Aging In Place design is done with careful consideration to accommodate the specific needs of people confined to a wheelchair. This particular Kitchen design utilizes a galley approach with ample room between the two sides of the galley. It accommodates the needs of a person in a wheelchair while also allowing ample room for another person to work simultaneously with out getting into each other's way. The cooking and sink surfaces are lowered to make it easier for cooking, wet preparation and cleanup. The microwave and double oven are also at a lowered height. The vent over the range has a remote control. Sink faucets can be installed with touch controls to accommodate for ease of control. The Cabinet design also allows for a larger toe kick area for clearance so a wheelchair can move closer into to the cabinet / counters. The lower cabinet drawers are designed to house the everyday plates and glasses for easy access.
Ingress and Egress are designed for ease of Entry and Exit with a wheelchair and are considered in the overall plan for the home. Ramps built into the concrete and low threshold doors can be designed to integrate beautifully in the overall design concept of your home.
Doorways and flow
Wide doorways and straight lines make for easy movement within the home with comfort. 36 inch wide doors are a must. Having sufficient room for a wheelchair to traverse around the living space make the home comfortable without looking like there are modifications for disabilities. Wide hallways also help in this regard. Keeping the laundry room and kitchen close to the bedroom make for easier for daily activities of daily living. Casement windows instead of double hung are used for easier handling for the aging population as well for those who are wheelchair bound.
Closets are designed to be large as to provide ample room to turn around. Rod and shelves are stationed lowered for ease of access. If preferred by the homeowner, doors are left off.
Bathrooms
The Americans with Disabilities Act has established many guidelines and regulations for the home based ADA bathroom. These are incorporated into the design of the bathroom. Design features for the aging population as well as for those who are currently wheelchair bound. Counters, mirrors, cabinets and light switches are placed at a lower height. The shower has a separate diverter to accomodate for an accessible handheld shower, while being able to keep the traditional shower height for other occupants to use. Ease of access into the shower is accomplished by wider entry, sufficient room for a wheelchair and transfer to a bench. A built in bench can also be part of the overall design of the shower.
