Universal Design for Universal Accessibility

I have a friend who, because of illness, is unexpectedly dealing with limited mobility. He will need to be assisted and simple tasks that we all take for granted is a monumental challenge for him. He has a beautiful home that has been recently renovated. But, oh so unsuitable for his new condition.

This got me thinking, that this situation is so similar to what we face when we age. As we get older many of us find that our bodies begin to betray us. Aches and pains may make areas in our home become difficult to access. We may not be able to readily access our rooms upstairs or the garden, for example. As a matter of fact, some may be confined to one room or small area of their home. I cannot help but conclude that we all should plan for aging to ensure that our quality of life and dignity is not compromised by our being prisoners in our own homes. Accessibility challenges are not only the concern of the aged. The unexpectedly injured, chronically ill, or disabled can all have challenges of safely navigating and using their home. Let us consider a few changes that can be made to the home.

The Bedroom. Even if the individual is confined to the bed, the bedroom should be viewed as a place to relax and be energised; not as a prison or place of confinement. Decorate the space; create a comfortable, soothing and stimulating ambience. Focus on the window. If bed-bound, the view outside could be invaluable. You should also install attractive window treatments to frame the view. Use drapery that can easily open to reveal the view, provide ventilation, or close for privacy when required. If the view is unattractive consider a window planter of flowers to improve the view.

The bed is using the focal point of a bedroom. If using an adjustable hospital bed, consider giving it a facelift by slip-covering the head and base boards to make it more attractive. You can use fabric to coordinate with other furnishes and soft furnishes in the room. But you can also slide a decorative wooden panel ‘sleeve’ over the existing head and base boards of the bed.  Visit http://www.tendercareathome.com/ for some ideas for making the homecare hospital bed beautiful. To facilitate ease in getting in and out of bed, choose a bed that allows the feet of the individual to be well planted on the floor when seated. Consider handrails or grab bars on the bed.

If using a wheelchair or a walker, your loved one will need a generously proportioned space to be able to manoeuvre around the room. A clear space 60 inches in diameter is required for a wheel chair to comfortably make a 180-degree turn, for making the bed, and for a comfortable transfer from the chair to the bed. Have adequate and well located general lighting and lighting for reading. Locate switches, the bathroom and the telephone in easy reaching distance. Remote controls and touch lamps can make life easier. Armchairs should not be so low as to present difficulty in sitting or in getting out of the chair. Use drawers easily accessible from a sitting position for storage.  Fit the drawers with large handles, not knobs.  Knobs can present a difficulty to grasp. Well-lit, easy reachable closet hanging, sliding shelves, pullout racks, carousels and rolling bins will make life easier.

Pay attention to the flooring. No slippery surfaces or tripping hazards. Reconsider rugs unless they can be adequately secured. Rugs can be a hazard for those using walkers and wheelchairs.

The Bathroom. There is a lot that can be done to make the bathroom safer and promote the dignity and independence for those with mobility challenges. A simple thing like lever-styled faucets can reduce daily frustration immensely. Just some joint pains in the hand can make opening and closing a faucet a major undertaking. For convenience and to increase accessibility you can even use kitchen faucet with a pullout spray head at the bathroom sink. Consider installing grab bars, shower or tub seating, adjustable shower heads, chair height toilets, tiltable mirrors and non-slip surfaces. With minor renovations you may be able to construct wide entry, roll-in showers, and wheel chair accessible sinks and countertops. Ensure that the space is well ventilated to reduce the risk of accumulated moisture that can make areas slippery.

The kitchen is another area that can become inaccessible and unsafe for the physically challenged. If using a walker or crutches, slip resistant flooring is critical. Some of the features recommended for the bedroom and bathroom is relevant here. Pullout shelves, carousels, handles on drawers, wheelchair accessible counters, lever-styled faucets with pullout spray heads, etc.

Stoves should be lower for wheel chair users and have front access knobs, but prefer touch control appliances. Sliding or accordion folding doors reduces obstruction from swinging doors. Try to have continuous, but staggered height counter top space. Ensure that the fire extinguisher is accessible from a wheelchair. Front loading washers and dryers are more accessible.

What about outdoors. Having accessible porch areas is a great bonus. Ensure that you have wide doors and that there is no major difference in the height of the floor of the outdoor and indoor space to pose a problem for those with mobility challenges. If your loved ones like gardening, incorporate planters and container gardening into the porch area. They can also explore further outdoors if all steps are ramped, levelled or replaced by appropriately graded, well lit pathways.  Again raised beds and planters will make gardening possible. Don’t forget access to the garage and the car.

In general, a one-story, open plan or layout is best. At least one home entry should be sheltered and have no steps. All doorways should be ramped or have flat thresholds.

Deep low stairs make assisted walking safer. Handrails on both sides of stairways make navigation safer. Handrails can be installed all around the home. Wheel chair users will need rails installed at around 28” off the floor. Those at stairways should have them installed at around 36”. If budget allows, an elevator or chair lift is great. Cater for wider doors and passages; 36 inches wide would be nice. Large bathrooms and bedrooms that can provide the required five-foot minimum for a wheel chair to turn comfortably.

 Incorporate these ideas in your new construction or renovation and make your home a safer, more comfortable, and a more convenient place to live long into your senior years, after unexpected injury, chronic illness or disability.

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