Here's a list of guides on building or altering homes to suit the needs of the elderly or disabled.
AARP Guide to Understanding Universal Design
Very complete Web site includes room-by-room advice and narrated slideshows of homes employing universal-design principles
http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design
National Association of Home Builders' Directory of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists
Searchable directory of remodelers and contractors who have been trained to understand the home modifications often needed by the older adult population
http://www.nahb.org/directory.aspx?sectionID=686&directoryID=188
The Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University
The leading resource for research and information on universal design provides stock floor plans for houses and detailed plans for home modifications
http://www.design.ncsu.edu:8120/cud
Practical Guide to Universal Home Design
Commonsense, illustrated introduction to universal design with checklist of what to consider when buying, building, or remodeling a home
http://www.tcaging.org/downloads/homedesign.pdf
Universal Design Checklist, Kansas State University
Short checklist of universal-design basics for residences, compiled from multiple sources
http://www.ksu.edu/humec/atid/UDF/ud_checklist.htm
Lifease LivAbility Questionnaire and Report
Personalized report ($19.95) offers suggestions as well as links to products tailored to your specific living situation and physical abilities
http://www.lifease.com/lifease-livability.html
Homes for Easy Living: Universal Design Innovations
Complete with resources and examples, this is the Web site of an award-winning consultant specializing in single- and multifamily universally designed housing
http://www.homesforeasyliving.com
Network of Care, Alameda County, Calif.
Searchable database of more than 21,000 assistive tools for the elderly or disabled
http://alameda.networkofcare.org/aging/assistive/index.cfm
Lowe's Home Improvement How-To Library: Universal Design
Room-by-room recommendations for remodeling projects that can help you around the house
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=HTindex/universalDesign_index.html&rn=RightNavFiles/no.html