Aging in Place, Avoiding a Nursing Home

Overall Floor Plan

• Main living should be on first floor and should include a full bath
• 5-foot by 5-foot clear/turn space in every area of home NOTES:

Hallways

• Minimum of 36 inches wide, even wider is preferred
• Well- lit hallways 

Entry

• ·Accessible path of travel to entrance
• At least one no-step entry with a cover against rain and snow
• Sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock
• Non-slip flooring in your foyer
• Low peep hole viewer
• Doorbell in an accessible location
• A raised place to put packages when opening the door for mailman       

Thresholds

• Flush is preferable at every entrance
• Exterior maximum of ½ inch beveled
• Interior maximum of ¼ inch 

 
Interior Doors

• There needs to be 32 inches of clear width
• Levered, push down, door hardware instead of hard to turn NOTES:

 
Windows

• Taller windows with lower sill height. You want fresh air and light.
• Low maintenance exterior and interior finishes
• Easy to operate hardware on each window.

Garage

• Wider than average space to accommodate a lift on a van
• 5-foot minimum access aisle
• Ramp to doorway
• Handrails near any steps

 
Faucets

• Levered single handles, not hard to turn double faucets
• Anti-scald controls 

 
Kitchen and Laundry Counters 

• Upper wall cabinetry - 3 inches lower than the conventional height
• Pull-down shelving
• Glass-front cabinet doors for visibility from wheelchair
• Open shelving for easy access to items frequently used

 
Appliances 

• Easy to read controls
• Washing machine and dryer raised 12 to 15 inches above floor
• Front loading laundry machines
• Microwave oven at counter height not high on wall
• Electric cook top for safety. Gas has potential to catch clothing on fire when in a wheelchair.

 
Bathroom

• At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level
•  Grab bars near tub and toilet
•  Fold down seat in the shower
•   Handheld shower head with a 6-foot hose
• Light in your shower stall
• Toilet seat 2 ½ inches higher than a standard toilet
• Design of the toilet paper holder for change with one hand
•  Slip-resistant flooring 

 
Stairways

•   Adequate hand rails on both sides of stairway, 1 ¼-inch diameter
•   Increased visibility of stairs with a contrast strip on each stair 

Ramps

• Slope should be no greater than 1 inch rise for each 12 inches in length, adequate handrails at height appropriate to the individual
•  5-foot landing at entrance 

Storage

•  Closet rods and shelves within easy reach
•   Lighting in every closet
•   Easy open doors, not accordion.

 
Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security

• Light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls in accessible locations and easy to read
•  Clear access space in front of switches. No plants or boxes to trip over.
•  Touch light switches
•  High-tech security/intercom system that can be monitored from any TV in the house