For those individuals looking to age in place, accessible housing design can provide the necessary foundation for remaining independent in a comfortable environment. This type of design is commonly referred to as Universal Design and includes a combination of construction modifications and adaptable home features. With Universal Design, everyone in the home can easily use all the home’s essential elements, with varying degrees of need. The use of Universal Design makes life easier for all members of the household since it allows everyone to share equally in the space. For instance, consider the wide doorways and hall providing easy transfer for a wheelchair user, easy access to the bedroom, kitchen, and bathrooms for someone using a cane or walkers and adapted counters in the kitchen, shelves and cabinets that are easily accessible to everyone. Many of these accessibility features are added when building the home, with some being possible even when remodeling an existing space.Handicap Accessible House Designs for Aging in Place
Universal Design may also benefit those with temporary challenges. This is reflected in single-level home designs that remove the need to use stairs. Open floor plans provide flexibility for the changing needs of the homeowner. Additionally, widening doorways or adding a ramp can provide an easier way to move from room to room. Other design elements that offer more accessibility can include garage entries with no steps, eliminating the need for heavy lifting. While modifications may appear subtle, often featuring wider doorways, higher counters, different front door heights, and mobility accessible showers, the effect of those modifications on the quality of life can be remarkable. This type of planning becomes especially important for the elderly, those with temporary mobility issues, or those with disabilities to get around a home that is equipped with universal design.Universal Design Home Plan Ideas
When it comes to accessible home design, there are numerous options available to make life easier and safer for the disabled and elderly. Smart planning and design can go a long way in creating easy access for people with disabilities. Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing one, you have the ability to plan for the unexpected disabilities that may occur over time. The area of the floor near the door can be kept free from obstacles that could hinder an individual from entering or exiting the home. To make it easier on those using wheelchairs, you should make sure that the doorways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. It’s also important to make sure that floors are even and without any obstacles.Smart Ideas for Accessible Home Design
A wheelchair-friendly home should feature wide doorways, no-slip flooring, and plenty of space to navigate. If you are building a new home, wide doorways and hallways can be added to the construction plans, while existing homes can be modified to accommodate for wheelchair accessibility. It is also important to make sure that countertops are accessible to those using wheelchairs, as well as being able to grab items using a reach pole. Adding lower cabinets is another way to create an environment ideal for wheelchairs. Additionally, railings may need to be installed near stairs, as well as grab bars in places such as the shower, toilet, and bedroom.Wheelchair-Friendly Home Design Ideas
For those seeking to modify an existing home to provide access for someone with a disability, it can be done as an extensive remodeling process or just with a few modifications. Obviously, the process will depend on the exact disability or condition. When adding accessibility features to an existing home, some of these options include widening doorways for wheelchair access, installing ramps or accessible showers, moving countertops and light switches to make it more accessible, installing lever-type door handles for those with limited strength, and adding non-slip floors. Adding these features can help to make a home more comfortable and accessible.Modifying an Existing Home for Disability Access
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that kitchens should have ample space for maneuvering a wheelchair or walker. This includes space for the chair or walker to turn around the perimeter of the room or to access appliances and cabinets. To make this easier, ADA-compliant design can feature pull-out shelving and drawers as well as adjustable countertops. Appliances are also an essential element to include because the elderly and disabled often need easier access to them. When designing an ADA kitchen, it’s important to consider under-cabinet and counter-top heights and the width of the doorways to accommodate a wheeled chair or walker. Often, other appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and range are located close together and designed to fit within the current space. Furthermore, cabinets that are easy to open from a seated position and countertops that can be adjusted to a comfortable height are recommended.ADA Kitchen Design Basics
When designing a universal bedroom, large doorways and plenty of maneuvering space occupied by the bed are essential. Most beds should be elevated with easy access so that those with mobility issues can comfortably enter and exit it. The same holds true for a chair or loveseat, which should be located close to the bed. The bed should also be raised so that those with mobility impairments can reach items such as the bedside table or TV. It’s important to have a flat surface, which can provide easy access to any items needed. Furthermore, adding night lights and non-slip flooring can help to ensure safety in the bedroom.Designing Universal Bedrooms for Aging at Home
