Guest Column

Everyone benefits from a universal design home

By ESTHER BERG, Guest Columnist
Published September 7, 2007

Would you like to be able to stay in your own home in your older years? Your friends and family are nearby; you get along with your neighbors; you know where to find the best pizza place, parks and shopping. Doctors' offices and other services are readily available. If this appeals to you, then consider the concept of universal design.

Universal design works for the toddler who is just learning how to walk, the teenager who has broken his leg playing football, the homeowner who is recovering from surgery and the grandparent who can't get around easily. Everyone will benefit from a home with universal design. You can make life more comfortable and convenient for all family members and remain in your home, as you get older.

Don't let this term - universal design - confuse you. It's just a way of designing or remodeling your home so that it allows for flexibility, safety and efficiency.

A house with universal design features is a home that can grow old with you, no matter what stage of life you're experiencing. Whether you have young children or teenagers, are empty- nesters or have several generations under one roof, you will be able to accommodate everyone regardless of most current or potential disabilities. Your home will look as attractive - inside and outside - as any other home in the neighborhood, but it will be easier to live in.

If you're building a home, you can incorporate universal design features. There are easy changes you can make to incorporate universal design into an existing house as well. These features will contribute to the health and welfare of your family.

Take a look at your house, starting from the outside. You're looking for features that will contribute to the health, safety and convenience for you, your family, and guests.

At your curb or front door, is there an easy-to-read address number so that emergency services can readily find your house? Is there a step-free entry for those who may be in a wheelchair or on crutches, even temporarily? Level walkways, or those with little or no slope, leading to the front door, make it easier to enter the home. Do you have a lighted doorbell? Is your front door well-lit? Is there a convenient place to put packages while you unlock the door? Consider easy-to-operate door locks and lever-type handles, rather than doorknobs, which can pose problems for those with arthritis.

How easy is it for someone in a wheelchair or on crutches to enter your home and front hallway? Is there enough space to turn around in a wheelchair? Hallways and interior doors should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate someone in a wheelchair. Good lighting and obstacle-free hallways will make it easy to get around.

On the outside, maintenance-free exteriors and Florida-friendly landscaping contribute to an attractive look as well as lowering operating costs. Inside, there are several areas to pay particular attention to, including the hallways, kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Can everyone in your household easily use the kitchen? Countertops at different heights will accommodate someone in a wheelchair who is preparing a meal as well as a young child who wants to help out. Controls placed at the front or sides of appliances can be easily reached. Good task lighting helps everyone see what they are doing in the kitchen. And an anti-scald faucet is a safety feature that anyone can appreciate.

Bathrooms can be another nightmare for someone with limited flexibility or motion. Walk-in tubs or showers without a threshold can solve the problem of limited mobility.

Adjustable-height, handheld showerheads and anti-scald faucets are features to consider. Properly installed grab bars in the shower, tub and next to the toilet are essential for safety as are good lighting and non-slip floors.

Easy changes you can make now:

-Remove obstacles and clutter in your hallways.

-Lower temperature on the hot water heater to 120 degrees.

-Make sure all light fixtures are in working order with the correct size bulb.

-Change light switches throughout the house to rocker-type controls.

-Change doorknobs to lever-style handles.

-Secure loose rugs and carpets

With some thought and careful planning, you can follow universal design principals to make your home safe, convenient, comfortable and practical so that you can remain in it.

For additional information on universal design and related topics, see these Web sites: AARP at www.aarp.org/families/home_design/universaldesign/ and the National Association of Home Builders at www.nahb.org.

Esther L. Berg is the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Builder/Developer coordinator for the University of Florida/Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service.

[Last modified September 6, 2007, 20:38:41]