With 77 million baby boomers in the US and many of our veterans returning home with disabilities, more and more homeowners are hearing the buzzwords: “visitable, Universal Design and aging-in-place.” So what are these buzzwords and what do they mean for homeowners?
Today’s homeowners want a home they will be able to remain living in regardless of what life brings.
According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey, “US homeowners are increasingly requesting greater accessibility within the home through wider hallways, fewer steps and single-floor design.”
Accessibility also plays an important role to homeowners with aging parents.
“The continued interest in greater accessibility is being driven by baby boomers approaching retirement who are adapting their homes to meet their longer-term needs, along with those who are caring for aging parents or relatives,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD.
The average home is built with a step at the front entrance, a 1 to 2 inch high door threshold, narrow hallways and 24 to 26 inch wide interior doors. Though all homeowners hope it never happens to them or a loved one, should accessibility be needed, these dimensions make it difficult for someone who uses a wheelchair, walker or even crutches to traverse.
When thinking about the future, homeowners should consider preparing their home for later in life, and when doing so, decide whether being visitable is enough or should they also include universal design features.
Visitable homes allow individuals to remain in their home regardless of age and ability. They are homes that are built for individuals who do not have disabilities; however, minimum accessibility features are built into the home so it allows individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers to easily and comfortably visit the home and it is readily adaptable for any needed modifications. Universal Designs are features that are in addition to the minimum accessibility built into the home. For example, a visitable bathroom only requires a 48-inch space in front of the bathtub, sink and toilet. However, if the homeowner wanted to add a universal design feature they might consider having a roll-in shower instead of a traditional tub/shower.
Since there is a big difference between visitable features which allows homeowners to age in place and Universal Design features, which as the name alludes, are features that most anyone can use. It is beneficial for homeowners to educate themselves as much as possible about the differences between these features and not solely rely on the builder’s knowledge.
Living in a visitable home with universal design features simply means that homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that their home is ready for what life may bring - - whether it is a baby stroller, a wheelchair or a walker.
About the author –Tajauna Arnold, is the Director of EasyLiving Home Texas based in Houston. EasyLiving Homecm Texas (ELHT) is a statewide voluntary home certification program based in Houston that encourages builders to build or remodel homes "visitable." To email Tajauna Arnold click here |
