WWW.SElifestyle.COM · SEPTEMBER 2010 · SOUTHEAST Lifestyle 3 Aging in place eing in the design business for over twenty-five years, barrierfree or universal design is now commonly thought of for the commercial market, while "aging in place" is more of the accepted terminology for the residential market. And while it is complex in nature, I want to discuss how it relates in the field of interior design. And for those who have parents who are at the retirement age, a few modifications may help them by making it more comfortable to stay in their own home. Most homes are geared for healthy adults, and while builders have been somewhat slow to adapt to universal design, more and more are taking into account standards for wheelchair accessibility. One of the challenges is to identify safety issues that may be unique based on a particular aging status. Depending on which condition you may need to address, whether it is problems with eyesight, limited mobility, or rehabilitation, it is important to think through the process. You may be looking to move into a place that will allow you to stay or be closer to family. Here are some ideas for you to consider. Adapt the lower floor of your home for possible one level living. Increase lighting in general and for specific tasks. Have easy garage or parking access. Consider one entry without steps. Build doorways 36" wide with off-set hinges on doors. Use lever door handles instead of knobs. Build houses with electrical outlets 18"- 24" from floor instead of 12". Place lighting switches at 42" instead of 48". Contrast colors between floors and walls. Consider your flooring choices for non-skid. Install grab bars in bathrooms. Consider the amount of turn around space needed for wheelchair access. Use seating with arms. Consider showers with sloped floors. Consider using kitchen cabinets with pull-out shelves and lazy susans. Select easy to grasp cabinet knobs. Look at cooktops with front controls. Install lights in all closets. Simplify gadgets and controls. Purchase enhanced volume controls for phones and doorbells. This is by no means a complete list, but it gives you some solutions to incorporate. Not all of the thought process is around wheelchair accessibility, but falls are the number one cause of home injury. This is followed by burns and poisoning. If you would like to test your home, borrow a wheelchair and see if you can B by Denise H. Osborne get from point A to point B without difficulty. You may at least get a deeper appreciation of the design concerns we have to consider when evaluating modifications. Better yet, you may at least begin to think about the future before an event happens that you are not prepared for. There are many resources online for you to research "aging in place." We have helped many individuals over the years to downsize and outfit their new living quarters. The baby-boomers are coming to the age that many are trying to figure out how to adapt and create a comfortable, yet safe environment for their parents while keeping them involved. Each home may have a unique set of challenges so it is important to have some professionals come and create solutions for your specific needs. Find the ones who are interested in really listening and finding the right approach for a long-term result. While modifications may require some structural changes, the benefit of being able to stay in your own home may far outweigh the cost of the alternatives. Denise H. Osborne, owner of Accessory Design Services is CQRIDCertified and a Professional of the Interior Design Society. The CQRID is a nationally recognized exam for residential interior design.