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Universally Designed Homes

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I heard many practical ideas for designing a home that address functional as well as aesthetic issues. The workshop, "Aging in Place: New Ideas and Approaches" was presented by architect Christina Wasch, interior designer Rosemary Bakker and Margaret Christenson, a woman who had renovated her older home to accommodate her elderly disabled husband's needs.

Some ideas to consider are:

* Landscape leading to entrances needs to be flat or gently sloped for accessibility.

* More light sources are needed for aging eyes to decrease risk of falls. Skylights can be added. Skylights facing south can cause glare, but plants can filter the light to reduce glare as well as add an atmosphere of natural beauty. Danger zones should be lighted, such as the pathway from the bedroom to the bathroom.

* Apply the minimal effort test-appliance controls, doorknobs and handles should be operable with a single motion. Controls should be located near the edge of counter for easy reach. Swing-out windows can be operated with a closed fist.

* Color can add beauty as well as visual cues. Handrails in corridors and grab bars in bathroom can be painted in attractive colors of the person's choice to match the room decor.

* A chair or bench placed next to the clothes closet would enhance ease in dressing.

* Bathroom floors need to be of slip-resistant material and need to have adequate space for turning a wheelchair.

* Ceiling in bathroom and bedroom should be reinforced so that a carrying lift can be installed if needed later.

* Bidet feature in a toilet would facilitate personal hygiene care for the elderly person and the caregiver.

* Appliances such as oven, dishwasher and dryer can be raised 12 inches above the floor to minimize bending.

* A rolling cart placed next to the microwave oven or stove would ease moving hot dishes to the table.

* Laundry room should be close to the bedroom, but soundproof the wall between them.

* Doorways need to be wide enough and have no thresholds for wheelchair accessibility.

* Hooks can be placed on furniture or walls to hold canes out of the way.

* Sensor appliances, like teapot with automatic shut-off features and showers with anti-scald devices, enhance safety.

* A bar or rail attached to the bed frame can be useful for support getting into and out of bed.

* Deck should be accessible for a bedridden or wheelchair-bound person to be wheeled outside for fresh air, sunshine and a change of scenery.

A universally designed house would be attractive, functional, comfortable, safe and enjoyable for people of all ages to live in . It would allow a person to continue living there even as he or she ages and becomes disabled.

One-time article Copyright 1998 by Humboldt Senior Resource Center.