Most of us take it for granted that we can reach the sinks in our kitchen and bathrooms, get through doorways, and climb in and out of bathtubs in our homes, but for those who are disabled and/or elderly, these everyday activities in the home aren't always so easy. And while we may be able bodied today, it's always important to keep the future in consideration. This Old House has compiled a list of 14 universal design tips to make living in your home safer, easier, and more comfortable.
Put Safety First: 14 Universal Design Tips
This Old House
The tips take wheelchair users and other people with limited mobility into consideration, but all of these suggestions -- including setting up automated lighting systems, creating work areas in kitchens, and installing non-slip flooring -- are useful for people of all abilities.
Read the article here. And learn more about universal design here.
Images: Top: Ray Kachatorian, Michael Jensen, Diamond Cabinets; Bottom: Michael Luppino
Comments (7)
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thank you thank you thank you for posting something like this!! my boyfriend is in a wheelchair, and it's not very often that you can (or rather, see) mesh style and functionality like this. so often, things begin to look like you live in a hospital or retirement community! we're young--we want some style!!
view diydame's profile
Check out the first large-scale housing development that incorporated Universal Design.
It is 6 North Apartments in St. Louis, MO (opened in 2004).
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/6north.html
view hessilou's profile
If it's not Universal design then it's not sustainable or green design. We should keep this in mind.
view atomicranch79's profile
i should also comment that it is ridiculous (underscore!) how expensive any type of accessible remodeling/living arrangements are. i think (some) people assume that the government or grants or some other program will cover the cost....WRONG!
view diydame's profile
A new luxury apartment development in Manhattan was just cited by the Feds for not being ADA compliant - good for them!
I'm planning an "aging in place" renovation - at 60, this is something to take into consideration. While I won't be able to do everything, I can take care of some fundamentals like door widths, toilet height, building in something to anchor support rails should I need them.
view Taureg's profile
DIY Dame and I have a lot in common -- my boyfriend, whom I've often posted about, is in a wheelchair as well, and remodeling to accommodate the handicapped can be EXTREMELY expensive. We added a second bathroom to our mid-70s rancher, because the one existing bathroom couldn't be remodeled to his needs without tearing two adjacent rooms apart. Nor do grants or any other type of program help out -- and given that my boyfriend is also in kidney failure, which is a federally protected condition, you'd think they would.
view madampince's profile
I was in such a hurry to post that I forgot to say thanks for posting this article!
view madampince's profile