Universal Design / Aging in Place
Universal Design incorporates features that allow people with differing needs to utilize the same space.
Common Universal Design features can be incorporated into a design to allow for Aging in Place, to accommodate for disabilities or for other needs. In order to stay in familiar surroundings as your requirements change, you may desire to modify your home to allow for better access to the features you need to use, ease of movement and to reduce accidents and falls throughout your home.
By the middle of this century, those over the age of 65 could represent half of our total population. Aging in place is being able to remain in your home and community safely and as independently as possible, using products, services and conveniences to enable you to not have to move as your circumstances change throughout the maturing years of your life. You may want to schedule an evaluation of your home by a firm that specializes in accessibility.
Universal Design features and Safety Considerations:
- Main living on one level / elevator or lift to other levels
- Low maintenance exterior and landscaping
- Movement sensing outdoor lights that illuminate locks and door levers
- Accessible path into home
- Wider garage and taller garage door for accessible transportation
- Entries, decks and patios with no steps or with ramps
- Sidelight or low peephole for viewing visitors
- Wide doorways and hallways to allow for wheelchair access
- Flush or low thresholds for entries and between rooms
- Extra floor space for maneuverability
- Low, firm carpets for wheel chair use
- Non slip handrails / handrails on both sides of stairs
- Grab bars or transfer posts (may require bracing and extra wall support)
- More task lighting, indoor motion lighting and brighter lighting with reduced glare
- Lower rocker or touch light switches and programmable thermostats
- Levers rather door knobs
- Accessible windows and window hardware
- Accessible toilets and toilet paper holders and sinks with knee space
- Lower bathtubs, curbless shower stalls with non-slip surfaces
- Shower or bath benches and adjustable hand-held showers
- Levered or foot controlled pull out faucets
- Lower counter and cabinet height
- Rollouts, pull down shelving, drawers and lazy susans for accessible storage
- Open space under counters and vanities for wheelchair access
- Side swing oven, side by side refrigerator, cook top with level burners
- Closets with lighting and adjustable rods and shelves
- Vision enhancements (ex: strobe for door bell or telephone, easy to read displays)
- Laundry chute or main level laundry and front loading laundry machines
- Devices programmed to access 911
- Window coverings that reduce glare
- Walkways cleared and tripping hazards removed
- Cords placed safely or concealed to avoid tripping or catching on them
- Living space for a caregiver
Plekkenpol Builders can assist you in remodeling your home to allow for accessibility and safety. We would be happy to meet with you for a complimentary Remodeling Consultation.
