Aging in place and visually impaired
7. Keep the flow. "Our architect suggested the barn door, and I'm so happy with it because there's a nice exchange between the main area and the classroom. When there's a class, instructors or therapists can just slide the door shut. We never want the space to feel like an enclosed clinic or office — it's modeled after a cozy apartment, where family members go in and out of various rooms," says Gabel.
2. Go for classic and enduring designs. "Of course, our décor has to be simple and playful, but beyond that we really stuck with classic, enduring design — particularly Danish design," says Seesaw's Gabel. 3. Showcase only things that you love. "We only have one shelf for items for sale, and all of these items are things that we love or we use at home or at Seesaw. We display things that are usually hand-crafted and simple but are very pleasing to the eye for both adults and children," says Gabel.
. Main-floor powder room. If the home has more than one story, be sure there is at least a half bath on the main floor that doesn’t require climbing any stairs to reach. Some powder rooms can be quite tiny, so look for a powder room with enough clearance to easily maneuver a walker or wheelchair into the space.
. Elevator. A single-story home makes a great choice for aging in place, but if you do go for a multistory home, be sure it has a safe staircase with secure banisters and, ideally, an elevator as well. Elevators are extremely costly to add to a home, so if you choose a two-story (or more) home that doesn’t already have an elevator, factor the cost into your planning.
4. Drawers and pullouts. Being able to pull out shelves to reach exactly what you need is a huge help, so look for a kitchen with plenty of drawers and pullouts. This is something you can add to a kitchen in the future, but since the cost of kitchen renovations adds up quickly, finding a home with a well-designed kitchen already in place is a huge plus.
Ensure that floors are slip-resistant. Materials that don’t get slick reduce the chances of falling when there’s a spill. Floor tile should have enough grout and texture to grip your feet. Porcelain tile absorbs less moisture than ceramic tile or other flooring types; it’s also easy to maintain and clean. Vinyl flooring can offer good slip resistance too, and it’s softer on your feet.
9. Focus on clearance space. The standard clearance between cabinets, walls and appliances is 36 inches, which is enough room to comfortably pass in a walkway and have access to drawers and doors. However, if you want a kitchen that can accommodate a wheelchair, you can use Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines as a reference point for your design.
8. Pick drawers, not doors. The best part about drawers is that they display all your flatware and utensils at once, which allows for easy grabbing. You don’t have to get on your knees and peer into the back of the cabinet to see what’s available. Large drawers don’t skimp on storage space. Any set wider than 30 inches can stow plenty of pots and pans.
7. Make corners accessible. Blind corner cabinets won’t cut it. Yes, they provide ample storage space, but too often they turn into unofficial junk bins when you tire of getting on all fours to fetch the dish you need. Performing that bend-reach-lift motion also isn’t good for aging backs. Look for corner cabinet bases that effectively eliminate the need for rummaging and reaching. They aren’t all the same, though. You have options, be it a convenient three-drawer base (left) or a traditional Lazy Susan.
6. Choose standard counter-depth appliances and cabinets without any frills. Designing an age-proof kitchen isn’t the time to get fancy with decorative legs, ornate refrigerator panels or angled counters. Though these eye-catchers add personality, they can transform your space into an obstacle course. You’re more prone to bump your knees, legs and hips on appliances and cabinetry details that jut out from the counter.
If you don’t want to sacrifice counter space, the next best solution is to tuck the microwave under the counter. Why? For starters, it’s easier to set a heavy plate down below you than it is to lift it above your shoulders. And since spills are more likely when you have to reach up to remove hot food or liquid, having the microwave under the counter also prevents burns.
3. Keep the sink close to the stove. As we age, it’s harder on our arms and backs to carry big pots full of water to and from the cooktop. If any spills on the way, it becomes a slipping hazard. You may be tempted to put your sink next to your stove, but be sure to leave workspace in between. It defeats the purpose if you’re forced to hold a pot longer than is comfortable because you can’t find a place to set it down.
1. Install a pullout pantry. Because it lets you see everything at a glance without having to shuffle items around, homeowners of all ages will find a pullout pantry useful. But besides being convenient, drawers that give you easy access to your canned goods and cereal boxes also put less strain on your back and knees.
