Barrier Free Design
DESIGNING FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED
Elderly or disabled people may be at greater risk of accidents in the home.
Following appropriate design guidelines can reduce the risk of accidents.
- •Minimise the number of steps or changes of level to reduce the risk of falls. Where steps are unavoidable the riser height should be consistent.
•Avoid gravel, slippery or unevenly paved paths.
•Paths should be direct and have adequate natural and artificial light. Two-way switches or movement sensors should be used to control lighting.
•Use contrasting colours on steps and path edges to improve visibility.
•Install handrails beside main walkways, steps and ramps.
•Reduce the need to bend or stoop by designing appropriate storage and utility areas.
•Provide security measures that are easy to operate.
•Install smoke detectors and emergency lights in bedrooms, hallways and main living areas.
•Install a light switch and telephone near the bed.
•Reduce the need for maintenance inside and outside the home and ensure that unavoidable maintenance tasks can be undertaken safely.
•Modify showers to measure at least 900mm x 1200mm. They should not have any steps or be located over a bath. Solid walls on two sides are preferred to allow horizontal grab rails to be fitted. Shower curtains or hinged shower screens are easier to use than sliding doors.
- •Install grab handles for showers and baths.
A stair lift, wheelchair lifts, home elevator or dumbwaiter are being considered more often in home design.
Here are four excellent site links offering excellent information about home accessibility products such a residential elevator, stair chair lift, dumbwaiters or wheelchair lifts.