Aging-In-Place with Universal Design
WHAT IS UNIVERSAL DESIGN?
Universal Design is the design of a space to make it more livable and easier to use by as many people as possible, regardless of their size, age or ability. A Universal Design home is beautiful with features seamlessly incorporated into the overall design so that it functions better. Flexibility and adaptability are built into the home making aging-in-place easier and more affordable.
The key components of Universal Design include:
The main living areas (kitchen, master bedroom, laundry room, accessible bathroom) are located on the first floor;
The door openings have a 34" wide clearance
Walls surrounding the toilet, shower and tub are reinforced with 1/2" plywood for future grab bar installation.
WHY CARE ABOUT UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN THE HOME?
From 2011 to 2030, approximately 8,000 people a day will turn sixty-five. According to AARP, 8 out of 10 older adults want to remain in their homes for as long as they choose. They want to stay in communities where their children were raised and life-long friendships were made. But to age-in-place successfully, they must determine, if and how, their existing homes can adapt to meet their changing needs. For the aging population, steps, thresholds, stairs and bathtubs can become daily obstacles. Falls in the home are the leading cause of death by injury among older adults and a primary reason for nursing home admission. The average annual cost of nursing homes in Mecklenburg County is $75,000. Many falls can be prevented if safety features are implemented like curbless showers, grab bars, well-lit stairways and handrails on stairs.
IMPLEMENTING UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN YOUR HOME
Universal Design can be implemented in three ways:
Build it into the design of your new home for future adaptability.
Retrofit an existing home for aging-in-place.
Provide 'need specific' features to address a physical impairment.
Despite the nation's increasingly older population, homes continue to be built with steps at every entry, narrow doorways and small bathrooms. Federal law does not mandate accessibility in single-family homes and few accessible homes are built voluntarily. Universal Design is far more affordable at the time of construction ($4,000-$8,000 per home) compared to retrofitting a house later (an average 5-15 times more expensive).
PROMOTING UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN THE COMMUNITY
Learn more about Universal Design and share what you know with friends, family and neighbors.
Incorporate Universal Design features within your existing home or while building a new one.
Join committees within your community to provide input on decisions around housing, aging-in-place, community development, parts, transportation, greenways, etc.
Raise awareness of the need for Universal Design by writing letters to the newspaper editor, blogging or speaking to interested groups.
For more information on Universal Design, go to: The National Aging-in-Place Council Atlanta Regional Commission
