you to Green
Mountain Ranch. After dinner, and a great night’s sleep, you will start your
first morning of training with Cynthia
Leibrock. We will spend our
afternoons hiking in Rocky Mtn. Natl. Park, biking, rock climbing, or fly
fishing for 20” German Browns in our lake, all included. Afterward, we will relax in our spa followed by another healthy gourmet dinner.
All meals are included, and we will even teach you some
healthy gourmet cooking techniques using a wok and steam oven. Plus you will have a chance to try out over two
hundred universally designed products.
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
Airport transportation to the ranch is included, but if you
want to rent a car, we can help you arrange an afternoon of rafting, riding, or
pheasant hunting. In the winter, we may
also consider cross country skiing or a mountain tour in a horse drawn
sleigh. After your week at Green
Mountain Ranch, we can also help you arrange a vacation at one of our many
Colorado ski resorts or mountain parks.
This is our lifestyle at Green Mountain Ranch, and my
husband and I would like to share it with you at our expense. For details on the fellowship and for reservations, email Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org or call Green Mountain Ranch at 970 484-4182.
Green Mountain Ranch: A Demonstration Project
The ranch features over 200 ideas installed to demonstrate the complementary aspects of green and
universal design. The project is proactive, using design elements to prevent injuries and to encourage a
lifestlye that leads to health and longevity. The house is visitable by wheelchairs users and
adaptable to tall and short users, to people with low vision and low hearing, to those who want to do rehab.
at home, and to those requiring a caregiver. All features are visually integrated, not advertising age or disability. More than half of these ideas cost less than $50 in remodeling or new construction.
Exterior Features
- Glass
garage and barn doors for extra light without extra energy use.
- Preheated
hot water from solar panels for the water heater, spa and radiant heating.
- Tankless water heater with timed recirculation to save energy.
- Four
greenhouses and a glassed-in patio to increase lighting levels.
Photo
Courtesy of Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org
- High ambient temperatures without increased cost (older people often need 78° ambient temperatures) primarily using four
passive solar greenhouses. Our energy costs for ten years averaged less than $70 per month.
- Insulation with high “R” values to prevent heat loss.
- All door and window seals pressure and infrared tested to prevent heat loss.
- The greenhouses were planned so we can grow our own fruits and vegetables year round.
- Thermal pane "E" glass to hold heat in.
- Beautiful views in DR, LR, Entry, Bath, Spa, Studio, and Master BR (beauty reduces stressful thoughts).
- Full walls of glass in these rooms to increase exposure to natural light.
- Snow stops on the roof to use snow for insulation value.
- Drive-up mail box
- Small lake stocked with German Brown Trout for healthy eating.
- Sidewalks not exceeding a 5% slope or a 2% side slope.
- Passenger loading zone with zero clearance, exterior route for people using mobility devices.
- Accessible route to all doors.
- Radon mitigation.
- Elevated planters for easy gardening.
- Built-in circular sofa with space for wheelchair users to join the conversation.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
Kitchen Electrical/Lighting/Mechanical
- High lighting levels without glare, up to 100 foot-candles.
- Hafele low voltage lighting saves energy.
www.hafele.com/us
- Hafele low voltage lights also improve visual acuity in cabinets.
www.hafele.com/us
- Hot water floor heating to keep heat low in the room for children, shorter people, and wheelchair users.
- Proliphix thermostat controlled by a laptop. It can be programmed to save energy.
www.proliphix.com/files/NT20eRev7.pdf
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- The Proliphix thermostat can be operated from the road, from a wheelchair, or from bed. This device can be used to pre-warm the house or turn down the thermostat from work. People with reduced circulation, quadriplegia for example, may have difficulty with extreme changes in temperature.
www.proliphix.com/files/NT20eRev7.pdf
- Automatic opener can be added to a door without clearances for wheelchair use.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
Kitchen Cabinets
- The cabinets are wall mounted 42" a.f.f. (above the finished floor) for ease of use by tall people. With a minor remodel, they can be lowered to 32" a.f.f. for shorter people or wheelchair users.
