Computer-based method of recommending modifications to residential or commercial property

• US 20080189166A1
• Filed: 02/01/2007
• Published: 08/07/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Jay M. Brooks
• Original Assignee: Jay M. Brooks
• Inventors: Brooks, Jay M.
• Application Number:
  US11/701,345
• Publication Number:
  US 20080189166A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/10
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/00 Administration; Management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/165 Land development
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/265 Personal security, identity or safety

Abstract

A computer-based method used by certified aging-in-place specialists and/or licensed medical professionals to evaluate and recommend universal, accessibility, adaptability, visitability and/or aging-in-place design modifications to residential or commercial property to satisfy independence, safety, and/or quality of life needs of an occupant of the property. The occupant may be a resident, care giver, or owner. The computer-based method employs a computer program that recommends the design modifications in response to specific environmental, disease, disability, or aging impairments of the occupant. The computer program is part of a wide area network accessible by a remote device such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a hand-held computer via a secured Internet connection.

Claims

1. A method of recommending a modification to a residential property that is intended to satisfy a need of an occupant of said residential property, comprising the steps of:

(a) evaluating and collecting data about accessibility, safety, and functionality of said residential property;

(b) evaluating and collecting data about current and projected future physical capabilities and medical health of said occupant;

(c) inputting all of said collected data into a computer program;

(d) causing said computer program to generate a recommendation to modify said residential property in response to said inputted collected data, said recommendation intended to satisfy said need of said occupant;

wherein said need of said occupant includes independence, safety, quality of life, aging-in-place initiatives, or any combination thereof.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said data about said accessibility of said residential property includes information about environmental barriers preventing or restricting said occupant from maneuvering within said residential property.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said data about said safety of said residential property includes information about the ability of said occupant to perform functional tasks within said residential property without causing harm to said occupant, said occupant being a resident of said residential property or a care giver providing assistance to said resident.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said data about said functionality of said residential property includes information about a physical environment of said residential property and an ability of said occupant to effectively use said physical environment.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said physical environment includes structure;

accessibility to said structure;

floor plan;

accessible pathways;

appliances;

major mechanical and environmental equipment;

furniture;

lighting and plumbing fixtures;

floors;

walls;

ceiling;

doors;

windows;

cabinets and countertops;

flooring;

or any combination thereof.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation and collection of data about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said residential property are undertaken by a certified aging-in-place specialist, a licensed medical professional, or both.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said certified aging-in-place specialist is selected from the group consisting of a professional remodelor, a licensed contractor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed interior designer, and a licensed professional involved with housing for disabilities, products, accessibility, and aging.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein said licensed medical professional is selected from the group consisting of an occupational therapist, an occupational therapist assistant, a physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant, a registered nurse, and a license practical nurse.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation and collection of data about said current and projected future physical capabilities and medical health of said occupant are undertaken by a licensed medical professional.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said licensed medical professional is selected from the group consisting of an occupational therapist, an occupational therapist assistant, a physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant, a registered nurse, and a license practical nurse.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said residential property includes a residence having an interior and an exterior and a grounds surrounding said residence and wherein said data collected about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said residential property includes data collected about said interior, said exterior, said grounds, or any combination thereof.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said data collected about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said interior of said residence includes information about primary entrance doors;

foyers;

hallways;

living rooms;

dining rooms;

interior stairs including stairs to basement, upper levels, and attic;

ramps;

lifts;

elevators;

windows;

decks;

balconies;

porches;

Heating/Venting/Air Conditioning (HVAC);

kitchens;

cabinets and countertops;

appliances;

bedrooms;

separate apartments;

offices;

flex rooms such as mini-hospital rooms;

hall and guest bathrooms;

master bathrooms;

entertainment rooms;

family rooms;

dens;

bath tubs;

showers;

vanities;

utility, laundry and mudrooms;

storage;

storage areas;

trashcans;

grab bars and railings;

flooring;

pathways to all areas;

space planning;

house plans and designs;

steps;

split levels;

stairwells;

personal emergency responses;

electrical, lighting, safety and security, environmental controls;

storage;

heights of breaker/fuse boxes;

garage, car port and boarding spaces;

surfaces and flooring in garage, car port, and boarding spaces;

utility, laundry, mudroom and bathroom cabinets;

closets;

convenience features such as central vacuum, built-in pet feeder, built-in recycling system, video phone or camera, and intercom system;

width of hallways and doorways;

doors, hardware, and cabinet fixtures;

plumbing faucet and fixtures;

basement and attic accessibility;

lighting;

colors and contrasts for walls, finishes, and insulation;

emergency escape routes;

