Accessible Design
If you’re like the majority of Lincoln area residents over the age of 45, you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years with Accessible Design (also known as Certified Aging in Place [CAPS] or Universal Design.)
CAPS is the concept of using accessibility products and planned environments designed for use by all – regardless of age/condition.
It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, short or tall, healthy or ill. You might have a disability or you may be a skilled athlete. Universal design works for everyone and people who are very different can all enjoy the same home. That home will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change.
Put another way, aging in place is the ability to live in one’s own home – wherever that might be – for as long as confidently and comfortably possible.
We are using the term “aging in place” in reference to living where you have lived for many years, or to living in a non-healthcare environment, and using products, services and conveniences to enable you to not have to move as circumstances change.
Nate’s Custom Renovations is CAPS certified and ready to educate and help you remodel your home with Universal Design in mind.
Home Modification Ideas
To help you understand Accessible Design / Certified Aging In Place a bit more, below we have listed many of the common updates we complete for Lincoln area homeowners to make their home livable. Updates to Consider:
Doors
1. Lever handles
2. Swing clear hinges on all doors, which widen doorway up to 2”
3. Dead bold lock which can be turned by people with grasping difficulty
4. Shelf beside entrance to place things, while opening the door.
Electrical
1. Rocker switches on all lights
2. Electric switches max 36” from floor
3. Thermostat easy accessible each floor, no higher than 40”
Bathrooms
1. Sink counter: master sink controls off set 45 degree angle on the side of sink, single lever controls
2. Tilt mirror 30-31”, accessible medicine cabinets with small shelf below for placement of items
3. Shower grab bars: wrap around inside shower. Shower curtain, not door. Hand shower extra long hose 80” with diverter on the handle, and with offset single lever control. Separate wall mounted shower head
4. Shower chair would be best with arm rests for lateral support
5. Toilet long lever handle
6. Fold down grab bar on the side of toilet seat
7. At toilet: Install a shelf built into wall between studs and extending out, for hygiene supplies, consider ¾” edge on front to keep things from sliding off. Approx. 32” height.
8. Grab bars to serve as towel bars, textured, non-slip.
Kitchen
1. Counter height 32-34”
2. Sink with open below access, long hand-held faucet to reach and fill pot on counter or stove top.
3. Cabinets: Pull-out shelves inside; drawers are good, but best with easy glide hardware. Lazy susans in cabinets; pull-out cutting board or work surface, for where counter height is higher.
4. Microwave at counter height
5. Hood controls at front of counter.
6. Range controls at the front
Closet/Laundry room
1. Adjustable rods 48-60” or lower. 36” space between shallow rods and shelves for wheelchair access.
2. Open vertical shelving with pull-out ½ shelves (easy to see into and gain access to contents.)
Miscellaneous
1. Floors: Hardwood floors NOT high gloss but rather matte finish, which make it too slippery. Carpet low-pile and dense.
2. Ability to easily open and close blinds/drapes
3. Increased incandescent lighting and specific task lighting
4. Easy garage or parking access
5. At least one entry is without steps
6. Electrical outlets at 18 inches instead of 12
7. Easy to open or lock patio doors and screens
8. Lower window sills especially for windows on the street
9. Programmable thermostats for heating and cooling
10. Non-glare glass on art work
11. Peep hole at a low height
12. Incorporation of emergency response system installed or wearable
Contact us for more information or review our CAPS certification.
