Universal Design and Age in Place
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Universal Design and Age in Place have different meanings yet do the same thing when applied correctly. We will discuss the impact of Universal Design and Age in Place as it relates to changing demographics, lifestyles, economy and the remodeling industry. Technology and healthcare have prolonged the active lifestyle and helped those living with a disability to be more independent. In this format we want to explore how these demographic, physical and financial changes affect the way we talk to our clients, plan & educate ourselves and build. This is an evolving territory with countless ideas and solutions to help people enjoy their homes. We hope you will join in the discussion, explore solutions and share new ideas.
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
When Age in Place hits home
Jul 8 2009 8:32AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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By Patricia Nunan
3 years ago my mother-in-law moved into the home that she purchased together with her daughter after her husband of 65 years died. We all helped in finding the right home that would meet most of their needs for the short and long term. The home they chose already had wide doorways and Moms bathroom already had a shower with a seat, grab bars and low threshold. The only negative we figured was the 6 steps to the porch - but the porch was level with the threshold of the front door so that was a good thing. When they purchased the home I knew what the options would be if we needed to make changes to help Mom stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. Although she walks with a cane, she still likes to hang up the wash when the weather is nice and take their little dog for daily walks. Mom never liked dogs in the house but now that they have one it really helps her stay active.
We knew a ramp was not an option because of space and height and it’s also a lot of effort to walk that extra 36 feet. So what’s our solution to help Mom get in and out of the house? For the short term we are removing the steps and replacing them with lowered height risers. By adjusting the risers height to just 4 ½” we can reduce the effort it takes to raise the foot for each tread thus making it easier to go up and most importantly down the steps. There are handrails but we’re going to add smaller diameter handrails and lower them to make it easier for her to grab on to, since Mom also has arthritis in her hands.
The next step will be to put in a vertical lift. Mom doesn’t use a mobility aid but the option will be there if it’s needed or it becomes too difficult to use the steps. A vertical lift will take up less space and won’t be as intrusive to the rest of the property. It also can go towards the back so it will lead to the yard and the wash line.
Staying in the home my in-laws shared for over 40 years wasn’t an option. Having Mom move in with her daughter was the best option. She is comfortable, she’s not alone, and she is at home. Choosing the right home that offered independence and options when changes needed to be made it the best choice for everyone. So by next week we will have new steps in place and Mom can keep walking the dog and hanging the wash a little longer.
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