- 10" removable drawer in the kick space to lower the cabinets for wheelchair users.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Hafele self-closing drawers, eliminating protruding hazards.
www.hafele.com/us
- White interiors on cabinets for visual acuity and to reduce the need for lighting.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Hafele “C” grips on cabinets and drawers throughout the house.
www.hafele.com/us
- Bohlke FSC certified book-matched Santos rosewood.
mbveneer.com
- Hafele full drawer extensions for easy access.
www.hafele.com/us
- Heavy items stored low.
- Light weight and seldom used items stored high.
- Hafele pull down shelf.
www.hafele.com/us
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Hafele pull-out hangers for dish clothes.
www.hafele.com/us
- Hafele pull-out racks for easy reach.
www.hafele.com/us
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Hafele lazy susans to bring storage forward. Textured edges improve grip strength.
www.hafele.com/us
- Appliance garages at counter level to prevent lifting.
- Wine rack usable by people of all heights and abilities (red wine is healthy!)
Kitchen Counters and Floors
- Light colored Silestone counters and floors throughout to increase reflected light and save energy.
silestoneusa.com
- The counter splash forms a planter to grow fresh herbs for healthy cooking.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Low glare on all floors to prevent veiling reflections which are perceived as puddles of water (slipping hazards).
- Accessible route between the kitchen, garage, patio, two bedrooms, three baths, living room, and library. Adaptable route to all spaces.
- Staggered stud constructions to prevent noise transmission to other rooms.
- Zero clearance kitchen entries with less than 1/4" change of elevation throughout the accessible route. This prevents tripping.
- Sweeps on kitchen doors to eliminate the thresholds which are tripping hazards.
- Non-slip quartzite floor.
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
- Narrow level floor joints (for wheelchair users).
- Anti-microbial solid synthetic Silestone counters.
silestoneusa.com
- Low-glare Silestone counters in a neutral color.
silestoneusa.com
- The Silestone counters are made with 35% recycled material and are fabricated within 100 miles of the home to save energy.
silestoneusa.com
- Silestone counters all on one level for sliding heavy pans.
silestoneusa.com
- Fruit bowl/sink on the counter to encourage healthy eating (plumbed for washing fruit)
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
Kitchen Appliances and Fixtures
- Gaggenau refrigerator, 2 freezers, and pantry for storage to save trips and energy.
www.gaggenau.com
- Gaggenau column refrigerator and freezer offer storage space within reach of shorter people, children, and wheelchair users.
www.gaggenau.com
- Both doors swing away from the task area with Gaggenau column refrigerators and freezers.
www.gaggenau.com
- Shallow shelves in the refrigerator and freezer for easy reach.
www.gaggenau.com
- Backlighting in the Gaggenau refrigerator and see-through drawers to improve visual acuity.
www.gaggenau.com
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Gaggenau dual refrigeration to keep foods fresher.
www.gaggenau.com
- Gaggenau ice and water source usable from a wheelchair (the ice is enclosed to prevent absorption of food odors).
www.gaggenau.com
- Extra long Gaggenau "C" grips on appliances.
www.gaggenau.com
- Gaggenau espresso machine that makes steamed milk taste like cream.
www.gaggenau.com
- Hafele pop-up shelf usable from a wheelchair or from a standing position.
www.hafele.com/us
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Gaggenau appliances to encourage healthy cooking, including:
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Energy saving induction “Weil by Dansk” cookware.
http://www.lenox.com/
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Stay-cool handles to prevent burns and rolled edges to prevent spills by the Weil by Dansk cookware.
http://www.lenox.com/
- Some glass cookware to improve visual control from a seated position.
- Universal kitchen utensils (can de-crimper, spatula, peeler, pastry brush).
