General Access

The following information contains general accessibility guidelines throughout the residence for safe independent living for elderly, those with special needs and senior living. These guidelines are commonly referred to as universal design, meaning they accommodate everyone. For specific areas in the home see "Home Modifications" to the right. Also, our CAPS certified contractors are trained in all areas of accessibility and may have some important suggestions for improvement once they see your property.

Safe Entry / Exit

People must be able to safely enter and exit from the residence and disabled access is necessary for those living with a disability. Barrier-free entries, without steps, are optimum and need to be well lit. It's recommended that each home have 2 safe entry/exits in case of an emergency. If the dwelling has steps then a ramp or lift is necessary.

A covered area over a 5' x5' platform (minimum), outside the doorway is required for maneuvering.

Accessible doorways should be 36" wide to provide a clear area of 33'' (approx.). Entry doors also come 42'' wide, and custom wider sizes are available. Accessible door thresholds should be under 1/2" inch high. Threshold ramps are available for 1/2'' - 3'' and make this transition much safer. Automatic door openers are highly recommended and make life easier for everyone. It's also important to consider seeing or hearing who is at the door by utilizing a peep-hole, sidelight, window and/or an intercom system. Make sure the peep-hole and/or intercom is at the appropriate height for all occupants.

Door handles and locks need to be easy to use for those with dexterity and grip limitations. Lever style door knobs are superior to twisting knobs.

General

Have paddle switches installed throughout and use illuminate paddle switches in entryway, bedroom, hallways, kitchen and other areas were one may be entering a dark room and can't see the light switches. Utilize lighting switches with adjustable timers to light up hallways, kitchen and bathrooms and other dark areas during the night. This is especially important for seniors, elderly and others with compromised eyesight.

Relocate all switches and electrical outlets, thermostats, keypads, and intercoms 20'' off floor and not more than 40'' off floor so everyone can reach them.

If laundry room is in the basement consider having it moved to a new space on the first floor. Front loading washer and dryer, raised up (standard on newer appliances), makes doing the laundry easier by eliminating bending. Have easy to reach shelving added to this room for laundry supplies.

Reconfigure closets with a higher and lower hanger rod. Have hardware installed so upper rod can easily swing down within accessible height range. Also, have pull-out shelving installed to improve access and eliminate reaching. Have accessible space for medical supplies.

Eliminate all steps throughout the dwelling.

Install smooth anti-skid flooring and/or low-nap carpeting with thin pad underneath. Commercial carpeting is thin, durable and many times less expensive than residential carpet. Colors that do not have a lot of contrast are better for those with poor eyesight.

Have new windows installed that are easily opened and have locks that are within reach and easy to use. Consider the height of the bottom of windows and visibility of those in wheelchairs. Many times standard height windows do not allow those in a seated position to see much but the sky.

Have new blinds installed that are easy to operate manually or controlled electronically by switch or remote.

Have swing-clear hinges installed on interior doors to increase opening by 1-1/2''.

Have 36'' wide pocket doors installed were wherever possible.

Replace sliding glass door with swing-open glass door and eliminate threshold barrier.

For wheelchair users it's important that they are able to get close up to kitchen table, desks, vanities, counter tops, etc. This may require some modifications throughout the residence by raising things up or by other means.

Home Automation

Have a programmable thermostat installed.

Have a security system installed. Some of these units incorporate many features such as motion detectors, basement flooding alarm, carbon monoxide detector alarm and you can open/close garage doors from inside the home.

Have remote/touch screen lighting controls installed.

Install timer devices to automatically turn lights on/off and outlets on/off.

Have exterior motion-detector lighting installed.

Have an automatic door opener installed.

Have remote or fingerprint activated door lock(s) installed to eliminate the use of keys for those with dexterity problems.

Siblings can monitor loved ones by remote monitoring and control systems with cameras and surveillance. This is a safer environment for those with an independent living disability, and independent living seniors.

Find more options for independent living through home remodeling throughout our website.