Accessible Home Design ��������������������������������������������

Railings with no gaps enhance safety.

Courtesy of Schaffer Construction

FEATURED DESIGN:

Kitchens can be designed to accommodate varying abilities.

STAIRWAYS

The optimal home would have all living areas on one level with no stairs. However, most homes in the region feature living areas on multiple levels, which makes the stairway a critical element of design. Some solutions include:

 Adequate grip rails on both sides that extend beyond the landings  Lighting on and around the stairway  Contrasting colors to provide visual cues  Floor treads  Chair lifts, platform lifts, elevators

KITCHENS

Well designed kitchens can accommodate the different heights and abilities of family members or visitors to the home. Some designs and products to consider include:  Varying counter heights  Elevated dishwasher  Roll-out & pull-down shelves  Swiveling cabinet doors with lazy Susan style shelving  Rolling carts  Dark and light colors for visual contrast  Pull-out countertops below ovens  Side-by-side refrigerator  Knee space underneath cook tops and sinks  Front control touchpad appliances  Heat-proof surfaces  Eliminating sharp corners  Additional lighting including under-cabinet lighting  Ergonomic utensils & products

“We’ve lived, laughed and loved in our home for more than 30 years. I never thought our own bathroom would become the source of such worry. As Bill got older, he had trouble lifting his legs over the sides of the tub, and I was afraid he would fall and hurt himself. That’s when I called P.J. Fitzpatrick Bath Solutions. Their tub to shower conversion along with their safety package, that places handrails and even a seat in the shower, took the worry out of our day. We’re not worried anymore about not being able to stay in the home where we raised our family. Thanks PJ!” — PJ Fitzpatrick Client