Did you know, if a home is built or renovated with consideration that a person with physical limitations can live in it, then “anyone” can live in the house. What is “Universal design?” It is an approach to design that incorporates products as well as building features and elements which, to the greatest extent possible, can be used by everyone. Features that allow for accessibility provide the ultimate in flexible living and allow us to remain in our home as we age, permits live in or visiting parents or possible future injury or disability. Universal design is planning ahead for what could happen and allow you to remain in your home with maximum independence.
Let’s discuss what some of these building features, elements and products could be:
Access
Being able to physically enter your home is critical, therefore wide walkways, low grades, level entry when possible, ability to add future ramps or lifts, 36” entry doors with low thresholds and larger landing.
Maneuverability
Once in the home, can you get from area to area and use all the features of your home, therefore flooring should reduce trip hazards, level surfaces, location for future lift, wider stairs, railings, wider doors with lever handles, future elevator location.
Functionality
If you can’t use it from a sitting position, then it may need to be moved. Light switches can be lowered, outlets can be raised, motion sensor lighting, smart home technology, kitchen and vanity cabinets with drawers’ versus doors, curbless showers, grab bars, shower wands, higher toilets with bidet and lower closet rods.
All the items listed above should be consider when building or renovating. These items do not take away from the beauty or style of your home but will make it a safer and more flexible place to live for as long as you choose to stay in your home.
A surprising bit of information that many people do not realize is that for the cost of a government funded nursing home for one (1) person for one (1) year, in the majority of cases, would allow a renovator to create a space that would permit a person to age safely in their home for many years. By investing, we would be saving considerable funds and allow people to stay at home where they want to be close to their community and friends. We need to take a serious look at how we care for our aging population and make a positive change. I know this may sound self serving as a renovator however, I truly believe that investing in “Universal Design Renovations” would be a progressive change that would save tax dollars, stimulate the economy and better care for our valued and aging population.
All to often we have government funded programs that are reserved only for the lowest income persons, which unfortunately, do not cover the full cost or provide for a complete and safe solution, thus the projects are not completed and a person ends up in a nursing home or living in an unsafe environment. These programs must change to cover all costs to allow people to live safely at home. Additionally, these programs should be extended to those who may have income but can’t afford the complete renovation solution. Forgivable loans, grants, non-interest loans are all simple ways to fund these renovations if we proactively change how we think about our aging population.
I certainly, don’t have all the answers, but working together with all levels of government and community groups would provide more solutions. I hope this article has been helpful and informative and starts the bigger discussion on “Universal Design Renovations.”
by Dan Monk
Dan Monk is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Red Seal Carpenter and the Owner of Monk Renovations. Dan and the team at Monk Renovations can provide you with an outstanding home renovation experiences regardless of the size of your project. Twitter @monkrenovations Facebook & Instrgram @monkreno www.monkreno.com