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IS THERE BARRIER FREE HOUSING IN YOUR FUTURE?
Lets face it, we're all growing older but, consider the alternative. While aging is inevitable, it's not inevitable that we will be forced to leave our familiar homes if and when we become less active. With some careful planning, we can create a home that will continue to work well for us throughout our lives.
Homes can be user-friendly for the elderly and the disabled, without looking like hospitals. More and more products designed for the disabled have broken the "utilitarian" design mold and are now quite attractive. Plus, simple structural modifications that may be necessary can be quite innocuous. Here are some things to think about.
Make things easier to reach:
- Raise outlets, phones and jacks from 12 to 18 inches above the floor; people in wheelchairs will find this height much more convenient.
- Lower electric switches and thermostats from 48 to 42 inches from the floor -- again within reach of people seated in wheelchairs;
- Locate the medicine cabinet to the side of the vanity. Cabinets over the sink aren't practical.
Make moving around easier:
- Widen doors from the standard 30 inches to 36 inches to accommodate a wheelchair;
- Install low-pile carpet, non-slip tile or wood floors;
- Install chair lifts or elevators if necessary to provide access to other levels of the house.
Make things easier to use:
- Replace door knobs with levers that are easy for arthritic or disabled hands to maneuver.
- Replace any double hung or slider windows with crank style casement windows;
- Install grab bars and railings (consider textured ones for a better grip) near the commode and in the bath or shower stall;
- Use single-lever faucets with balled tips for the sink. These allow the temperature to be controlled with one lever.
- Make work areas easily distinguishable by using contrasting colors; especially in the kitchen. This makes it easier for eyes that don't see quite as well any longer.
- Install kitchen cabinets that feature roll-out drawers and easy-to-grip "C" or ""D" handles;
Beyond the basics, don't overlook the world that remote control has introduced. VCRs, CD players, garage door openers, touch-command lighting systems, and even microwave ovens place everyday pleasures at the fingertips! And, if that is not enough, in the near future virtually everything will be accessible through the use of voice activated controls.
If you'd like more information on how to adapt your home, send us an e-mail. We'll be happy to give you some ideas.
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