or any combination thereof.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein said data collected about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said exterior of said residence includes information about protected or covered entryways, sidewalks, steps, porches, decks, handrails, hardware, ramps, exterior lighting, emergency response systems, or any combination thereof.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein said data collected about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said grounds of said residential property includes information about parking, walkways, driveways, gardens, pathways, seating areas, lighting, maintenance, security, storage sheds or outbuildings, irrigation, landscaping, swimming pools, patio furniture, outdoor kitchens, accessible routes, mailboxes or mail chutes, surfaces, steps, railways, ramps, lifts, or any combination thereof.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein said data collected about said current and projected future physical capabilities and medical health of said occupant includes information about age;

medical history;

functional tasks;

functional mobility;

medication use including use of diuretics, narcotics, and pain relievers;

hand dexterity;

fall prevention;

range of motion;

sensory skills;

endurance;

mental health;

progression of disease;

vision;

hearing;

cognitive ability;

olfactory capabilities;

balance;

strength;

functional communication;

or any combination thereof.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein said data collected about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said residential property includes a visual presentation.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said visual presentation is a digital photograph or a digital video.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein said recommendation to modify said residential property includes a phased design providing for future modifications intended to satisfy a long-term need of said occupant, said long-term need including safety, independence, quality of life, aging-in-place initiatives, or any combination thereof.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein said recommendation to modify said residential property includes a physical modification.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said physical modification includes adding, removing or modifying pathways;

landscaping;

gardens;

mailboxes;

trashcan placement areas;

surfaces;

entranceways;

hallways;

ramps;

stairs;

porches;

decks;

split levels;

lifts;

cabinets;

appliances;

furniture;

lighting;

wall and cabinet colors;

flooring;

controls for lighting, heating, venting, air conditioning, disposals;

toilets;

fixtures for plumbing and faucets;

sinks;

tubs;

showers;

bidets;

bedrooms;

storage areas;

communication devices;

a tele-health and tele-medicine area or room;

mini-hospital room;

elevators;

grab bars;

railings;

door hardware;

smoke and alarm detectors;

or any combination thereof.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein said recommendation to modify said residential property includes identifying a product to be incorporated into said residential property as part of said physical modification.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein said product is a pathway surface;

light fixture;

photo sensor;

mailbox;

ramp;

lift;

cabinet;

appliance;

furniture;

flooring;

carpeting;

contrast surfaces;

controls for lighting, heating, venting air conditioning, or disposal;

electric outlet;

toilet;

fixtures for plumbing and faucets;

sink;

tub;

shower;

bidet;

bedroom, office cabinets or equipment;

storage area;

shelving for garden tools;

tele-health or tele-medicine area or room;

mini-hospital equipment;

elevator;

grab bar;

railing;

door hardware;

or smoke or alarm detector.

23. The method according to claim 1, wherein said recommendation to modify said residential property includes identifying a product to be used by said occupant.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said product is a communication device;

utensil;

wheel chair;

power chair;

transfer board;

hoyer lift;

trapeze bar;

walker;

cane;

vertical support pole;

grab bar;

oxygen tank or machine;

care monitoring system;

home entertainment system;

emergency preparedness container, or other durable medical equipment product.

25. The method according to claim 1, wherein said recommendation to modify said residential property includes a visual presentation.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein said visual presentation is a digital photograph or a digital video.

27. The method according to claim 1, wherein said occupant is a resident of said residential property, a care giver providing assistance to said resident, or an owner of said residential property.

28. The method according to claim 1, wherein said computer program is part of a wide area network accessible by a secured Internet connection.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein said wide area network is a wide area wireless network.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein all of said collected data is inputted into said computer program using a remote device.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein said remote device is a lap top computer, a tablet computer, or a hand-held computer.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein said remote device is operated by a stylus, said stylus being used to input said collected data into said computer program.

33. The method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of presenting said recommendation to modify said residential property to said occupant by displaying said recommendation on said remote device.

34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising the step of transmitting said recommendation to modify said residential property to a third-person.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein said third-person is a contractor, a subcontractor, a health care professional, immediate family member or designated contact person for said occupant, an insurance carrier, or a government agency.

36. The method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of presenting said recommendation to modify said residential property to said occupant by printing a paper copy of said recommendation and displaying said paper copy to said occupant.

37. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

(e) obtaining a laser beam measurement of said residential property;

(f) inputting said laser bean measurement into said computer program to generate a floor plan for said residential property;

wherein said measurement and said floor plan constitute part of said recommendation to modify said residential property.

38. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of inputting a further recommendation to modify said residential property directly into said computer program.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein said further recommendation is inputted into said computer program via word processing, writing capture, or voice capture.

40. The method according to claim 11, wherein said residence is a single-family home, a multi-family home, an assisted-living facility, or a nursing home.

41. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of causing said computer program to generate a clinical recommendation for therapeutic intervention of said occupant.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein said clinical recommendation includes a recommendation for a physical therapy protocol, a recommendation to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician for an evaluation, or both.

43. The method according to claim 1, wherein said collected data inputted into said computer program and said recommendation generated by said computer program to modify said residential property are capable of being searched and retrieved.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein said search and retrieval of said collected data inputted into said computer program and said recommendation generated by said computer program to modify said residential property are conducted by searching a database of said computer program using a search facilitator, said search facilitator including a key word, a category of information, a 3-D floor plan, or any combination thereof.

45. The method according to claim 1, wherein said computer program includes screen prompts for data to be collected about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said residential property and for data to be collected about said current and projected future medical health of said occupant, and wherein said screens prompts are used to collect and input said data into said computer program.

46. The method according to claim 1, wherein said recommendation to modify said residential property includes an option to modify said residential property that is generated in response to designating a specific disease, impairment, or disability of said occupant within said computer program.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein said specific disease, impairment or disability is selected from the group consisting of Arthritis, Alzheimer'"'"'s, Amputation, Dementia, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Joint Replacement, Low Vision or Blindness, Paralysis, Parkinson'"'"'s, Stroke, Risk of Falls, Range of Motion, Multiple Sclerosis, and Down'"'"'s Syndrome.

48. A method of recommending a modification to a commercial property that is intended to satisfy a need of an occupant of said commercial property, comprising the steps of:

(a) evaluating and collecting data about accessibility, safety, and functionality of said commercial property;

(b) inputting said collected data into a computer program;

(c) causing said computer program to generate a recommendation to modify said commercial property in response to said inputted collected data, said recommendation intended to satisfy said need of said occupant;

wherein said need of said occupant includes independence, safety, quality of life, or any combination thereof.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein said evaluation and collection of data about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said commercial property are undertaken by a certified aging-in-place specialist, a licensed medical professional, or both.

50. The method according to claim 49, wherein said certified aging-in-place specialist is selected from the group consisting of a professional remodelor, a licensed contractor, a licensed interior designer, and a licensed professional involved with housing for disabilities, products, accessibility, and aging.

51. The method according to claim 49, wherein said licensed medical professional is selected from the group consisting of an occupational therapist, an occupational therapist assistant, a physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant, a registered nurse, and a licensed practical nurse.

52. The method according to claim 48, further comprising the step of:

(d) evaluating and collecting data about current and projected future physical capabilities and medical health of said occupant;

(e) inputting said data collected in step (d) into said computer program; and

(f) causing said computer program to generate a recommendation to modify said commercial property in response to said data inputted into said computer program in step (e), said recommendation intended to satisfy said need of said occupant.

53. The method according to claim 52, wherein said evaluation and collection of data about said current and projected future physical capabilities and medical health of said occupant are undertaken by a licensed medical professional.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein said licensed medical professional is selected from the group consisting of an occupational therapist, an occupational therapist assistant, a physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant, a registered nurse, and a licensed practical nurse.

55. The method according to claim 52, wherein said data collected about said current and projected future physical capabilities and medical health of said occupant includes information about age;

medical history;

functional tasks;

functional mobility;

medication use including use of diuretics, narcotics, and pain relievers;

hand dexterity;

fall prevention;

range of motion;

sensory skills;

endurance;

mental health;

progression of disease;

vision;

hearing;

cognitive ability;

olfactory capabilities;

balance;

strength;

functional communication;

or any combination thereof.

56. The method according to claim 48, wherein said data about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said commercial property includes information about needs for alterations, additions, program accessibility, essential and non-essential job functions, cosmetic work, maintenance repairs, transitions, specialized equipment, products or information, renovation, remodel modifications, targeting existing problem areas or architectural inefficiencies, plan review to eliminate costly structural changes or endorse specialized modifications for safety, prolonging the independence in the work place, quality of work styles, rearranging existing work spaces, or any combination thereof.

