The living room and entertainment areas of your home are where you
spend most of your time. You want it to be comfortable, attractive and
safe. Modifications can be as simple as installing specialty lighting
features or go so far as to include widening doorways or halls for
easier access.
Floor Plans: People with mobility and visual issues need clear open
spaces so that they can navigate around a room easily (yes, this means
that your Bow Flex or your exercise bike needs to be somewhere else).
You can open up your floor spaces simply by moving your furniture out
of the walking areas so that you can move about without bumping into
coffee tables or decorations. You can divide a large open area into
several groupings for “special use” areas.
Flooring: This is one item that keeps cropping in all of the room
design patterns because elderly and handicapped persons are prone to
accidents and falling. Make sure that the living area flooring is
non-slip and level. Thick carpeting and area rugs that are not tacked
down are a hazard and an accidental tripping waiting to happen. If you
are replacing flooring consider matte finishes in wood, tile, stone or
cork to reduce glare. If you opt for carpeting, remember to use low
pile, low-level loop, or industrial type flooring that provides surer
footing. Be especially conscious of transition areas between one room
and another.
Lighting: Good lighting is essential whether it provides a means to
find the keyhole when coming home after dark, or seeing who is at the
door when you answer it. For extra convenience use long-life, full
spectrum light bulbs that don’t have to be changed often. Touch
switches, switches in lighted areas or lighted styles that can be
easily identified. Consider lights and a heating system that can be
programmed to come on automatically. Light switches are available that
can be activated from several locations and track light is good for
eliminating glare and shadows. Electrical outlets can be raised to
between 18 and 30 inches above floor level for easier access.
Stairways: Obviously one level housing is preferable, but not always
possible. Keep stairs clear of clutter, install additional lighting
fixtures or touch lights to illuminate them. Every stairway of two or
more steps should have a railing (preferably on both sides of the stair
case) and extend the railing past the top and bottom of the stairs for
stability. If stairs are too difficult to navigate consider installing
a stair-lift or an elevator.
Doorways: Protected entryways so that a slower moving individual can
get in and out of the house while being protected from the elements.
Something a simple as a package shelf near the door would make it
easier to free up your hands to unlock the doors. Think about how many
times you have come home with sacks of groceries in your arms and then
had to scrabble for your keys while doing a balancing act. An automatic
door opener, lever handles instead of knobs or even a keyless entry
system controlled by a touch pad.
Consider replacing regular hinges with swing-clear ones that provide a
wider passageway, widen the doors and add a ramp. Standard doorways can
limit the movement for individuals using a walker or wheelchair.
Doorway openings of 32-36 inches offer better access. Consider a pocket
doors that requires no threshold and are easy to open and close.
Windows: Reduce glare from large windows by adding window films or
full-length draperies. Automatic, remote controlled window coverings
for easy adjustment of light level. Casement windows with sill-level
latches are easier to use than traditional styles, if you have trouble
reaching or have reduced hand strength or mobility.
Wall Coverings: Select matte finish pain or simple wallpaper patterns
for people with decreased visual acuity. Busy wallpaper is distracting
and glossy walls can produce glare. Wallpaper helps reduce glare and
limit background noise if hearing is an issue.
Furniture: Opt for firm, upright chairs and couch pieces rather than
the popular overstuffed furniture, as they are more comfortable and
easier to get in and out of for people with limited arm/hand strength
or back problems. Avoid rocking chairs and other unstable furniture
that might give way if used for balance.
Handrails: Adding handrails to hallways or in the living area can give
the disabled person the extra support needed to navigate their homes.
Source: The Accessible Home by Nancy Baldrica of Creative Publishing International
Comments