Universal Design or Barrier-Free Environment Provides Disabled Adults and Seniors With Accessible Homes

If you don’t have a disabled adult or child in your home, the terms universal design, barrier-free environment or accessible living might be foreign to you.  But ask any caregiver or senior who wishes to age in place and maintain an independent living situation, and they will understand only too well how critical these words are.  Unfortunately most homes were not designed to accommodate disabled individuals, seniors and/or those with mobility issues.  Disability remodeling of bathrooms, kitchens and entry ways, in addition to the installation of wheel chair ramps and stair lifts is often necessary in order to make a home safe and accessible.

Simply put, universal design refers to a living space or environment that is accessible to people both with and without disabilities.  Lever handles and faucets, rocking light switches as well as thermostats, light switches and electrical outlets that can are all situated so that a person in a wheel chair can reach them are all examples of universal designed elements.  Additionally, hallways and entryways that are wide enough for a wheelchair can make moving through the home easier.It might surprise many people to know that a majority of individuals living in a nursing home are there only because they do not have a first floor bedroom and handicap accessible bathroom.  The cost to remodel a bathroom and add on a first floor bedroom are minimal compared to the cost of a nursing facility.  The average cost of a nursing home is Westchester County and Fairfield County is approximately $ 8,000.00 per month.  Aside from the cost, the emotional and mental toll of being forced to live in a nursing home is tremendous, especially for a younger disabled person.

Accessible Home Living employs consultants who are Certified Aging in Place Specialists.  They can assess a family’s needs and create solutions that will provide a safe and universal designed home.  Additionally, they can design and build handicap accessible modular home additions that are beautifully designed and can be seamlessly attached to an existing home.  Most importantly, they can be installed in as few as eight weeks.  These Accessible Modular Home Additions can be designed as studio, 1 Bedroom or even 2 Bedroom suites to accommodate a live-in care giver.

For additional information or to schedule a free consultation, contact info@accessiblehomeliving.com.