In the hallway - If you don’t already have good access, consider widening your hallway to accommodate a big front door. It won’t just make it easier to move in furniture, it will also create the space necessary for wheelchairs and making the use of a walking stick much easier, if ever you need either. Future-proof plan Make sure there isn’t a lip at the entrance, as older people can find it difficult to lift their feet over a traditional threshold.
Shelving does not have to be much deeper than 12 or 13 inches to accommodate everyday items. Without any doors on the cabinetry, the space feels bigger and would better accomodate a person with a walker or in a wheelchair. More: Other suggestions for accessible cabinet fittings.
I like just glass leaving space between bench and glass wide enough for wheelchair access.
AFTER: The team moved the custom cabinetry and built-in units back, expanding the kitchen and making room for "four wheels, two feet — and more when entertaining," Sundstrom says. The kitchen was transformed into the new center of the house with its increase in wheelchair-turning radius. And the space is even more joyful with the flood of sunlight coming in from unadorned windows. "This house is remarkably bright and cheery inside, even in the winter — a rare thing in rainy Seattle," says Sundstrom.
Lots of women use water as they make up (to wash hands, wash off make up, wet certain kinds of makeup, etc.), and it becomes a good place to easily accomodate someone with an unexpected disability since you can pull a wheelchair up under it, the mirror is lower, etc. Just one extra small sink would make a big difference
cool not neccesarily helpful
Counter-height seating won't work well for smaller kids who can't — or shouldn't — climb up, or for wheelchair users. I highly recommend having island seating or a kid zone where it won't interfere with someone working at the range, wall ovens or main kitchen sink. Elegant galley kitchen photo in Charleston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash and stainless steel appliances Gaillo Ornamental on the island and Tropic Brown on the perimeter - jalmorning84
This angle lets you appreciate the different heights of the granite counter and tabletop. "Not all wheelchair users have the same needs. Karen and her daughter, also a wheelchair user, have different arm-reach lengths and different torso heights, so we took their needs into account," says Sundstrom. Although some may disagree with the cooktop placement and its lack of undersurface knee space, Sundstrom stands by the placement. Various counter heights. Interested in possibly having north wall of kitchen counters be elevated above standard - vanity height perhaps? Need to determine exact height. - daddy
Another alternative to freeing up toe space is to have wall-mounted cabinets, eliminating the toe kick altogether. This option allows for complete customization of countertop height and toe space
lower upper cabinets contrasting back color glass doors
could easily have removable shelves in this cabinet, avoiding need for a whole separate, removable, roll-out cabinet unit (bottom shelf would need a skirt that goes down to the floor.
Look for a home with plenty of clearance in halls and passages if you want to be able to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. In the kitchen, the Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines require at least 60 inches of clearance between opposing cabinets, walls or appliances for U-shaped kitchens; galley or “pass through” kitchens require at least 40 inches of clearance between opposing surfaces. Example of a mid-sized trendy galley enclosed kitchen design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, metallic backsplash, solid surface countertops, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and porcelain floors
Raised toe kicks allow greater foot and toe clearance for anyone in a wheelchair, and let them get closer to the countertop or workstation. The toe kicks should be a minimum of 9 inches high. The kitchen shown here just about eliminates them altogether, opting for contemporary furniture legs for support that are still easy to work around.
Upper kitchen cabinets were designed with pull-down interiors which bring the upper cabinet contents down to a level for a wheelchair user.
elevator
elevator
elevator awesome
amazing elevator
elevator nice
sink is wheel chair accessible
You also don’t want to miss any wet spots that can be hidden by shadows. Good lighting comes in many forms, including recessed lighting, vanity lighting, lamps and natural light. You may even consider placing lighting inside an enclosed shower.
