Universal Design Living Kitchen and Great Room
[Excepts from the Universal Design Toolkit www.udll.com by Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.]
People expect “home” to provide independence, accessibility, safety and peace of mind – regardless of disabilities, limitations or health challenges. Many are choosing to stay in their homes for as long as possible to avoid moving to independent living and senior-care communities.
This movement isn’t restricted to people who are aging. It applies, as well, to patients with sudden health changes – due to accidents, stroke, spinal cord injury – as well as to those with degenerative conditions such as arthritis, amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS), dementia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease.
For people who desire to remain at home, will the house where they are living sustain their independence for years to come? Could they come home after a hospital visit to recover from surgery or illness, or would they need to go to a rehabilitation or nursing facility? As mobility diminishes, what home modifications and changes would be essential to ensure accessibility and safety?
The Aging of Americans
The American population is graying. One in three Americans is now 50 or older — by 2030, one in five will be 65+. The number of people 65 and older in the United States is expected to increase to 55 million in 2020; to some 70 million by 2030, and to 88.5 million — or 20 percent of the population — in 2050. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that one in five Americans—about 53 million people has a disability of some kind. The American Community Survey in 2014 indicated that 36% of the U.S. population 65 or older has a disability. Additionally, 23% had difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
September CSA WebinarRegister for an upcoming webinar on universal design for aging in place, Homes That Make Life Easier: A look inside the Universal Design Living Laboratory, hosted by Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.
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- 33 million Americans have a disability that makes it difficult for them to carry out daily activities.
- 2.2 million people in the United States depend on a wheelchair for day-to-day tasks and mobility.
- 6.5 million people use a cane, a walker, or crutches to assist with their mobility.
An AARP study in 2014 indicated 87 percent of adults age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age. Among people age 50 to 64, 71 percent of people want to age in place. The United States of Aging survey in 2012 showed that approximately 90 percent of seniors intend to continue living in their current homes for the next five to 10 years.
People of all ages and abilities need to live in a home safely, independently and comfortably.
A First-Hand Understanding
On June 13, 1998, my husband, Mark Leder, and I went for a bicycle ride on a rural wooded trail in Granville, Ohio. After riding for a few minutes, Mark thought he heard a gunshot and slowed down to investigate. As he scanned the scene he saw a large tree falling. He shouted, “Stop!” But the warning was too late. I was crushed by a 7,000-pound tree and paralyzed from the waist down.
Coming home from the hospital in a manual wheelchair after my spinal cord injury, I realized how my two-story home intensified my disability. My husband and I knew that we had to sell our home and find something more suitable.
In September 2004, we hired an architect to draw the house plans for our new home in Columbus, Ohio. There was a steep learning curve for me in ramping up to build our home. We assembled a team of interior designers and over 200 corporate contributors to assist us. Serving as the general contractors, my husband and I spent 32 months building our home.
This home, named the “Universal Design Living Laboratory,” is the top-rated universal design home in North America, earning three national universal design certifications (view the virtual tour at UDLL.com).
Having lived in the Universal Design Living Laboratory using a wheelchair for the past five years gives me a unique perspective. I have learned the importance of space planning and that small differences in the width of a door, height of a threshold or slope of a ramp can impact a person’s independence. I have experienced the joy of rolling on hardwood and tile flooring. No longer do I have sore shoulders as I did when rolling on the carpet in my previous home. Safety features like grab bars in the toileting area and shower have kept me from falling, and they make transfers easier.
Universal Design and Aging in Place
There are many terms people read about and use when communicating about homes that enable families to live in their homes during their retirement. The terms include: universal design, accessible design, aging in place, living in place, age friendly, and forever home.
Aging in place is the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.
The concept of universal design has been embraced by architects, interior designers, and other design and building professionals since the 1980s. The definition of universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Universal design should be transparent design. Universal design is an approach to planning that embraces diversity and inclusion by providing for equitable use while promoting efficiency, flexibility and sustainability. Universal design is human-centered design, accommodating people of all sizes, ages and abilities.
Universal design takes as many needs as possible into consideration in the design process. The broadest spectrum of users is considered. It traditionally focuses on creating non-stigmatizing, equitable designs. Based on the premise that the environment can level the playing field for people with disabilities, it provides a broader, yet complementary approach to design. It is age and content appropriate, aesthetically pleasing, affordable, and has a broad market appeal.