- Contoure microwave with opening code to prevent use by children and people with dementia.
www.contoure.com/Products/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=25&idproduct=50
Photo Courtesy of Contoure.com
- Kohler hot water dispenser for sterilizing.
www.kohler.com
- The Kohler hot water dispenser saves water and uses less energy than a 40 watt light bulb.
www.kohler.com
- Three Kohler faucets for counter top fill (pot filler, goose neck faucet, and retractable spray). These faucets eliminate the need to lift heavy pans of water out of the sinks.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=322602§ion=1&category=4&subcategory=32
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Kohler controls usable with one hand.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=467902§ion=1&category=4&subcategory=32
- Reachable controls between 18” a.f.f. and 48” a.f.f. (outlets, switches, Gaggenau dishwasher and downdraft fan controls, etc).
www.gaggenau.com
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Kohler fascia-mounted drain controls.
www.kohler.com
- Kohler in-sink cutting board made of renewable bamboo.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=8092402§ion=1&category=5&subcategory=36
- Gaggenau magnetic induction cook top (for sliding heavy pans and to prevent burns) with front mounted redundantly cued child-proof controls.
www.gaggenau.com
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Gaggenau magnetic induction systems optimize use of energy for cooking.
www.gaggenau.com
- Gaggenau side-hinged oven with door/breadboard below for wheelchair users.
www.gaggenau.com
Photo Courtesy of Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org
- Hafele fold-down seat in garage entry (for changing shoes without reducing access).
www.hafele.com/us
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
Laundry Room
- Recycling bins and composter (eliminating the need for a garbage disposal).
- Adaptable closet space for an accessible washer and dryer.
- Elevated water-saving washer and elevated dryer with front-mounted controls.
http://www.boschappliances.com/appliances-laundry_washers_Nexxt.html
http://www.boschappliances.com/appliances-laundry_dryers_Nexxt.html
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
Dining Room
- Outlets for platform lifts in the DR, spa, and one guest room.
- Removable step to accommodate the platform lift.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Computer monitors in the DR, spa and LR (for increased text size and training).
- Clearstory windows to add extra light without extra cost.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Loft in dining room wired for lift.
- Ponte Giulio grab bar at entrance to loft.
Ponte Giulio
- Remote control on fireplace.
- Gas fireplace in the dining room as an additional heat source for older people who need high ambient temperatures.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- CO2 detectors wherever gas is used.
- Custom dining room table with a patented gate leg design. The dining room table can be expanded to train up to 14 guests or reduced in size to a 2' width to clear the space for wheelchair users.
- Slip resistant wood floors.
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
Front Entry
- Accents in Water fountain for the relaxing sound of running water to reduce stress.
accentsinwater.com/floor.html
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Aiphone video intercom which shows images of the visitor throughout the house and records visitors while we are gone. We have a sophisticated security system because security is the number one issue for older people.
Aiphone.com
Photo Courtesy of Aiphone.com
- Hafele deadbolts on inner and outer doors for security in the entry, garage, and back patio.
www.hafele.com/us
- LED tread lights on all stairs for safety.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- LED lighting saves energy.
- Mortise system on front entry to eliminate the threshold which is a tripping hazard.
- Skylights to add extra light without extra cost.
- Extensions on the handrails where possible.
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
- Covered exterior entrance with slip resistant slate.
- Hafele lock set that disengages both the dead bolt and the door latch in one motion with one hand.
- Walls of glass and mirror to increase light levels without energy use.
Back Entry
- Glass walls and ceiling to improve visual acuity.
- Recessed area rug.
- Grill in the fireplace for year round healthy cooking.
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
Living Room
- Walls of glass to increase light levels without energy use.
- EPA approved wood-burning fireplace as a heat source (raised for easy access).
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Self starting fireplace (gas under wood).
- Wood storage with touch controls.
- Frederick Cooper lamps with pressure switches.
http://frederickcooper.com/
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Karastan biodegradable wool carpet in the living room.
Karastan.com
- Karastan carpet prevents slipping. Soft surfaces also prevent injuries when falls occur.
Karastan.com
- Karastan carpet also absorbs 70% of the ambient noise in the space to improve hearing.
Karastan.com
- Arms well forward on chairs.
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
- Biodegradable wall texture.