The curved tall unit on the left has stainless steel edging that accentuates the shape's dynamics. It hides a structural post but also serves as a display unit and a place for keys. "He asked for a hint of blue, which we brought in with the quartz countertop as well as in the tile backsplash at the sink," Hanl elaborates.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) site has specific measurements for wheelchair turning radius, angle of ramps, handrails, everything. ... ... 2.) ADA Ramps: ADA Code 4.8 Aging-in-Place 1.) Consult with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. You can find one through the ... website. 2.) Go to Houzz Professionals and contact Brickwood Builders. They are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists. (For you other Houzz Professionals who are CAPS, please add your name to this list!). Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary study room remodel in San Francisco with gray walls, light hardwood floors and a built-in desk
elevator not so bad
We created this beautiful accessible bathroom in Carlsbad to give our client a more functional space. We designed this unique bath, specific to the client's specifications to make it more wheel chair accessible. Features such as the roll in shower, roll up vanity and the ability to use her chair for flexibility over the fixed wall mounted seat allow her to be more independent in this bathroom. Safety was another significant factor for the room. We added support bars in all areas and with maximum flexibility to allow the client to perform all bathing functions independently, and all were positioned after carefully recreating her movements. We met the objectives of functionality and safety without compromising beauty in this aging in place bathroom. Travertine-look porcelain tile was used in a large format on the shower walls to minimize grout lines and maximize ease of maintenance. A crema marfil marble mosaic in an elongated hex pattern was used in the shower room for it’s beauty and flexibility in sloped shower. A custom cabinet was made to the height ideal for our client’s use of the sink and a protective panel placed over the pea trap.
We created this beautiful accessible bathroom in Carlsbad to give our client a more functional space. We designed this unique bath, specific to the client's specifications to make it more wheel chair accessible. Features such as the roll in shower, roll up vanity and the ability to use her chair for flexibility over the fixed wall mounted seat allow her to be more independent in this bathroom. Safety was another significant factor for the room. We added support bars in all areas and with maximum flexibility to allow the client to perform all bathing functions independently, and all were positioned after carefully recreating her movements. We met the objectives of functionality and safety without compromising beauty in this aging in place bathroom. Travertine-look porcelain tile was used in a large format on the shower walls to minimize grout lines and maximize ease of maintenance. A crema marfil marble mosaic in an elongated hex pattern was used in the shower room for it’s beauty and flexibility in sloped shower. A custom cabinet was made to the height ideal for our client’s use of the sink and a protective panel placed over the pea trap.
We created this beautiful accessible bathroom in Carlsbad to give our client a more functional space. We designed this unique bath, specific to the client's specifications to make it more wheel chair accessible. Features such as the roll in shower, roll up vanity and the ability to use her chair for flexibility over the fixed wall mounted seat allow her to be more independent in this bathroom. Safety was another significant factor for the room. We added support bars in all areas and with maximum flexibility to allow the client to perform all bathing functions independently, and all were positioned after carefully recreating her movements. We met the objectives of functionality and safety without compromising beauty in this aging in place bathroom. Travertine-look porcelain tile was used in a large format on the shower walls to minimize grout lines and maximize ease of maintenance. A crema marfil marble mosaic in an elongated hex pattern was used in the shower room for it’s beauty and flexibility in sloped shower. A custom cabinet was made to the height ideal for our client’s use of the sink and a protective panel placed over the pea trap.
Ovens in the lower cabinets. Induction cooktop at the island. Cabinets on either end of the island store small appliances that can stay plugged in and be used in place. Table at appropriate height for an electric wheelchair. “Retractable base cabinet doors at the main sinks and at the cooktop open up the knee space below for the scooter to move into, allowing her to adjust the wheelchair up and down,” designer Barb Mueller says.
Independence Make sure your home allows for you to live in it safely, independently and comfortably, so you can ‘age in place’. None of us want to think about the days when health conditions might deteriorate, and walking becomes difficult, but those days can come at an advanced age.If you intend to stay in your prospective apartment for the next 20 years, for example, have a close look at the details of its design.More questions to consider are: How high are the overhead kitchen cupboards? Large transitional master bathroom idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white tile, white walls, recessed-panel cabinets, marble countertops, cement tile and ceramic floors Universal design grab bars room for wheel chair at sink - winduup
Remodeling for retirement just makes sense, for homeowners who are 50 or older. Here grab bars, single-lever fixtures, a shower seat and a textured shower floor create a safe, user-friendly bathroom. If grab bars aren't needed immediately, adding grab bar supports behind the wall means that the tile won't have to be torn out later to install secure grab bars. The room also features non-toxic, no-VOC paint.
tub with side drop down for easy access
seat and large curbless
shallow sink to accommodate wheel chair
rubber, textured flooring
curbless shower
bench- large no threshold shower, wheel chair access for sit and stool to sit at sink
8. Show the space's character. The original floors of Bumble were patched together and made of soft wood. "We sanded down the floor to the last sand — we won't be able to do it again — and we stained it a shade of gray to match our gray and yellow motif. I love that we kept the original floors because although they show their wear and tear, they definitely add a lot of character," says Heffernan.
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