The first of
earthly blessings, independence ~
Edward Gibbon
Edward Gibbon
Do you plan on staying in your home for as long as possible? If
the answer is yes, then it is time to start thinking proactively about home design
for aging in place. Most seniors want to maintain their independence and remain
in their own homes to age safely and gracefully.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
falls are the leading cause of injury in seniors. Falling can lead to a setback
in independent living, as falls often result in moderate to severe injuries. Simple Universal Design changes,
such as, removing throw rugs , installing handrails and grab bars, and raising light
levels can enhance the safety of a home considerably.
Homes are
traditionally constructed as a "one size fits all" unit, with little
attention to the needs of seniors and people who experience disabilities. Putting thought and time into the
details of adapting your (or your loved
ones) home can make the home more comfortable, convenient,
more valuable and will help you be prepared for
future changes in abilities through all stages of life.
The good news is that older adults can live independently for much longer in
their homes if future planning strategies are put in place to minimize barriers
and enhance safety.
Where Do You Begin?
Checklist
Shared Solutions America is a national non-profit organization and Resource Center. The following link provides
a checklist that can be used to assess the long term accessibly of a living
space.
Life Tree Personal Service in Bend, Oregon can
assess your home and make suggestions on how to incorporate universal design
principles. We can refer you to, and help you work with, remodeling specialists
that have experience in performing small and large home modification projects
based on the principles of Universal Design.
What are the elements of a
Winning Universally Designed Home?
Kitchen – The kitchen is the single
place where universal design can have the most impact. Counter tops should be
at an easily accessible height. Side by side refrigerators are easier to
negotiate than those with freezers either above or below. Storage and drawers
should allow easy access to contents via pull out drawers or lazy-Susan-type
devices. Faucets are easiest to control with a single lever instead of multiple
knobs for hot and cold.
Bathroom – Some areas to focus on
include: non-slip strips and floors on showers and tubs is a must; toilets that
are at a comfortable height; support bars in the bath and shower as an added
safety measure; walk in shower with a bench or bars or a bathtub with a door opening.
Other helpful modifications -
·
Levered doorknobs
·
Grab bars in bathrooms
·
Levered faucets in kitchen sink
·
Handrails on both sides of stairwells and on front
and rear steps
·
Grab bars in showers
·
Removal of any door threshold
·
Movable shower heads for those who must sit
·
Portable shower seats
·
A bathroom with a bath/shower and a bedroom on the
first floor
·
Widened doors to accommodate wheelchairs
·
Ramps for those using walkers and wheelchairs
Valuable Resources on Universal Design and Home Adaptation
Able Data is a information and referral directory of products
available for assisted living. Able Data is sponsored by
the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), part
of the U.S. Department of Education. They do not
produce, recommend or distribute any of the aids listed on their site. Links
are provided to the various manufactures and with a little research you
can search reviews on individual products.
Funding for Home Modifications
& Programs
Find remodelers or contractors who are Certified
Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) who have been trained in aging in place home
modifications, common remodeling projects, and solutions to common barriers.
Get ideas
and inspiration from this gallery of pictures of barrier free, accessible
homes.