57. The method according to claim 48, wherein said data about accessibility, safety, and functionality of said commercial property includes information about continuous path of travel, surface material, slope and cross-slope, curb ramp design and locations, on-street parking, alternate circulation path, islands and medians, pedestrian button location and design, accessibility of pedestrian signals, street or patio furniture style, access and placement;

drinking fountains, illumination of pathways, handrails, parking spaces;

warning for hearing impaired including clear signage, symbols and pictograms, clear sightlines, audible information systems louder than ambient surrounding noise;

existing barriers and list physical barriers that limit accessibility, programs, activities, or services;

warning for low vision including hazards of protruding objects, symbols and pictograms, blended curbs, detectable warnings, audible information systems, tactical information systems, visual contrast at steps, visual cues, wall mounts and post mounted objects;

adequate shelter from weather in passenger unloading zone;

entrance ramps and hand rails;

width of doorways, door openers, electronic pad for security card entry, special access lifts;

unobstructed routes through facility;

accessible restrooms including slippery walking or hygiene issues insufficient maneuvering area, controls, toilet height, stall width, grab bar combinations, inadequate storage shelf in stall and or inaccessible places, door landings, latch side clearance, signage to identify permanent rooms and space, lighting, faucets, bank of telephones, or any combination thereof.

58. The method according to claim 48, wherein said recommendation to modify said commercial property includes a recommendation for accessibility by developing guidelines for new or altered facilities covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Architectural Barrier Act.

59. The method according to claim 48, wherein said need of said occupant intended to be satisfied by said recommendation to modify said commercial property includes enhancement of said occupants accessibility, elimination of obstacles for community involvement, improvement of work place ergonomics for increasing quality of work styles, promotion of environmental harmony in designing for accessible communities, or any combination thereof.

60. The method according to claim 48, wherein said data collected about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said commercial property includes a visual presentation.

61. The method according to claim 60, wherein said visual presentation is a digital photograph or a digital video.

62. The method according to claim 48, wherein said recommendation to modify said commercial property includes a physical modification.

63. The method according to claim 62, wherein said recommendation to modify said commercial property includes identifying a product to be incorporated into said commercial property as part of said physical modification.

64. The method according to claim 48, wherein said recommendation to modify said commercial property includes identifying a product to be used by said occupant.

65. The method according to claim 48, wherein said recommendation to modify said commercial property includes a visual presentation.

66. The method according to claim 65, wherein said visual presentation is a digital photograph or a digital video.

67. The method according to claim 48 wherein said occupant is an invitee, an employee, an owner of said commercial property, or a legal representative of said owner.

68. The method according to claim 48, wherein said computer program is part of a wide area network accessible by a secured Internet connection.

69. The method according to claim 68, wherein said wide area network is a wide area wireless network.

70. The method according to claim 69, wherein said collected data is inputted into said computer program using a remote device.

71. The method according to claim 70, wherein said remote device is a lap top computer, a tablet computer, or a hand-held computer.

72. The method according to claim 70, wherein said remote device is operated by a stylus, said stylus being used to input said collected data into said computer program.

73. The method according to claim 70, further comprising the step of presenting said recommendation to modify said commercial property to said occupant by displaying said recommendation on said remote device.

74. The method according to claim 73, further comprising the step of transmitting said recommendation to modify said commercial property to a third-person.

75. The method according to claim 74, wherein said third-person is a contractor, a subcontractor, a health care professional, a designated contact person for said occupant, an insurance carrier, or a government agency.

76. The method according to claim 70, further comprising the step of presenting said recommendation to modify said commercial property to said occupant by printing a paper copy of said recommendation and displaying said paper copy to said occupant.

77. The method according to claim 48, further comprising the steps of:

(d) obtaining a laser beam measurement of said commercial property;

(e) inputting said laser bean measurement into said computer program to generate a floor plan for said commercial property;

wherein said measurement and said floor plan constitute part of said recommendation to modify said commercial property.

78. The method according to claim 48, further comprising the step of inputting a further recommendation to modify said commercial property directly into said computer program.

79. The method according to claim 78, wherein said further recommendation is inputted into said computer program via word processing, writing capture, or voice capture.

80. The method according to claim 48, wherein said commercial property is an office building;

a public or private school, university, or college;

a medical professional building;

a restaurant;

a hotel;

a motel;

a commercial facility;

a resort;

a VA, public or private hospital;

a rehabilitation center;

or an independent living center.

81. The method according to claim 48, wherein said collected data inputted into said computer program and said recommendation generated by said computer program to modify said commercial property are capable of being searched and retrieved.

82. The method according to claim 81, wherein said search and retrieval of said collected data inputted into said computer program and said recommendation generated by said computer program to modify said commercial property are conducted by searching a database of said computer program using a search facilitator, said search facilitator including a key word, a category of information, a 3-D floor plan, or any combination thereof.

83. The method according to claim 48, wherein said computer program includes screen prompts for data to be collected about said accessibility, safety, and functionality of said commercial property and wherein said screen prompts are used to collect and input said data into said computer program.