Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com

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

  1. Glass garage and barn doors for extra light without extra energy use.
  2. Preheated hot water from solar panels for the water heater, spa and radiant heating.
  3. Tankless water heater with timed recirculation to save energy.
  4. Four greenhouses and a glassed-in patio to increase lighting levels.

  5. Photo Courtesy of Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org


  6. 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.
  7. Insulation with high “R” values to prevent heat loss.
  8. All door and window seals pressure and infrared tested to prevent heat loss.
  9. The greenhouses were planned so we can grow our own fruits and vegetables year round.
  10. Thermal pane "E" glass to hold heat in.
  11. Beautiful views in DR, LR, Entry, Bath, Spa, Studio, and Master BR (beauty reduces stressful thoughts).
  12. Full walls of glass in these rooms to increase exposure to natural light.
  13. Snow stops on the roof to use snow for insulation value.
  14. Drive-up mail box
  15. Small lake stocked with German Brown Trout for healthy eating.
  16. Sidewalks not exceeding a 5% slope or a 2% side slope.
  17. Passenger loading zone with zero clearance, exterior route for people using mobility devices.
  18. Accessible route to all doors.
  19. Radon mitigation.
  20. Elevated planters for easy gardening.
  21. Built-in circular sofa with space for wheelchair users to join the conversation.


    Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com

  22. Kitchen Electrical/Lighting/Mechanical

  23. High lighting levels without glare, up to 100 foot-candles.
  24. Hafele low voltage lighting saves energy.
    www.hafele.com/us
  25. Hafele low voltage lights also improve visual acuity in cabinets.
    www.hafele.com/us
  26. Hot water floor heating to keep heat low in the room for children, shorter people, and wheelchair users.
  27. Proliphix thermostat controlled by a laptop. It can be programmed to save energy.
    www.proliphix.com/files/NT20eRev7.pdf

  28. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  29. 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
  30. Automatic opener can be added to a door without clearances for wheelchair use.


    Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com

  31. Kitchen Cabinets

  32. 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.
  33. 10" removable drawer in the kick space to lower the cabinets for wheelchair users.

  34. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  35. Hafele self-closing drawers, eliminating protruding hazards.
    www.hafele.com/us
  36. White interiors on cabinets for visual acuity and to reduce the need for lighting.

  37. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  38. Hafele “C” grips on cabinets and drawers throughout the house.
    www.hafele.com/us
  39. Bohlke FSC certified book-matched Santos rosewood.
    mbveneer.com
  40. Hafele full drawer extensions for easy access.
    www.hafele.com/us
  41. Heavy items stored low.
  42. Light weight and seldom used items stored high.
  43. Hafele pull down shelf.
    www.hafele.com/us

  44. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  45. Hafele pull-out hangers for dish clothes.
    www.hafele.com/us
  46. Hafele pull-out racks for easy reach.
    www.hafele.com/us

  47. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  48. Hafele lazy susans to bring storage forward. Textured edges improve grip strength.
    www.hafele.com/us
  49. Appliance garages at counter level to prevent lifting.
  50. Wine rack usable by people of all heights and abilities (red wine is healthy!)

  51. Kitchen Counters and Floors

  52. Light colored Silestone counters and floors throughout to increase reflected light and save energy.
    silestoneusa.com
  53. The counter splash forms a planter to grow fresh herbs for healthy cooking.

  54. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  55. Low glare on all floors to prevent veiling reflections which are perceived as puddles of water (slipping hazards).
  56. Accessible route between the kitchen, garage, patio, two bedrooms, three baths, living room, and library. Adaptable route to all spaces.
  57. Staggered stud constructions to prevent noise transmission to other rooms.
  58. Zero clearance kitchen entries with less than 1/4" change of elevation throughout the accessible route. This prevents tripping.
  59. Sweeps on kitchen doors to eliminate the thresholds which are tripping hazards.
  60. Non-slip quartzite floor.

