Universal Design Features of the AARP Andrus House

By: States: District of Columbia | Source: AARP.org

In honor of its 50th anniversary, AARP joined forces with the District of Columbia Office on Aging; Clark Construction, LLC; Christian Communities Group Homes, a non-profit service of Episcopal Senior Ministries; Rebuilding Together; and a host of others to remodel a vacant house in Northeast DC using universal design features—invisible design elements that make the house user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities.

Beginning this summer, the AARP Andrus House will be home to six independent low-income seniors, who will enjoy greater safety and comfort, thanks to the newly accessible space created inside and out.

Below is a brief description of the features that make the house suitable for all—improvements that would not have been possible without generous donations of time, resources, expertise and products.

For information about the contributions to the AARP Andrus House or to RSVP for a scheduled house tour in June, visit Tour Northeast DC Home Transformed with State-of-the-Art Universal Design.

Universal Design Features of the AARP Andrus House

A “step down” garage has been converted into a fully-accessible first floor bedroom with a bathroom including a roll-under sink, roll-in shower, grab bars and new fixtures that are both attractive and easy to use. The laundry room is furnished with a front-loading washer and dryer.

The kitchen has been “opened up” with the removal of the wall separating it from the dining room. This feature provides better visibility and increased maneuverability within the space. The new kitchen design incorporates a number of universal design features, including a double-sided refrigerator, roll-under sink and stovetop, counters of varying heights, task lighting, and a raised dishwasher and oven.

The upper wall cabinets are set lower making them closer to the countertop and easier to reach. Cabinets deeper than 12" have pull out shelving, so that the rear of the cabinets can be reached. The base cabinets have an enlarged toe kick space. All of these features are easy to reach from a wheelchair or standing position.

In addition, light switches have been lowered and outlets raised to reduce the need for bending or reaching.  Lever door handles and rocker light switches have been installed to assist people with poor hand strength and ease the burden on everyone including anyone coming home with arms full of packages.

Doorways have been widened and walls removed to create open space for wheel chairs, and a new chairlift to the second floor has been added. New windows have been installed that are both attractive and easy to open. Talking appliances, including a microwave and temperature gages, allow easy operation for the sight-impaired.

A ramp has been built and landscaped, the threshold to the house lowered and paths created for easy access. A raised vegetable garden and porch swing add to the pleasant feel. 

 

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Related Articles
Tour Northeast DC Home Transformed with State-of-the-Art Universal Design
www.aarp.org/states/dc/articles/tour_northeast_DC_home_transformed_with_state_of_the_art_universal_design.html
Learn about upgrades to make your home safer, more comfortable and more user-friendly.

Home Design
http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design
Whether you live in a house or an apartment, AARP has a wide array of information about how you can make your living space more accessible. Learn about universal design, working with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, or room-by-room updates for your home with a visit to our Home Design website.

Other Resources
Center for Universal Design (CUD)
http://design.ncsu.edu/cud/
The CUD is a national information, technical assistance, and research center that evaluates, develops, and promotes accessible and universal design in housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments, and products.