Roll Away and roll under

Aging in Place, as defined by Wiki, is "the ability to live in one's own home - wherever that might be - for as long as confidently and comfortably possible".

Think about that for a moment ... think about the home you are living in right now. It may be a little too big if you are an empty nester. It may be a little too small if you are a growing family. Then again, it might be just right.

But, even as Goldilocks would discover, an individual with a disability may not be able to function well in your home no matter how big, small or "just right" it is.

Barrier Free Design, in simple terms, provides accessibility. And by "accessibility", I'm not just referring to the occupant, it also applies to anyone who might want to visit.

Here in the Unites States, we have witnessed more than two decades of accessibility improvements, mostly due to the American Disabilities act of 1990. But the ADA does not apply to private housing, so seldom do we see ADA improvements in a Single Family Residence.

All of that is about to change. Barrier free design is becoming more than a need for those with disabilities. It is becoming a planning tool for developers and seniors alike who understand the trend for future housing needs.

Pretend for a moment ... you are confined to a wheelchair. Now imagine yourself going into your kitchen to make breakfast. How easy would it be to sit sideways in front of your stove and scramble eggs? How accessible are your pots, pans and utensils while you are cooking? Could you even get into your kitchen? (I couldn't, that's why I ask).

The photo in this post is an example of modern day barrier free design. The cabinet with pots and pans rolls out. The top of the cabinet provides a preparation area. A person in a wheelchair can roll under the cook top and face forward with easy access to the controls. The cooking elements are electric so that clothing will not be exposed to flames.

And the best part? It's beautiful. Accessibility no longer has to mean flimsy metal ramps and green Astro Turf. Barrier free design is bringing a well planned, aesthetic element into current and future housing. Be ready for it.

- - -

Aging In Place: The Role of Barrier Free Design is one of a series of posts, sharing my thoughts about the aging baby boomer population and how it will affect where and how we live.

Other posts in this series thus far are:

Last-Time Home Buyers
Aging In Place: The New Frontier
Aging In Place: The Role of Universal Design

Stay tuned for:

Aging In Place: Home Modification
Aging In Place: Reverse Mortgages
Aging In Place: Can We Talk About Hospice?

 

 

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Copyright © 2010 - 2013 All Rights Reserved

Cynthia Larsen
Broker/Owner - Safe Haven Realty
Sonoma County, California, USA
(707) 332-2560

 cynthia@safehavenrealty.com

 www.safehavenrealty.com



 
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13 Comments on Aging In Place: The Role of Barrier Free Design

FEB
20
2012
546,251 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good Afternoon Cynthia

Thanks for the post and information. Have a great day.
12:26pm • #1
1,517,917 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

If I had to cook a meal from a wheelchair in my kitchen the microwave would out of the question.  Interesting post.
1:47pm • #2
984,419 Points 80 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

My place right now is very functional and I would get along fine...............they question, is this where I want to be?  Answer:  Nope!
2:48pm • #3
235,621 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Cynthia... while my kitchen could actually be made to work, my problem is the width of the doorway into the kitchen... it is only 29.5" wide and most wheel chairs need a 36" clearance.  Even if I take off the inset molding, I'd only get to 32".  Something I'll need to think about as I love my place and want to stay here until I'm gone.  Great series...
3:32pm • #4
1,115,935 Points 101 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

My kitchen is good... bathroom... not so much.  we were in our 30s with NO thought whatsoever to anything of the sort when we built this home.  I suppose the first time it even crossed my mind was when Donald had surgery a few years ago.  My next home however will be two things... my last one I build and completely friendly to handicaps.
3:53pm • #5
483,784 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Patrick - yes

Chris Ann - at least you could get into your kitchen. The door had to be taken off my refrigerator to put it in place.

Roger - I think many folks are not where they want to be. When they look for their "last home", barrier free design is something to take into consideration.

Peggy - could the entry be widened? Offset swing-away hinges (a future post) will gain 2", but it sounds it isn't the door that is the problem. Can I assume it is an older home?

Tammy - by the time you build your last home, you will be an expert in Universal and Barrier Free Design.

 

 
4:09pm • #6
216,123 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Interesting cooking concept, Cynthia.  I can honestly say I haven't seen anything like that (yet).  Great ideas for those in need.
5:21pm • #7
1,524,617 Points 163 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It was hard when my mom couldn't stay in her home as she got older.  But there was no bathroom on the main level and no way to add one.  It's good now to see more builders putting in a first floor bedroom or den that could later be converted. 
5:52pm • #8
980,495 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I really enjoy your series about aging in place.  Recently, I had a buyer contact me about finding her a home with an ADU and it reminded me of your series.  She is certainly thinking about aging in place!
6:18pm • #9
103,511 Points 8 Featured Posts

Cynthia, I seem to be getting a lot of older buyers lately and they are concerned with ease of living in their senior years.  Unfortunately, in the Spokane area, there are just not enough homes that fit all their needs!
7:24pm • #10
FEB
21
2012
483,784 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

David - I think this post is way ahead of the curve, but the trend will be here before we know it.

Cindy - the bed/bath downstairs was certainly a good start and they are very popular here.

Carla - Thanks ... the request for ADU's will become more and more frequent and the supply will not even be close to keeping up with demand. Can you imagine where this is headed?

Valerie - Again ... the supply and demand of real estate. Except this time it will be a certain type of demand where there is no supply. There is a huge opportunity and challenge ahead of us.
8:28am • #11
1,517,917 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Featured in the group:  BARTENDER, MAKE IT A DOUBLE.
9:44am • #12
MAR
03
2012
237,019 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I honestly have never really thought about a cooktop like that for a wheelchair accessible.  That is fascinating.  I love the rollaway cabinetry/shelf. -Kasey
10:15pm • #13

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Cynthia Larsen - Sonoma County Real Estate Broker

Cotati, CA

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707-332-2560 www.safehavenrealty.com

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