Aging in Place, Avoiding a Nursing Home

Exterior

•           Low-maintenance exterior in vinyl or brick
•           Low-maintenance shrubs and plants
•           Deck, patio or balcony surfaces are no more than ½ inch below the interior floor

 
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 LaundryCounters 

•           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

 
Energy Efficiency Suggestions:

• Tankless water heater
• Solar panels
• Triple-pane windows
• Programmable thermostat.
• LED lightbulbs
• Use ceiling fans instead of HVAC
• Caulk air leaks
• Install window treatment for winter
• Change air filters monthly

 
Created by The Carpenter Craftsman  www.thecarpentercraftsman.com 2022