Environmental factors in homes can be disabling or enabling. People need to design to human strengths, while accommodating for individual weaknesses and limitations. Design to work with, support, and enhance human functioning.
Life is easier when a home includes universal design features and products.
Improved Quality of Life Beyond Independence With Universal Design Features
By following universal design guidelines, a home will provide an improved quality of life for all occupants, not only those with disabilities. In addition to having more freedom in a home due to universal design, a home may also provide improved accessibility, convenience, safety, restore human dignity and provide peace of mind.
As people plan to remodel or build a new home usability features need to be top of mind in the design phase. These suggested guidelines, features and products help create homes that make life easier, especially for those who use a wheelchair.
Throughout the Home
 Universal Design Living Laboratory Doorway |
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In the Kitchen
Universal design features in the kitchen include the overall design of the circulation pattern, cabinet design, countertop height and appliance selection.
Universal Design Living Laboratory Kitchen
- A minimum 5-foot turning radius throughout the kitchen allows a person who uses a wheelchair the ability to do a 360-degree turnaround. Power wheelchairs and scooters may need additional space.
- Side-hinged ovens are preferable to those hinged at the bottom, installed at a height that is easy to reach from a wheelchair.
- Cooktop controls and ventilation control panel at the front and at waist height make them accessible by all.
- Multiple countertop heights, such as 40, 34 and 30 inches, accommodate a diverse population. A 30-inch countertop with knee space underneath works well for someone who remains seated during meal preparation.
- At least half of the storage space should be accessible from a seated position, including drawers and cabinet shelves.
- Cooktops and sinks with knee space beneath make for user-friendly work areas. This space can be hidden by removable or retractable doors.
- A dishwasher raised 16 inches off the floor eliminates the need to bend down low.
- Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer provide easier access from a seated position.
In the Bathroom
Accessible bathrooms meet needs for convenience, safety, privacy and independence.
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 Universal Design Living Laboratory Shower |
 Universal Design Living Laboratory Bathroom |
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In the Laundry Room
Universal Design Living Laboratory Wardrobe Room
- Space to accommodate a 5-foot turning radius makes navigation easier.
- Front-loading washers and dryers on pedestal drawers position these appliances to be accessible for a standing or a seated person.
- A sink with knee space underneath allows all users to wash clothes by hand.
Insightful Discussion With Clients
How do you talk about aging when you are meeting with a client about their plans to stay in their home during retirement?
In a recent interview with Stephanie Loucka, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, she said, “People just don’t like talking about aging. People need to have a conversation with their clients to explain the value proposition of making an investment now in their homes to enable them to live in their own homes longer.”
When planning for retirement, a client’s home should be a topic of discussion. Does the client believe that they can stay in the current home for the next 10-20 years? Will the home need to be modified or remodeled in order for the client to maintain independence as they age? What would be the cost to remodel? How soon should action be taken? What are the risks of falling given the current condition of the home?
When discussing a home remodeling project, point out that according to research by Genworth in 2016, the average cost for independent living is $43,536 per year. Then compare that cost to the investment they can make to remodel their home to enable them to stay in their home longer.
To get a more accurate assessment of the true costs, factor in tangibles like the costs of selling a home and moving expenses. Emphasize that there are also intangible downsides to moving, such as the hassle of clearing out clutter, selling furniture, and the disruption of social networks in the neighborhood.
Then compare that cost to the investment they can make to remodel their home to enable them to stay in their home longer.
Clients need to plan now for home renovations or a move into a different home. They need to make a wise decision and be proactive before realizing that the configuration of their house is limiting their ability to function in their home.
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- By Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. |
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Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. consults with remodelers, builders, architects, designers, and consumers that want to create inspired and livable homes. She is an internationally known speaker, consultant, and author (RosemarieSpeaks.com). Her newest resource, the Universal Design Toolkit, is an illustrated 200-page e-book with online videos and webinars (UDLL.com/CSA). |
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Sources
“Universal Design Toolkit,” Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.
“The United States of Aging Survey," 2012, AARP.
“The United States of Aging Survey” 2016, Genworth.
“AARP Livable Communities Baby Boomer Facts and Figures” AARP.