  61. Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


  62. Narrow level floor joints (for wheelchair users).
  63. Anti-microbial solid synthetic Silestone counters.
    silestoneusa.com
  64. Low-glare Silestone counters in a neutral color.
    silestoneusa.com
  65. The Silestone counters are made with 35% recycled material and are fabricated within 100 miles of the home to save energy.
    silestoneusa.com
  66. Silestone counters all on one level for sliding heavy pans.
    silestoneusa.com
  67. Fruit bowl/sink on the counter to encourage healthy eating (plumbed for washing fruit)

  68. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


    Kitchen Appliances and Fixtures

  69. Gaggenau refrigerator, 2 freezers, and pantry for storage to save trips and energy.
    www.gaggenau.com
  70. Gaggenau column refrigerator and freezer offer storage space within reach of shorter people, children, and wheelchair users.
    www.gaggenau.com
  71. Both doors swing away from the task area with Gaggenau column refrigerators and freezers.
    www.gaggenau.com
  72. Shallow shelves in the refrigerator and freezer for easy reach.
    www.gaggenau.com
  73. Backlighting in the Gaggenau refrigerator and see-through drawers to improve visual acuity.
    www.gaggenau.com

  74. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  75. Gaggenau dual refrigeration to keep foods fresher.
    www.gaggenau.com
  76. Gaggenau ice and water source usable from a wheelchair (the ice is enclosed to prevent absorption of food odors).
    www.gaggenau.com
  77. Extra long Gaggenau "C" grips on appliances.
    www.gaggenau.com
  78. Gaggenau espresso machine that makes steamed milk taste like cream.
    www.gaggenau.com
  79. Hafele pop-up shelf usable from a wheelchair or from a standing position.
    www.hafele.com/us

  80. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  81. Gaggenau appliances to encourage healthy cooking, including:

  82. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  83. Energy saving induction “Weil by Dansk” cookware.
    http://www.lenox.com/

  84. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  85. Stay-cool handles to prevent burns and rolled edges to prevent spills by the Weil by Dansk cookware.
    http://www.lenox.com/
  86. Some glass cookware to improve visual control from a seated position.
  87. Universal kitchen utensils (can de-crimper, spatula, peeler, pastry brush).
  88. 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

  89. Photo Courtesy of Contoure.com


  90. Kohler hot water dispenser for sterilizing.
    www.kohler.com
  91. The Kohler hot water dispenser saves water and uses less energy than a 40 watt light bulb.
    www.kohler.com
  92. 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&section=1&category=4&subcategory=32

  93. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  94. Kohler controls usable with one hand.
    www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=467902&section=1&category=4&subcategory=32
  95. Reachable controls between 18” a.f.f. and 48” a.f.f. (outlets, switches, Gaggenau dishwasher and downdraft fan controls, etc).
    www.gaggenau.com

  96. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  97. Kohler fascia-mounted drain controls.
    www.kohler.com
  98. Kohler in-sink cutting board made of renewable bamboo.
    www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=8092402&section=1&category=5&subcategory=36
  99. Gaggenau magnetic induction cook top (for sliding heavy pans and to prevent burns) with front mounted redundantly cued child-proof controls.
    www.gaggenau.com

  100. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  101. Gaggenau magnetic induction systems optimize use of energy for cooking.
    www.gaggenau.com
  102. Gaggenau side-hinged oven with door/breadboard below for wheelchair users.
    www.gaggenau.com

  103. Photo Courtesy of Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org


  104. Hafele fold-down seat in garage entry (for changing shoes without reducing access).
    www.hafele.com/us

  105. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


    Laundry Room

  106. Recycling bins and composter (eliminating the need for a garbage disposal).
  107. Adaptable closet space for an accessible washer and dryer.
  108. 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

  109. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


    Dining Room

  110. Outlets for platform lifts in the DR, spa, and one guest room.
  111. Removable step to accommodate the platform lift.

  112. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  113. Computer monitors in the DR, spa and LR (for increased text size and training).
  114. Clearstory windows to add extra light without extra cost.

  115. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  116. Loft in dining room wired for lift.
  117. Ponte Giulio grab bar at entrance to loft.
    Ponte Giulio
  118. Remote control on fireplace.
  119. Gas fireplace in the dining room as an additional heat source for older people who need high ambient temperatures.

  120. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  121. CO2 detectors wherever gas is used.
  122. 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.
  123. Slip resistant wood floors.

  124. Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


    Front Entry

  125. Accents in Water fountain for the relaxing sound of running water to reduce stress.
    accentsinwater.com/floor.html

  126. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  127. 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

  128. Photo Courtesy of Aiphone.com


  129. Hafele deadbolts on inner and outer doors for security in the entry, garage, and back patio.
    www.hafele.com/us
  130. LED tread lights on all stairs for safety.

  131. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  132. LED lighting saves energy.
  133. Mortise system on front entry to eliminate the threshold which is a tripping hazard.
  134. Skylights to add extra light without extra cost.
  135. Extensions on the handrails where possible.

  136. Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


  137. Covered exterior entrance with slip resistant slate. 
  138. Hafele lock set that disengages both the dead bolt and the door latch in one motion with one hand.
  139. Walls of glass and mirror to increase light levels without energy use.

