Universal Design: Creating Caring Environments

Most homes are built for the needs and preferences of active adults.  Often they are unsuitable, even dangerous, for a person with diminished capacity or limited mobility or for a person needing care and for the caregiver.  Without requiring extensive modifications, in most cases, thoughtful design can transform these spaces into supportive environments that optimize independence and control for the occupants while ensuring safety and promoting an overall sense of well being.  These changes also make it easier and safer for a caregiver to tend to an individual.

One approach to creating more supportive environments is Universal Design.   Also known as inclusive design, barrier-free design, design-for-all and lifespan design, Universal Design  broadly refers to the concept that ideally all design (products, technologies and the built environment) should serve the broadest range of people, regardless of levels of ability or mobility, age, gender or physical stature without the need for adaptation or specialized design. It is not a design style but rather an orientation to design, focusing on the end-user.  Universal Design incorporates such elements as stepless entryways, wider doorways, lever-style handles on doors and faucets, multi-level or adjustable task areas, grab bars in bath areas, easy-access drawers and storage, and other features that improve ease and comfort as well as accessibility.  These enhancements benefit people of all ages and abilities, and they help to reduce the likelihood of falls, injuries and accidents.

When contemplating modifications to a home, it is important to consider all the ways that the interior environment can affect the occupants.  You should take into account not only their physical well being but also their emotional well being.  It is important as well to plan for future needs.  Will the home continue to support them five years or ten years from now, or possibly longer?

No one wants to be a prisoner in his or her own home.  Yet, surprisingly few homes are designed to ensure physical independence.  If your home has stairs, would you be able to access a full bathroom if you could no longer go up and down those stairs on your own power?  Where would you sleep?  Could you get into the kitchen or use the toilet if you were injured or had to use a wheelchair?  If you needed to sit while taking a shower, could you reach the controls and adjust the showerhead? 

As we get older, our vision changes.  Our visual field narrows, and yellowing of the lens makes it more difficult to differentiate between colors and reduces the eye’s ability to adjust to changes in brightness.  Having proper lighting throughout the home becomes more important.  Task areas, such as kitchen counters, hobby tables and desks, should have additional, focused overhead lighting or lamps.  Blinds, shades and window treatments should be adjustable to allow ample natural lighting.  Entryways, hallways, steps and closets all need to be clearly lit when in use.  Sensors or timers are ideal for these areas.  Rocker switches with dimmers make it easy to control lighting and reduce glare.

Indoor air quality is another concern.  Carbon monoxide and radon are two invisible, odorless gasses that can build up in some homes, causing sickness and even death.  For people with allergies or difficulty breathing, mold, dust, household chemicals and even humidity can create problems.  Make sure heating and air conditioning units are properly serviced, and use HEPA filters and a dehumidifier to control molds and other allergens. Some building materials also can be hazardous, such as plywood containing formaldehyde or carpets that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are respiratory irritants and neurotoxins. 

As we get older we spend more time in our homes, yet unfortunately, often fail to make necessary changes to make it more comfortable and functional as our needs change.  Something as simple as changing the color of paint on the walls can make a significant difference in our attitude and sense of well being.  Rearranging furniture to make it easier and safer to move about is another small change that can make a big difference.  A home that is “emotionally healthy” promotes activity and is inviting to family, friends and neighbors.  Create areas where people can comfortably gather together and interact, without distractions from televisions or radios.  Fabrics and soft furnishings that reduce noise levels can make conversations easier to follow.  Illuminating walls with sconces or recessed bulbs adds light without increasing glare and creates a more appealing ambience.