Will the home you live in today meet your physical needs in the future? Aging is inevitable. Whether you are building or renovating a home or just purchasing a new appliance, incorporating universal design elements can make life easier–and may save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the future.

Universal design

“Universal design is good design that works for people of all ages and abilities. It doesn’t mean your home looks like a hospital,” says Charlotte Wade, director of the National Center for Seniors’ Housing Research at the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Research Center.

A universally designed home is safer and more comfortable for all members of a household, whether they are age six or eighty-six. As we age, our vision, hearing, mobility and strength may decrease, so anticipating potential needs and modifying a home is smart. It can ensure that the home is user-friendly for years to come.

A reMarkable home

Yadi Mark’s brick home in Covington is as warm and welcoming as her smile. After her three-hour work out, Yadi took us on a tour. The spacious open floor plan, high ceilings and comfortable furnishings were meticulously selected by Yadi and her husband Miles. The couple built their northshore home eight years ago.

From the swimming pool to the kitchen, the house was designed to meet all of Yadi’s needs. When she was 37, she had transverse myelitis, which resulted in a spinal chord injury. For the past 16 years, she has used a wheelchair. At the time, the Marks lived in a two-story house in Metairie. All of the bedrooms were upstairs. A chair lift was added to the stairs and a bathroom was made accessible. “When we sold the house, the accessible features enhanced it,” Yadi says. “We had no trouble selling it.”

As the director of government relations for the Paralyzed Veterans Administration, Yadi spent her days advocating for the healthcare rights of veterans and people with disabilities. When she and her husband decided to move to the northshore, Yadi was familiar with universal design features and knew exactly what she wanted in a new home.

Working with a local builder and designer, the Marks designed and built a 3,700-square-foot home. The wide, winding sidewalk leads from the driveway to the front door. The brick porch has no steps to climb. Every doorway in the home is wide enough for a wheelchair. To save space, many are pocket doors. The wood floors, while beautiful, are also practical for maneuvering a wheelchair.

Kitchens and baths are two areas of a home that require a great deal of attention to detail when integrating universal design. The Marks’ kitchen has varying counter heights to meet the needs of cooks who are standing or sitting. Both the sink and cook top are positioned slightly lower than is typical, and the space below is open to allow room for a wheelchair. A pull-out tiled shelf is located between the built-in oven and microwave. It is a landing area for hot dishes. The island is on wheels and custom-made to match the kitchen cabinetry. Behind the cabinet doors, pull-out shelving puts all the necessities within Yadi’s reach.

The Marks’ large master bathroom includes a roll-in shower that is hidden behind curtains. A door from the bathroom leads out to the couple’s enclosed heated pool. “I’m a fanatic about exercise,” says Yadi, who swims almost a mile three times a week. “People don’t think disability will happen to them. Disability is part of the living condition and it can happen to anyone.” Yadi believes every home should include accessible features. “Everyone has aging parents or grandparents. Maybe your aunt will have a hip replacement. If they visit your home, can they get into your house?”

Universal design
is good business

The oldest of seventy-six million baby boomers are in their fifties. Designers, builders and manufacturers are responding to market needs. According to an AARP housing survey, 83 percent of older Americans want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives.

In response to the AARP survey, a new program provides credentials to remodelers. CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialists) was begun in 2002 by the NAHB Remodelers(tm) Council. Projects for aging-in-place remodeling range from installation of bath and shower grab bars and private elevators to the adjustment of countertop heights and the creation of multi-functional first-floor master suites.

Kitchen and bath designers, builders and manufacturers have begun to appreciate that one size does not fit all, and they’re embracing universal design. Margaret Wylde, author of “Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction of Fully Accessible Homes,” says, “More homes are being built smarter. Minimal steps, levered door handles, and showers are all examples of universal design products that have been accepted in a typical home.” Wylde explains that as people age, they lose strength and stamina. Climbing stairs becomes difficult and they may justifiably have a fear of falling. A loss of strength makes it difficult or even impossible to get up from a bathtub.

Anyone who has ever struggled with a rolling suitcase on their front steps, banged a piece of furniture through a narrow doorway or slipped in a bathtub can understand the common-sense benefits of universal design. Designing homes with an accessible bathroom on the first floor, zero level entrances and wide doorways are features that will allow homeowners to gracefully age in place.

Copyright 2004, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.