- Wall texture offers traction when leaning on the wall to prevent slip and fall.
Installation by www.lundgrenco.com
- Wall texture and quilted shades absorb more than 50% of ambient noise in the space.
- Full visual access to the kitchen, living room, and dining room for reading lips and body language.
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Hunter Douglas insulating shades to save energy.
www.hunterdouglas.com/our-products-detail.jsp?id=53
- Hunter Douglas shades are light weight and easy to use. They also improve ambient temperatures for people with reduced circulation.
www.hunterdouglas.com/our-products-detail.jsp?id=53
- High contrast between the seating, floor, and walls.
- High contrast rocker switches.
- Touch latches on fireplace.
- Corner guards to prevent damage from the wheelchair.
- Smoke detectors throughout the house.
- Speakers throughout the house for soothing music to reduce stress.
Library
- Offset pivot hinge on door to library.
- Large print books in the library.
- Handrails at two heights.
- Guardrail to prevent falls.
- Evaporative cooler (instead of an air conditioner) to save energy.
- Recessed area rug to prevent tripping.
- Phone chime to reduce stress.
- Slp resistant wood floors.
- Walls of glass to increase light levels without energy use.
Spa
- Plants throughout to remove contaminants and increase oxygen levels.
- Weights, elliptical, and wind trainer in a beautiful space (not hidden in the basement). This encourages exercise.
- Slip resistant oil finish on redwood floors.
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
- Ponte Giulio vertical grab bar at spa entry.
Ponte Giulio
- Spa pre-heated with solar panels.
- Karastan wool carpet throughout which biodegrades more easily than synthetics.
Karastan.com
- Thermal mass in the greenhouses to store heat during the day and release it at night.
- Reversible ceiling fans to cool in the summer and bring the heat down in the winter.
- Walls of glass to increase light levels without energy use.
Bathroom Accommodating Reduced Ambulatory Mobility
- Reinforcement for recessed track.
- Recessed track with removable plate on one end to add the lift if needed.
http://www.guldmann.net/
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
- Guldmann ceiling lift between the bathtub and toilet. (This is actually fun to use).
www.guldmann.net/
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Kohler chromatherapy bathtub for relaxation.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=7722602§ion=2&category=10&subcategory=58
- FSC certified maple floor with slip-resistant finish.
- Kohler water-saving toilet with no tank.
www.kohler.com
- Kohler "comfort" height toilet is easily used by tall people, wheelchair users, or older people with reduced upper body strength.
www.kohler.com
- Built-in seat in the Kohler aromatherapy steam shower.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=11046902§ion=2&category=12&subcategory=124
Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
- Soap dispenser (to prevent a fall from retrieving bar soap from the floor).
- Hafele vertical and horizontal shower grab bars.
www.hafele.com/us
- Hafele fold-down grab bar supports hidden behind removable tile. Just pull out the tile (attached by magnets) and set the grab bar in place. No tools, screws or bolts are necessary.
www.hafele.com/us
Photos Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Walls of glass and mirror to increase light levels without energy use.
- Kohler bathroom cabinets wall mounted at 42” a.f.f. to reduce bending. Because they are wall mounted, they can be lowered at a future date (for shorter people and wheelchair users).
www.kohler.com
- Space heater for extra warmth with lever control.
- Recessed area rug.
Den
- Frederick Cooper lamps wired to rocker wall switches.
http://frederickcooper.com/
- Hafele levers on all doors throughout the house.
www.hafele.com/us
- Zoned heating on thermostats.
- Hafele Murphy beds at the height of a wheelchair user. The house accommodates four guests with double occupancy.
www.hafele.com/us
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Columbia FSC certified birds-eye and quarter-sawn maple paneling.
www.ColumbiaForestProducts.com
- Formaldehyde-free plywood used throughout the house.
www.ColumbiaForestProducts.com
- Wi-Fi (so people of all abilities can use laptops anywhere without cords).
- Wireless-assisted listening headsets to increase volume.
- Hafele pull-out keyboard and utility tray for seated users unable to use a laptop.
www.hafele.com/us
- Non-slip oil finish on floor.
