As modern medicine advances, so does the average age of the elderly population. Many families are now looking to Universal Design to keep their older family members at home as long as possible.
What is Universal Design?
One of the primary goals of Universal Design is incorporating functional, accessible products into the home environment, allowing everyone--regardless of situation or ability--to use them. Universal Design aims to integrate the products into the overall design, combining function with beauty to provide a pleasing result for family members of any age.
Universal Design Principles
There are Seven Principals of Universal Design, as determined by the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. These Universal Design Principles describe characteristics for designs that make a good fit for everyone, regardless of age and ability:
Keeping the family in place is often one of the dearest wishes of those with elderly family members. Universal Design of a room means it can be used equally by the youngest family members, the oldest, and everyone in between.
Planning the interior of your home for multi-generational use is important, but paying attention to the outside of the home is essential, too. Ramps that can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and baby strollers are good choices. Clear and wide walkways, a driveway with plenty of room, and a mailbox set away from the road are great safety features.
General Living Areas
Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization among older adults. A particularly nasty spill can affect a person's confidence, leading to a loss of independence. The chances of falling can be greatly reduced with wide hallways, proper lighting, and straight, uncluttered pathways through the home. Handy rails in trouble spots, easy-to-use light switches, and flat thresholds between rooms are all good ideas.
The Kitchen
Shallow sinks with easy reach, faucets with single lever controls, or those with motion-sensors are great for individuals with limited reach. Ovens with side-swing doors, continuous cooktops, and controls on the front rather than the back can be used by anyone, but come in especially handy for those with limited mobility. Dishwashers, refrigerators, and pantry shelves can be modified to allow for use by anyone in the family. Remember that wide doorways and ample space in front of sinks and ovens is essential.
The Bathroom
Even the most able-bodied person can sometimes find bathrooms hard to navigate. Reduce the chances of injury in the bathroom by installing grab bars, anti-scald features in the sink and shower, and comfort-height toilets. A seat or "deck" in the bathtub, coupled with a hand-held shower nozzle, makes bathing easier. Textured tiles can help avoid slips and falls. A wide console for the sink and plenty of room in front of the toilet is important for wheelchair access. Pocket doors can be perfect for ease of entry and privacy.
The Little Details
When you're planning your multi-generational household, don't forget the little details. These include volume controls on telephones, large remotes with easy-to-push buttons, and attractive silverware with wide, easy-to-grasp handles. Any labels on electronic equipment and the like should be large and easy to read.
Take care to incorporate lighting that doesn't glare. Choose dishes with high levels of color contrast, and avoid throw rugs that could slip under unsteady feet. Door handles that are easy to turn, locks that are simple to engage, and even the position of the mailbox are important details to consider.
A Final Word
As an added bonus, not only does Universal Design help you and your family age in place, it also provides a nice boost to your property values. Homes with Universal Design make up a growing and desirable market.
The ability to handle household chores and necessities is important to elderly family members as they strive to hold onto their independence. Making the entire household user-friendly for everyone-- whether they are nine or ninety--is the best way to making aging in place a reality.
Sources
American Society of Interior Designers, Designing for All--The First Steps
American Society of Interior Designers, Providing Lighting for Older Clients
American Society of Interior Designers, Remove Barriers to Improve Quality of Life
Consumer Reports, Universal design can make a safer bathroom
Gray Times, Adding these "smart" products to your kitchen can help you age in place
Universal Design Education, About Universal Design
What is Universal Design?
One of the primary goals of Universal Design is incorporating functional, accessible products into the home environment, allowing everyone--regardless of situation or ability--to use them. Universal Design aims to integrate the products into the overall design, combining function with beauty to provide a pleasing result for family members of any age.
Universal Design Principles
There are Seven Principals of Universal Design, as determined by the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. These Universal Design Principles describe characteristics for designs that make a good fit for everyone, regardless of age and ability:
- Easy for anyone to use
- Flexibility for everyone in the family
- An intuitive style that makes the product easier to use
- Easy to understand information
- Designs that are forgiving of mistakes
- Products that don't require a great deal of physical effort to use
- The proper size, with plenty of space for approach and use
Keeping the family in place is often one of the dearest wishes of those with elderly family members. Universal Design of a room means it can be used equally by the youngest family members, the oldest, and everyone in between.
Planning the interior of your home for multi-generational use is important, but paying attention to the outside of the home is essential, too. Ramps that can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and baby strollers are good choices. Clear and wide walkways, a driveway with plenty of room, and a mailbox set away from the road are great safety features.
General Living Areas
Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization among older adults. A particularly nasty spill can affect a person's confidence, leading to a loss of independence. The chances of falling can be greatly reduced with wide hallways, proper lighting, and straight, uncluttered pathways through the home. Handy rails in trouble spots, easy-to-use light switches, and flat thresholds between rooms are all good ideas.
The Kitchen
Shallow sinks with easy reach, faucets with single lever controls, or those with motion-sensors are great for individuals with limited reach. Ovens with side-swing doors, continuous cooktops, and controls on the front rather than the back can be used by anyone, but come in especially handy for those with limited mobility. Dishwashers, refrigerators, and pantry shelves can be modified to allow for use by anyone in the family. Remember that wide doorways and ample space in front of sinks and ovens is essential.
The Bathroom
Even the most able-bodied person can sometimes find bathrooms hard to navigate. Reduce the chances of injury in the bathroom by installing grab bars, anti-scald features in the sink and shower, and comfort-height toilets. A seat or "deck" in the bathtub, coupled with a hand-held shower nozzle, makes bathing easier. Textured tiles can help avoid slips and falls. A wide console for the sink and plenty of room in front of the toilet is important for wheelchair access. Pocket doors can be perfect for ease of entry and privacy.
The Little Details
When you're planning your multi-generational household, don't forget the little details. These include volume controls on telephones, large remotes with easy-to-push buttons, and attractive silverware with wide, easy-to-grasp handles. Any labels on electronic equipment and the like should be large and easy to read.
Take care to incorporate lighting that doesn't glare. Choose dishes with high levels of color contrast, and avoid throw rugs that could slip under unsteady feet. Door handles that are easy to turn, locks that are simple to engage, and even the position of the mailbox are important details to consider.
A Final Word
As an added bonus, not only does Universal Design help you and your family age in place, it also provides a nice boost to your property values. Homes with Universal Design make up a growing and desirable market.
The ability to handle household chores and necessities is important to elderly family members as they strive to hold onto their independence. Making the entire household user-friendly for everyone-- whether they are nine or ninety--is the best way to making aging in place a reality.
Sources
American Society of Interior Designers, Designing for All--The First Steps
American Society of Interior Designers, Providing Lighting for Older Clients
American Society of Interior Designers, Remove Barriers to Improve Quality of Life
Consumer Reports, Universal design can make a safer bathroom
Gray Times, Adding these "smart" products to your kitchen can help you age in place
Universal Design Education, About Universal Design
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