  140. Back Entry

  141. Glass walls and ceiling to improve visual acuity.
  142. Recessed area rug.
  143. Grill in the fireplace for year round healthy cooking.

  144. Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


    Living Room

  145. Walls of glass to increase light levels without energy use.
  146. EPA approved wood-burning fireplace as a heat source (raised for easy access).

  147. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  148. Self starting fireplace (gas under wood).
  149. Wood storage with touch controls.
  150. Frederick Cooper lamps with pressure switches.
    http://frederickcooper.com/

  151. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  152. Karastan biodegradable wool carpet in the living room.
    Karastan.com
  153. Karastan carpet prevents slipping. Soft surfaces also prevent injuries when falls occur.
    Karastan.com
  154. Karastan carpet also absorbs 70% of the ambient noise in the space to improve hearing.
    Karastan.com
  155. Arms well forward on chairs.

  156. Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


  157. Biodegradable wall texture.
  158. Wall texture offers traction when leaning on the wall to prevent slip and fall.
    Installation by www.lundgrenco.com
  159. Wall texture and quilted shades absorb more than 50% of ambient noise in the space.
  160. Full visual access to the kitchen, living room, and dining room for reading lips and body language.

  161. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  162. Hunter Douglas insulating shades to save energy.
    www.hunterdouglas.com/our-products-detail.jsp?id=53
  163. 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
  164. High contrast between the seating, floor, and walls.
  165. High contrast rocker switches.
  166. Touch latches on fireplace.
  167. Corner guards to prevent damage from the wheelchair.
  168. Smoke detectors throughout the house.
  169. Speakers throughout the house for soothing music to reduce stress.

  170. Library

  171. Offset pivot hinge on door to library.
  172. Large print books in the library.
  173. Handrails at two heights.
  174. Guardrail to prevent falls.
  175. Evaporative cooler (instead of an air conditioner) to save energy.
  176. Recessed area rug to prevent tripping.
  177. Phone chime to reduce stress.
  178. Slp resistant wood floors.
  179. Walls of glass to increase light levels without energy use.

  180. Spa

  181. Plants throughout to remove contaminants and increase oxygen levels.
  182. Weights, elliptical, and wind trainer in a beautiful space (not hidden in the basement). This encourages exercise.
  183. Slip resistant oil finish on redwood floors.

  184. Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


  185. Ponte Giulio vertical grab bar at spa entry.
    Ponte Giulio
  186. Spa pre-heated with solar panels.
  187. Karastan wool carpet throughout which biodegrades more easily than synthetics.
    Karastan.com
  188. Thermal mass in the greenhouses to store heat during the day and release it at night.
  189. Reversible ceiling fans to cool in the summer and bring the heat down in the winter.
  190. Walls of glass to increase light levels without energy use.

  191. Bathroom Accommodating Reduced Ambulatory Mobility

  192. Reinforcement for recessed track.
  193. Recessed track with removable plate on one end to add the lift if needed.
    http://www.guldmann.net/

  194. Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


  195. Guldmann ceiling lift between the bathtub and toilet. (This is actually fun to use).
    www.guldmann.net/

  196. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  197. Kohler chromatherapy bathtub for relaxation.
    www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=7722602&section=2&category=10&subcategory=58
  198. FSC certified maple floor with slip-resistant finish.
  199. Kohler water-saving toilet with no tank.
    www.kohler.com
  200. Kohler "comfort" height toilet is easily used by tall people, wheelchair users, or older people with reduced upper body strength.
    www.kohler.com
  201. Built-in seat in the Kohler aromatherapy steam shower.
    www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=11046902&section=2&category=12&subcategory=124

  202. Photo Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


  203. Soap dispenser (to prevent a fall from retrieving bar soap from the floor).
  204. Hafele vertical and horizontal shower grab bars.
    www.hafele.com/us
  205. 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
  206.  

     
    Photos Courtesy of Kohler.com


  207. Walls of glass and mirror to increase light levels without energy use.
  208. 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
  209. Space heater for extra warmth with lever control.
  210. Recessed area rug.

