Aging in Place, Handicapped Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Accessibility should always be a designer’s core objective. This includes designing for the varying levels of ability when it comes to the eyesight, hearing, mobility, dexterity, and memory of a client/homeowner.
There are many aspects to take into consideration such as; age, disability and level of care needed when designing a space.
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Aging in place
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as: “the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”
 
For many older adults, aging in place enables lower monthly costs and reduced housing budgets. As the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development explains, about 20 percent of adults over 65 own their homes and thus do not have to account for mortgage payments in their monthly budgets.
 
Whereas living in an independent or assisted living facility may cost $4000. To $5000 per month and can be more depending on the services needed.
 
Studies have shown that most seniors want to stay in their homes as they age and with the help of an aging in place designer, they can make modification to their home that make it safer for them as they get older and their health, needs, and level of independence changes.
 
The cost of making improvements and updating bathrooms, kitchens, entries to make them accessible to their changing needs have been shown to add increased value to the home when it comes time to sell. The best time to make these changes is before a homeowner has a fall or injury that sends them to the hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation center. That way they can stay in their home and have their dignity while their basic needs of bathing and toileting are met when they come home by family, HHA, or CNA caregivers.  
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​​​Handicapped accessibility
Aging is a normal part of life and something that one can usually prepare for, but a sudden injury, or disability can happen that you are not prepared for, such as with a child or young adult having a TBI or spinal cord injury that can change yours or your family’s life suddenly.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result from trauma ranging from a blow to the head to a penetrating injury to the brain.  The center for disease control and prevention (CDC) has estimated that annually about 1.5 million Americans survive a Traumatic brain injury In the United States, with adolescents between ages 15 and 19 and adults age 65 and older among the most likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury. There are more than 5.3 million individuals in the United States who are living with a permanent brain injury related disability. That is one in every 60 people.

Even mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), has adverse neuropsychological outcomes in contact-sport athletes and military personnel. The management of traumatic brain injuries and the role of interprofessional team members in collaborating to provide well-coordinated care and enhance outcomes for affected patients. This can include transitioning to a nursing home, long term care facility, home health aides’ services, and/or preparing the home to accommodate a hospital bed, wheelchair, durable medical equipment, and ramps into the home, which can be an overwhelming endeavor for most families. 
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This became very personal for Katheryn in 2010 when her 20-year-old daughter Joran’s small car was t-boned by a truck and she sustained a traumatic brain injury and permanent disability. She wrote the book Better Brain Healing, Nutritional and Spiritual Healing for the Brain by Katheryn De Wolfe available on Amazon , to help other families after a brain injury. 

The most significant difference between ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible units is that to be ADA compliant, there must be enough space for a wheelchair user to do a 360-degree turn. Zero threshold shower for easy access with a walker or wheelchair with room for a caregiver, if necessary, as well as safe access to sink and toilet if in a wheelchair and/or needing assistance by a caregiver. 
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​​Inclusive design is important for many reasons, but most importantly, it enhances the user experience for a diverse audience. Approximately one billion people, or 15% of the population, experience some form of disability. Empathy for a diverse audience is a key component of inclusive design.

Inclusive – so everyone can use it safely, easily and with dignity. Responsive – taking account of what people say they need and want. Flexible – so different people can use it in different ways. Convenient – so everyone can use it without too much effort or separation.

All-Inclusive Design is how Interior Designers consider design for Humanity, from Cradle to Grave. From the smallest of small to oldest of old in all walks of life. Designing a space or home so that everyone can enjoy it equally no matter what their age or disability.

In conclusion: while new homes are being built with at least one first floor bathroom that is accessible, remodelers are slow to acceptance.  Thinking ahead when remodeling a home, bathroom or kitchen to accommodate possible future needs is the most cost effective and adds resale value to your home. Inclusive design will ensure that all generations and members of a family can enjoy a home living spaces, from the youngest young to the oldest old no matter what their limitations or disability.
For more information go to www.dewolfeinteriors.com, info@Katheryndewolfe.com