The living room and entertainment areas of your home are where you spend most of your time. You want it to be comfortable, attractive and safe. Modifications can be as simple as installing specialty lighting features or go so far as to include widening doorways or halls for easier access.
Floor Plans: People with mobility and visual issues need clear open spaces so that they can navigate around a room easily (yes, this means that your Bow Flex or your exercise bike needs to be somewhere else). You can open up your floor spaces simply by moving your furniture out of the walking areas so that you can move about without bumping into coffee tables or decorations. You can divide a large open area into several groupings for “special use” areas.
Flooring: This is one item that keeps cropping in all of the room design patterns because elderly and handicapped persons are prone to accidents and falling. Make sure that the living area flooring is non-slip and level. Thick carpeting and area rugs that are not tacked down are a hazard and an accidental tripping waiting to happen. If you are replacing flooring consider matte finishes in wood, tile, stone or cork to reduce glare. If you opt for carpeting, remember to use low pile, low-level loop, or industrial type flooring that provides surer footing. Be especially conscious of transition areas between one room and another.
Lighting: Good lighting is essential whether it provides a means to find the keyhole when coming home after dark, or seeing who is at the door when you answer it. For extra convenience use long-life, full spectrum light bulbs that don’t have to be changed often. Touch switches, switches in lighted areas or lighted styles that can be easily identified. Consider lights and a heating system that can be programmed to come on automatically. Light switches are available that can be activated from several locations and track light is good for eliminating glare and shadows. Electrical outlets can be raised to between 18 and 30 inches above floor level for easier access.
Stairways: Obviously one level housing is preferable, but not always possible. Keep stairs clear of clutter, install additional lighting fixtures or touch lights to illuminate them. Every stairway of two or more steps should have a railing (preferably on both sides of the stair case) and extend the railing past the top and bottom of the stairs for stability. If stairs are too difficult to navigate consider installing a stair-lift or an elevator.
Doorways: Protected entryways so that a slower moving individual can get in and out of the house while being protected from the elements. Something a simple as a package shelf near the door would make it easier to free up your hands to unlock the doors. Think about how many times you have come home with sacks of groceries in your arms and then had to scrabble for your keys while doing a balancing act. An automatic door opener, lever handles instead of knobs or even a keyless entry system controlled by a touch pad.
Consider replacing regular hinges with swing-clear ones that provide a wider passageway, widen the doors and add a ramp. Standard doorways can limit the movement for individuals using a walker or wheelchair. Doorway openings of 32-36 inches offer better access. Consider a pocket doors that requires no threshold and are easy to open and close.
Windows: Reduce glare from large windows by adding window films or full-length draperies. Automatic, remote controlled window coverings for easy adjustment of light level. Casement windows with sill-level latches are easier to use than traditional styles, if you have trouble reaching or have reduced hand strength or mobility.
Wall Coverings: Select matte finish pain or simple wallpaper patterns for people with decreased visual acuity. Busy wallpaper is distracting and glossy walls can produce glare. Wallpaper helps reduce glare and limit background noise if hearing is an issue.
Furniture: Opt for firm, upright chairs and couch pieces rather than the popular overstuffed furniture, as they are more comfortable and easier to get in and out of for people with limited arm/hand strength or back problems. Avoid rocking chairs and other unstable furniture that might give way if used for balance.
Handrails: Adding handrails to hallways or in the living area can give the disabled person the extra support needed to navigate their homes.
Source: The Accessible Home by Nancy Baldrica of Creative Publishing International
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