Many home fixtures like grab bars, sinks and counters can be adjusted and reinstall given the less mobility and decreased accessibility of elders is considered to be adaptable fixtures. Adapting these to needs of elderly is the concept of adaptability. This process of installing adaptable fixture also avoids expensive reinstallation. For long time, such construction processes have been adopted so that it can be easily used by physically disable or elder people.
This concept has evolved a new thinking of building the same types of houses as well. In this article, such adaptable and accessible concepts are explained, which are recommended for elders:
Accessible Routes
A long corridor should link all specific parts of home. It will enable the physically disable person also to access all parts of the home easily.
Accessible Appliances
Maintaining a balance between usefulness and safety of your home, particularly if elder persons or toddlers are using the home, is of utmost importance. For instance, front control stove should be avoided if small children often pay visit to your home. Nonetheless, the concept would be other way around for old person.
Doors
An entry gate is mandatory and accessibility to doors of your kitchen, bedroom, dining, bathroom and common room are also required. The width, weight and type of hardware used may restrict any elder person to use the doors easily. It is advisable to install entirely new door manifesting enhanced doorway to make it easier for elders to access.
Swing Clear Hinges
You can use hinges, devoid of swinging property. It can broaden the entrance. This will provide additional space for a physically weak person to enter the door.
Avoid Door Stops
Door stoppers can also create trouble for elders and it can obstruct the swinging doors. Such doors can be fixed at a
height of 3' from the floor. It will broaden the width of the door and enable wheelchair to move easily through this door.
Remove Doors
It is advisable to get rid of the pins of the hinges and also the door in a few of the door passages. You should pack theseholes using wood putty and repaint the door to provide a broader access to the elderly.
Landings
Small platforms on either sides of doorway can be troublesome for elderly. In this case you can discard the door and remove the requirement to shut or open it or else you can also use doors which can be opened and closed automatically.
Hardware
Selection of hardware for instance locks, kick plates, vision panels, latches, door openers could also be of use. Lever hardware or push buttons lock can do the job and can be easily operated by elderly as well. Magnetic card or locks controlled remotely can be ideal.
Thresholds
Threshold should be removed and for this, you should either pry up or cut and fill the flooring of wooden doorway. Or else, you can also use plastic or mortar material to fill the area.
Doormats
As doormats can slip, you should entangle them firmly with the help of staples, tacks, or with carpet tape.
Kick Plates
Kick plates should start from the door surface and lead upwards up to 10" to 16" of height. It should be thin so they must not create any problem in door to get opened.
Vision Panels
For security purposes, you can install one way vision panels along with peepholes on your main entrance gate. This will enable you see any person prior to opening the door.
Automatic Operators
The doors that can be automatically opened are the ideal solution for heavy doors. Electro-mechanical door openers can also be used with the help of sensor or remote button. Automatic operators can be found for swinging or sliding doors.
Door Types
You can also replace your doors for enhanced accessibility. For this, there are several options available and out of these swinging doors could be the most appropriate option. Sliding doors can also be ideal if there is limited space, but its weight can create problem for disabled people. Folding doors and pocket doors are some other options.