  211. Den

  212. Frederick Cooper lamps wired to rocker wall switches.
    http://frederickcooper.com/
  213. Hafele levers on all doors throughout the house.
    www.hafele.com/us
  214. Zoned heating on thermostats.
  215. Hafele Murphy beds at the height of a wheelchair user. The house accommodates four guests with double occupancy.
    www.hafele.com/us

  216. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  217. Columbia FSC certified birds-eye and quarter-sawn maple paneling.
    www.ColumbiaForestProducts.com
  218. Formaldehyde-free plywood used throughout the house.
    www.ColumbiaForestProducts.com
  219. Wi-Fi (so people of all abilities can use laptops anywhere without cords).
  220. Wireless-assisted listening headsets to increase volume.
  221. Hafele pull-out keyboard and utility tray for seated users unable to use a laptop.
    www.hafele.com/us
  222. Non-slip oil finish on floor.
  223. Taped-down area rug.
  224. FSC certified maple floor in the den and dining room.
    www.ColumbiaForestProducts.com
  225. Closet with clothing storage for both standing and seated users.

  226. Gurney Accessible Bathroom

  227. Movable wall for shower gurney access.
    www.lundgrenco.com

  228. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  229. Kohler vanity remodeled to clear the space for wheelchair users.
    www.kohler.com
  230.  
    Photos Courtesy of docktorpaul@mac.com


  231. Wall mounted “P” trap for the sink (to clear the knee space) with horizontal pipe and extra insulation.
  232. Kohler hand-held shower.
    www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10172302&section=2&&category=8&&subcategory=50
  233. Kohler 6' hose (easier to use from a wheelchair).
    www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10172302&section=2&&category=8&&subcategory=50
  234. 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&section=2&&category=8&&subcategory=50

  235. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  236. Kohler grab bars around the rolling shower.
  237. 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
  238. Moveable storage under the sink.
  239. All bathroom walls have ¾” plywood reinforcement for safe attachment of grab bars, towel bars, etc.
  240. Slip-resistant tile (.6 CFR wet and dry) with multiple grout lines for traction.
  241. Floor tile installed at a 2% slope for drainage.
  242. Flexible threshold for easy use from a wheelchair.
  243. Full length shower curtain with chain weights to help hold the water in.
  244. Kohler pressure reducing mix valves to prevent surges of hot water.
    www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10454002&section=2&category=12&subcategory=126

  245. Photo Courtesy of Kohler.com


  246. Kohler temperature read-out on shower control to prevent scalding.
    www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10454002&section=2&category=12&subcategory=126
  247. Covered toilet tissue holder to protect the tissue from the hand-held shower spray.
  248. Night light behind the mirror and recessed in the skylights.

  249. Master Bedroom

  250. Cross ventilation for fresh air while sleeping.
  251. Touch controls on all cabinets and drawers (no knobs).
  252. Touch controls on lamps.
  253. Touch controls on automatic shades.
  254. Telephone which amplifies high frequencies (lost by many older people).
  255. Pull-down upper closet rods to improve reach.
  256. Accessible lower clothing rods.
  257. Hafele Ironing board in a drawer for easy access.
    www.hafele.com/us
  258. Laundry storage under the bed with touch controls.
  259. HEPA air filter to prevent allergies.
  260. Elevated bed for easy entry.
  261. Hot water heat (replacing electric baseboard with carbonizes dust).
  262. Computerized lighting and shade controls to reset circadian rhythm.

  263. 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.
  264. Quilted fabric wall (and carpet) to absorb ambient noise.
  265. Duvet cover (to make the bed with one hand).
  266. Ceiling reinforcement for a lift.
  267. Opening in the door frame to accomodate a future lift.
  268. Fire egress hidden in quilted wall.
  269. Wall of glass and mirror to increase light levels (without extra energy use).

  270. Master Bath

  271. Unglazed ceramic mosaic tile for slip resistance.
  272. Sink adaptable to a seated position.
  273. Reinforcement for ceiling lift from the bed to the bathtub and toilet.
  274. Grab bars which double as towel bars.
  275. Handles on the bathtub for easy entrance and exit.
  276. Water saving toilet with touch controls.
  277. Universal faucet.
  278. Zenon lighting behind frosted mirror to control glare.
  279. Radiant heat in the floor.
  280. Quiet fan to reduce ambient noise.

  281. Other Features in Progress

  282. Shades in the dining room to reduce contrast glare.
  283. Moveable cabinets in the guest bedroom.
  284. Moveable stairs for transfer into the spa from a wheelchair.
  285. Fold-down blockers on all sliding doors for increased security.
  286. Solar-powered automatic driveway gate for security.
  287. Water pumped by a windmill for watering and fire mitigation.
  288. Solar lighting.
  289. Solar voltaic panels, perhaps charging an electric car.
  290. Use of wind power to generate hydrogen to supplement or replace propane.
  291. Slip resistant granite on all sidewalks.

 

Email us for a free tour.  Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org

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