In recent years, the growing trend of multigenerational living has led to an increasing demand for handicapped accessible house plans. Handicap accessible house plans allow individuals of all ages and abilities to coexist in a safe and comfortable living environment. Multigenerational homes offer extra bedrooms, designer bathrooms, and wheelchair access throughout the home. Making a home accessible means adding elements that provide comfort and safety for individuals with disabilities such as wide doorways, wheelchair ramps, grab bars in bathrooms and showers, and adjustable or platform beds in the bedrooms. Many of the same elements for Universal Design are also applicable in handicap accessible house plans, allowing each family member to utilize all areas of the home.Handicap Accessible House Plans for Multigenerational Living
Interior design for accessible homes should focus on creating a user-friendly environment for those with varying degrees of need. This can include elements such as large, floor-level windows, adjustable lighting, and adjustable furniture and appliances. For instance, adjustable furniture can be raised or lowered based on the user’s preference and provide more support for those with limited mobility. Additionally, adjustable appliances can be tilted for easier access. Furthermore, open floor plans are beneficial as they allow for easy navigation between areas.Accessible Home Interior Design Ideas
Financial assistance for adapting a home for disability access is available from several different sources. Depending on the type of disability or age, there may be grants, tax credits, and other financial resources available to help cover the costs of adapting a home. Additionally, many communities or organizations have accessible home modification projects that can provide assistance. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers mortgage insurance that can provide assistance in adapting an existing home, as well as building a new one. If you are looking for assistance with remodeling an existing home, you may want to contact organizations such as Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity, or Modifiable Home Services, all of which provide grants and other resources to help adapt a home to meet the needs of those with disabilities.Financial Assistance for Adapting Home for Disability Access
Bathroom design for accessible homes should account for the varying levels of need among users. This is especially important for those who are disabled or elderly. Bathroom design should ensure a safe and comfortable space, while being able to maneuver and access necessary items. The first concern for designing an accessible bathroom is to ensure there is enough space. This is accomplished by removing non-essentials such as an excessive amount of furniture or decor, and allowing for adequate walking space around the shower or tub, toilet, and sink. Additionally, bathroom fixtures such as grab bars and lever-type faucets should be installed near the tub, shower, and toilet.Bathroom Design for Accessible Homes
Raised homes offer many advantages for people looking to modify their home for disability access. Raised homes provide an easy way to add wheelchair ramps and other accessibility modifications without having to resort to complex construction techniques. Raised homes also provide protection against flooding or other natural disasters. When building a raised home for accessibility modifications, it’s essential to allow for enough space for wheelchair navigation and easy access to areas such as the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Additionally, elements such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and adjustable countertops can be added to create a more user-friendly experience. Raised Homes for Accessibility Modifications
Accessible decks are great for making outdoor activities more enjoyable for those who have limited mobility or are disabled. To create an accessible deck, make sure that there is enough width for a wheelchair or walker and include plenty of non-slip surfaces. Additionally, you can add handrails for better stability when navigating the deck. In the bathroom, it is important to install grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and lever-type faucets for elderly or disabled individuals. Other accessible features to consider include a portable toilet chair, an adjustable height shower or bathtub bench, and a handheld showerhead.Creating Accessible Decks and Bathroom Access for All
Accessible outdoor spaces can bring a sense of freedom and independence to those who are disabled or elderly. Elements such as handrails, non-slip surfaces, and wider pathways can be added to create an environment that allows individuals with disabilities to move about safely. When designing an accessible outdoor space, consider raised gardens or planting beds to make them easier to access from a wheelchair or walker. Additionally, adding steps, ramps, and handrails makes it easy for those with less mobility to navigate around the property. Lastly, installing outdoor lighting can help to further enhance the experience.Creating Accessible Outdoor Spaces
Entertaining and living space can be made accessible and comfortable for those with various levels of need. When planning the space, make sure to include plenty of wide doorways and pathways to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other necessary equipment. Also, when selecting furniture and appliances, select those that can be easily adjusted and repositioned for various levels of need. Rugs or carpets should also include non-slip surfaces so that they can be used safely. Lastly, railings should be installed throughout the living and entertainment areas for extra stability.Entertaining & Living Accessible Design Solutions