No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home: Interior & Exterior

By: Patricia Nunan & Harry Burns | Source: AARP.org | August 2009

We used Universal Design techniques on the interior and exterior of Ross and Anna's home to ensure a safer and comfortable living environment for them and their guests. "Universal Design" is called that because it is meant for anyone, regardless of his or her age, size, or ability. Helping to prevent accidents, increasing comfort and safety, and enhancing you and your loved ones' independence—all are goals of Universal Design. In addition to making your home more adaptable to your needs, the modifications are seamlessly integrated into the architecture of your home.

For Ross and Anna's home we used a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, who incorporated Universal Design features into the home without breaking the couple's budget or compromising the current beauty of their house.

Here are some of the essential Universal Design features you can incorporate on the exterior of your home:

• Zero-Step Entry: Whether you are a senior who has arthritic knees, a child with a physical disability, or even a young mother pushing her baby in a stroller, having at least one zero-step entry makes it easier and safer to go in and out of the house. At least one no-step entry to the house, whether  through the front, back, or garage door, is recommended.
• Wider Doorways: Entryway doors should be at least 32 inches wide, and interior doors should have at least 30 inches of clear opening, to allow ample room for anyone to pass through.
• Lever-Style Door Handles: These handles will make it easier for anyone to open and shut your front or back door, because they do not require any grasping or twisting to operate.
• Covered Entryway: Covering entrances protects your porch or doors from precipitation—and doing so prevents slips and falls by sheltering you from rain and snow. Add a place to sit or a shelf for packages, and you've made the task of entering the home safer.
• Safe Stairs: If you have steps leading up to one of your entryways and do not want a zero-step entry, at least make sure your handrails are sturdy and in good shape to make it easier for you to climb up and down.
• Level Sidewalk/Driveways: Do you have uneven sidewalks or a driveway that could be hazardous for walking? Leveling these surfaces can prevent future accidents.

Just like the safe passageways on the outside of your home, consider making these low-cost changes to the inside:

• The Laundry: Most often, the space for cleaning clothes is in the basement. Move it to a more convenient location, either near the kitchen or in the bedroom area, whichever is the more accessible area. Positioning is important, too: Should you raise the washer or dryer to avoid having to bend over?

• Lighting: Proper illumination is important in all areas of the home to prevent tripping. Install motion sensors that switch on lights inside the home or rooms when you enter.

• Good general lighting is a must. Using adjustable lighting on dimmable switches is advised.
• Use task lighting where close work is done to reduce shadows.
• Dimmable lighting saves energy by reducing electrical use and extends the life of the light bulb. (See the Lutron Web site for a free cost analysis.)
• Lower wall switches and raise outlets for easy reach for everyone.

• Scatter Rugs: Rugs can be hazardous when edges cause tripping; tape them down with double-sided carpet tape or, better yet, remove them.
• Lever Door Handles: Install these on all doors in the home.
• A Second Handrail: Most interior stairways only have railings on one side, so add one on the other side, too.
• Color and Texture: Creating visual depth with these decorative elements helps you differentiate spaces and heights.
• No-Clutter Rule: To make pathways more open, get rid of at least one or two pieces of little-used furniture.
• Closet Organization: Install clothing rods at multiple heights and use shelving and drawers.

By incorporating Universal Design principles and common sense, a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can help people who wish to remain at home for as long as they choose.

Harry Burns, a Certified Aging-in-Place specialist, founded Home Evolutions LLC, which provides customized, high-quality building and remodeling services for people with disabilities and for older adults wishing to maintain their independence. Patricia Nunan is an award-winning designer and CEO of Lifestyles Design, a design and consulting firm specializing in helping people live independently and stay in their homes as they age.