A Common Sense Approach to Designing for Our Aging Population

It is a reality that the aging process cannot be reversed, and as such at some point in our lives we may temporarily or permanently lose one or more of our abilities. Early in our training we were taught that “Form follows Function.” Given this mantra, the inclusion of accessible elements for the benefit of all of us in our designs should be second nature to us. Were this so, then the need for regulations mandating access would not have been necessary. The inclusions of these ten considerations during project scoping may lead to the reduction of post design access revisions.

1. Accessible Residence arrival points

a. sidewalk – user friendly: width, surface finish, minimum cross and running slopes

b. driveway – slope and surface material

2. Accessible Parking/loading

a. parking space area – must be level and slip resistant

b. parking space – must allow for door swing clearance

3. Accessible transfer to onsite POT

a. enter at curb – parkway of firm and stable material

b. enter residence though garage or carport

4. Accessible Transitions across onsite POT

a. sidewalk - user friendly: width, surface finish, minimum cross and running slopes

b. sloped sidewalk to front stoop – benefits all users

5. Access to Residence Front Door

a. weather cover – ease of entrance when it is raining

b. door hardware – can you open door without putting packages down?

c. peephole – wide angle viewing & dual height

6. Access within residence

a. doorway widths – wider doors easier to enter

b. hallway widths – wider are easier to maneuver

c. second floors – if necessary by design, then provide access

d. bathrooms – circulation space, step-in bathtubs, roll-in showers, faucet controls

e. kitchens – circulation space, accessible cabinets, sinks, appliance controls

7. Accessible elements considerations

a. mail delivery – accessible box and POT to locations

b. telephone amplification – hearing diminishes with age

c. telephone/computer keypad size – larger for sight and arthritis assisted

8. Accessible surfaces – carpet pile height, slip resistant flooring

9. Self Service Availability – is it useable without pinching, twisting or grasping?

i.e.: light switch, window blinds, lamps, kitchen appliances, telephones

10. Alarm Notification – Systems to accommodate future horns and strobes