Lowe’s and AARP Team Up to Deliver Aging-in-Place Resources for Professionals
Lowe’s Companies Inc. is going all in on a commitment to wellness design through the launch of Lowe’s Livable Home. Available in nearly 500 stores and 50 metro areas, the program offers expertise, services and products with a range of style and budget options to create a one-stop shop destination for aging-in-place designs for professional designers and builders. As part of this initiative, the retailer is also partnering with the AARP on a two year collaboration focusing on providing additional information and guidance to professionals on techniques to support older adults and family caregivers.
According to the AARP, less than 1% of all U.S. homes have features needed to support aging in the home, while 77% of people aged 50 years and older would like to stay in their homes for as long as possible. It is also expected that between now and 2050, the United States’ senior population is expected to nearly double. Eight in 10 adults aged 50 years or older want to stay where they live, but many people lack the expertise or resources to adapt their home. Additionally, the homes themselves lack the necessary features to safely support that option.
“Nearly every family in America at some point, including my own, faces the important and often intimidating responsibility of preparing a home for life’s changes,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO.
“Lowe’s Livable Home is uniquely positioned to help address the customers’ desire for a one-stop destination with trusted resources and affordable solutions they need throughout every step of the journey. It’s a commitment to our customers who turn to Lowe’s to make their homes better no matter what change they face in life.”
Lowe’s Livable Homes Offers In-Store and Online Educational Resources
Through the online and in-store collaboration, the AARP will be contributing through stories and content to help people make small and large changes to living spaces, such as making stairways more navigable or making bathrooms and kitchens more user-friendly. The website also provides a virtual library of articles and videos that will be updated regularly on topics such as smart home technology, lighting, caregiving, preventing falls and promoting independence. The AARP will also provide training for Lowe’s in-store associates, who will be distinguishable by AARP-branded badges, who can assist with customer questions and concerns in store.
This latter part of the partnership will open a unique opportunity in select stores where customers will be able to take free virtual assessments with Lowe’s aging-in-place specialists. Lowe’s independent service providers network will also provide assessments, installation and ongoing customer service support for projects ranging from a low-threshold shower installation to more simple installations of grab bars and temporary or permanent stair lifts and ramps.
