Laundry Rooms
Laundry rooms may be the least accessible places in our homes. We keep them hidden in dark basements. We climb down narrow stairs to reach them - all the while carrying heavy loads. And what happens when we can't climb stairs anymore? We quickly realize that we can't do laundry anymore either.
Clearly, it's time to bring the laundry room upstairs and into the light. Home builders are doing just that. More new homes have washers and dryers in hallways, kitchens and bathrooms.
New Products
It's never been easier to move your laundry room upstairs. New washers and dryers are making this possible.
One new unit is called a "stack" washer and driver because the washer and dryer sit on top of one another. The washer tub is on the bottom of the unit. The dryer is on the top. The stacking unit takes up half the space of a standard washer and dryer. It's small enough to fit into a closet.
Another combination unit washes and dries clothes without any help from you. This unit looks like a normal washing machine. But it does the work of two machines. Put your dirty clothes into it and forget about them. When you return, they will be clean and dry. You won't have to move wet clothes from the washer to the dryer because the washer is the dryer. You also don't have to vent this unit to the outside. So you can put it anywhere you want.
Tips for Buying a New Washer
Be sure to check out the new "front-loading" washing machines. You load these washers through a door at the front of the machine. The washer's controls are also at the front, so they are easy to reach. You can use these appliances while you sit in a chair or wheelchair. You can also put them on a platform so you can use them without bending.
Front-loading machines are known for doing a better job of washing clothes. They use less water and energy. They are gentler on clothes. They use less detergent. Many models also spin very fast so the clothes are dryer when the wash cycle is over. This will help you save money on your electric bill. Your dryer won't have to work as hard to dry your clothes.
Organizing Your Laundry Room
Keep your laundry room organized. It will work better for you.
- Make sure your supplies are always within easy reach. Store them in low shelves or wire baskets.
- If you have room, use a rolling cart to sort your clothes. If space is limited, attach a fold-down shelf to the wall for this task.
- Put up an ironing board hanger on the wall or behind the door. This will keep the board and iron out of the way when you're not using it. You might find it more convenient to attach a fold-down ironing board to the wall. Then you won't have to fold and unfold the board - which can be a strain on your back.
AARP Resources
This Bold House
Take a tour of the world's most accessible house.
Fixing
to Stay
Read about what Americans over age 45 are doing now to make sure
they can stay at home for as long as possible.
Other Resources
Take a Load Off Your Laundry Bill
The U.S. Department of Energy offers energy-saving tips for
washing and drying your clothes. This web site also provides
links to help you find energy-efficient appliances.
Guide to
Caring for Clothes
The American Apparel and Footwear Association offers a complete
guide to caring for your clothes. Find out how to prevent
shrinkage and pilling, and how to remove common stains.
The LifeWise Home
Tour the LifeWise Home, a national demonstration project that
features products and design techniques that help older people
age in place. (Free
Adobe Reader required.)
Books
Find these books online at Barnes & Noble.com.
The Accessible Home: Updating Your Home for Changing Physical
Needs
Bryan Trandem, Creative Publishing International, Incorporated,
January 2003
Home Sweet Home: How to Help Older Adults Live
Independently
Dennis R. La Buda, Vicki Schmall, AAL QualityLife Resources,
November 2000
Elder House: Planning Your Best Home Ever
Adelaide Altman, Chelsea Green Publishing, October 2002