- Taped-down area rug.
- FSC certified maple floor in the den and dining room.
www.ColumbiaForestProducts.com
- Closet with clothing storage for both standing and seated users.
Gurney Accessible Bathroom
- Movable wall for shower gurney access.
www.lundgrenco.com
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Kohler vanity remodeled to clear the space for wheelchair users.
www.kohler.com
Photos Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com
- Wall mounted “P” trap for the sink (to clear the knee space) with horizontal pipe and extra insulation.
- Kohler hand-held shower.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10172302§ion=2&&category=8&&subcategory=50
- Kohler 6' hose (easier to use from a wheelchair).
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10172302§ion=2&&category=8&&subcategory=50
- Kohler shower heads at four different heights which can be used individually to improve access or pulsed for a water massage.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10172302§ion=2&&category=8&&subcategory=50
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Kohler grab bars around the rolling shower.
- Kohler elongated standard height toilet in the shower for use as a seat or to use with a shower wheelchair for clean up after bowel/bladder program.
www.kohler.com
- Moveable storage under the sink.
- All bathroom walls have ¾” plywood reinforcement for safe attachment of grab bars, towel bars, etc.
- Slip-resistant tile (.6 CFR wet and dry) with multiple grout lines for traction.
- Floor tile installed at a 2% slope for drainage.
- Flexible threshold for easy use from a wheelchair.
- Full length shower curtain with chain weights to help hold the water in.
- Kohler pressure reducing mix valves to prevent surges of hot water.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10454002§ion=2&category=12&subcategory=126
Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com
- Kohler temperature read-out on shower control to prevent scalding.
www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10454002§ion=2&category=12&subcategory=126
- Covered toilet tissue holder to protect the tissue from the hand-held shower spray.
- Night light behind the mirror and recessed in the skylights.
Master Bedroom
- Cross ventilation for fresh air while sleeping.
- Touch controls on all cabinets and drawers (no knobs).
- Touch controls on lamps.
- Touch controls on automatic shades.
- Telephone which amplifies high frequencies (lost by many older people).
- Pull-down upper closet rods to improve reach.
- Accessible lower clothing rods.
- Hafele Ironing board in a drawer for easy access.
www.hafele.com/us
- Laundry storage under the bed with touch controls.
- HEPA air filter to prevent allergies.
- Elevated bed for easy entry.
- Hot water heat (replacing electric baseboard with carbonizes dust).
- Computerized lighting and shade controls to reset circadian rhythm.
- Carpet to increase mean gate speed, step length, and walking confidence. Carpet also prevents slip and falls and cusions the blow if a fall occurs.
- Quilted fabric wall (and carpet) to absorb ambient noise.
- Duvet cover (to make the bed with one hand).
- Ceiling reinforcement for a lift.
- Opening in the door frame to accomodate a future lift.
- Fire egress hidden in quilted wall.
- Wall of glass and mirror to increase light levels (without extra energy use).
Master Bath
- Unglazed ceramic mosaic tile for slip resistance.
- Sink adaptable to a seated position.
- Reinforcement for ceiling lift from the bed to the bathtub and toilet.
- Grab bars which double as towel bars.
- Handles on the bathtub for easy entrance and exit.
- Water saving toilet with touch controls.
- Universal faucet.
- Zenon lighting behind frosted mirror to control glare.
- Radiant heat in the floor.
- Quiet fan to reduce ambient noise.
Other Features in Progress
- Shades in the dining room to reduce contrast glare.
- Moveable cabinets in the guest bedroom.
- Moveable stairs for transfer into the spa from a wheelchair.
- Fold-down blockers on all sliding doors for increased security.
- Solar-powered automatic driveway gate for security.
- Water pumped by a windmill for watering and fire mitigation.
- Solar lighting.
- Solar voltaic panels, perhaps charging an electric car.
- Use of wind power to generate hydrogen to supplement or replace propane.
- Slip resistant granite on all sidewalks.
Email us for a free tour. Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org