Accessibility in a Residential Setting Fitting Places to People Adapt-Able Design Group
Recognizing Opportunity Baby boom generation is just now entering their retirement years. 33% of the population in the City of Kawartha Lakes is age 55 or over. Stats Can Census 2011 Opportunities for developers, renovators and businesses who cater to easier living.
With Age Comes Disability Source: Statistics Canada: A Profile of Disability in Canada, 2001
Demographics will make some of our Housing Stock Obsolete Source: Canadian Institutes of Health Research 2012
Age Friendly Project Assessment (HKPR District Health Unit) Most survey respondents (seniors) and focus group participants were adamant about staying in their homes, many admitted to having had a slip, trip or fall in the past year. Page 11
Age Friendly Project Assessment (HKPR District Health Unit) In many cases, older adults are forced to consider relocating altogether. Unfortunately, relocating does not only mean leaving a home, but for some, it can mean leaving behind a community -Page 11
Identified Facts People want to remain in their homes as long as possible. People want to be independent in their homes. Inappropriate home design can lead to injuries and/or force people to move away from their community support base
Adapt-Able Design Group Fitting places to people since 1987 Objective design based on need Consulting Costing Project Management Services geared to create housing solutions for the client: renovate / build new / move
Opportunities Increase affordable housing stock that promotes safety and independence and reduces the effects of aging Cater to reduced: Agility Mobility Endurance Vision Hearing Memory Tolerance of noise and commotion
Mobility
Mobility
Home Designed to Example: Easy entry: Conserve Energy Minimize parking distance and elevation to the door. Eliminate the need to trudge through snow (via attached garage). Provide exterior landing space so parcels can be placed on a chair/table while negotiating the door. Make the exterior landing the same level as the interior landing to reduce the degree of step-over. Provide space for a chair inside the door to make dealing with footwear easier.
Eliminate the need for ramps
People with cardiac / respiratory disease may struggle more with a ramp than stairs provide both options
Ramps need to be shovelled whose going to do this?
Platform Lift ( Porch Lift ) inside an attached garage Adapt-Able Design Group
A platform lift takes minimal space Adapt-Able Design Group
A safety interlock prevents opening the door unless the lift is at the landing Adapt-Able Design Group
Parking Design Ensure enough width to permit a wheelchair lift to deploy and for access on/off lift. Adapt-Able Design Group
Some wheelchair lifts require higher ceiling height in the garage Adapt-Able Design Group
Scooter lifts may be in the back of a vehicle, requiring a deeper garage Adapt-Able Design Group
Stairsglide tracks can become tripping hazards if the stairs are not wide enough
Residential Elevator (video clip)
Funicular Lift
Automatic Generator
Foyer space for a chair to Manage Footwear
Closet Organizers
Mobility Range of Motion
Design for Functional Reach Ovens, Cupboards, Closets, Laundry appliances, electrical outlets, breaker panel, etc.
Example Kitchens and Bathrooms
Space for Stool / Walker / Wheelchair
Knee space at the counter, sink and cooktop
Induction cooktop can help prevent burns
Side-opening wall ovens at the right height reduce bending, and burns
Lots of storage to reduce stair travel to basement
Pull-out storage reduces bending and reaching
Drawer Dishwasher reduces the need to bend
Bathroom with comfort-height toilet and vanity with knee space for use with a stool
Less fancy, Less costly
Walll-hung toilet for tight spaces
Universal design shower can be used by everyone
Walk-in Bathtub
Ask the right questions How do you transfer? Adapt-Able Design Group
Tub Transfer Space Adapt-Able Design Group
Design to Conserve Energy Easy Living Reduce the need for stair travel (i.e. Main floor bedroom, Bathroom / Powder room at all levels Main bathroom with a large zero-threhold shower for future mobility aid Main bathroom with a standard shaped tub for soaking and pain relief Closets, cabinets with pull-out features
Consider your customers needs of tomorrow (and market them): Provide the widest doors possible Do not design sunken floor areas Consider Future-purpose rooms (i.e. main floor study and laundry could become a bedroom and accessible bathroom). Basement may be used for live-in help or for storage of furniture from down-sizing
Design for Social Interactions Many people fear isolation and loneliness as the age. Loss of a spouse Loss of friends Children have moved away Lack of a seniors-friendly environment
Design for Visitability Simply put, is the ability for someone with mobility limitations to visit your client s home: Walker / Wheelchair / Scooter friendly entrance Accessible bathroom at entry level Accessible visiting space at entry level
Visitability via social media The Revera report, which surveyed more than 1,500 Canadians aged 55 and older, showed 88% of seniors go online at least once a day and 7 out of 10 seniors believe technology helps them stay in their own homes longer. Avis Favaro, CTV News Published Sunday, June 24, 2012 9:40PM EDT Provide computer nook(s) and a CAT 5 back-up option.
Thank you Adapt-Able Design Group