Whether you are handicapped or live with someone who is the prospect of building a custom home for yourself presents a valuable opportunity to incorporate a variety of items to improve your quality of life. Home designs that incorporate these features are becoming even more popular as baby-boomers move into the later years of life and seek to maintain their independence while also being able to live in a safe environment. In recent years, the concept of "Universal Design" has emerged as a leader in the design of accessible and error tolerant home construction for the handicapped and elderly.
Universal Design Trends
One floor if possible- Unless you have the money to install elevators in your home (and even so) your home design should give access to the large majority of rooms and living quarters on the first floor.
Expanded walkways and transits - When determining the position of walkways, doors, furniture, appliances and cabinetry you should expand the area and entrances to a large enough size to accommodate the handicapped and any equipment that they require. This will make their maneuverability much easier by eliminating bottlenecks and tight turns. In the bathroom, the room should be expanded and modified to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. A roll in shower is often necessary to make the daily task of bathing as effortless and safe as possible.
Ramps not steps- If there are any changes in elevation between rooms this transition should be accommodated with a ramp and not a step. Careful consideration to your layout should be given to allow these ramps to be of a slight versus steep angle and wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Railings - Railings encourage safety and mobility and are essential in hard to navigate areas where the individual may need to get out of their wheelchair or along steps and ramps.
Accessible Cabinetry - For those in wheelchairs the ability to reach the sink, stove and other appliances can be severely hindered by traditional cabinets. At these areas, roll under cabinets and appliances should be installed to enhance the accessibility of the handicapped to these items. Furthermore, cabinets and shelving containing necessary item, such as dishes, food and cookware, should be at the ground level and not elevated above the counter tops.
Easy Communication - Intercom systems and Bluetooth communication devices can be incorporated into your home design to allow easy communication between the handicapped, other residents, caretakers or emergency services. Remote control devices can also be incorporated that allow for wireless control of thermostats, hearing devices and even door locks. This reduces the need for shouting or searching the house for someone and can be invaluable in an emergency.
Other Considerations
What your home requires can be as important as who you choose to build it. Seek out contractors with experience constructing handicap accessible homes in the field of Universal Design. Their insight into certain situations can be invaluable to ensuring that your home accommodates all or your needs.
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