Universal Design Means Better Design

Have you ever returned home from the grocery store with both hands filled with bags, only to find you cannot open the front door easily? Is it difficult to navigate up your front steps with a baby stroller? And we’ve all struggled to reach the top kitchen shelf for that can of soup. Design of home details like these can make your home more comfortable, convenient and even more valuable.

Employing some basic features, commonly known as universal design features, in a new home, or remodeling an existing home to feature wider doorways, no-step entrances, lower, accessible counter spaces and roomier bathrooms can make one’s home more livable and pleasant for years to come. In fact, a recent AARP survey of Delawareans of all ages revealed that 90 percent of Delawareans wish to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

AARP serves on several groups that advocate for universal design in homes and public spaces in Delaware. If you have a personal story about how better home design has benefitted you and your family, AARP would like to hear from you. Contact AARP Delaware via email at aarpde@aarp.org. AARP also offers a range of educational resources for consumers on universal design.