Universal Design

Universal Design
Home design for all ages and abilities

“It’s all about me.”

Your home should be all about you. Universal design
creates livable, workable environments for everyone
regardless of age, size or ability. Universal design is humancentered
design that makes life easier, not only for those
with mobility limitations, but also for those who are short,
tall, young and old. Universal design is for everyone.

According to a recent survey by the National Association
of Home Builders (NAHB), approximately two-thirds
of baby boomers wish to ‘age in place.’ Thanks to the
advancements of universal design, it is now possible to
age in place with style. However, it is important to note
that aging in place may not be possible in your current
home. Many existing homes, or the home that you might
be living in now, were not designed to accommodate the
changing capabilities and needs of their owners. Boomers
around the country now seek homes that can accommodate
their current and future needs so they can age in place in
a new home designed with them in mind.

A recent survey by Hanley Wood revealed that boomers
prefer a smaller, more luxurious, one-level floor plan that
is high-tech, functional, low-maintenance and energyefficient.
Creating a comfortable, flexible space is paramount,
and it’s affordable. NAHB surveys have found
that a one to two percent increase in home price can
create a very accessible home in new construction.

Jerry Helms, sales director for Brunswick Forest in
Wilmington, NC, says, “Aging in place starts at the neighborhood
level. We’ve noticed a trend in homebuyers
demanding universally designed homes. Boomers have
indicated that when they purchase a home, they want it to
be the last home they purchase. We’ve collaborated with
our builders to continually improve home designs and
have 40 new floorplans that meet aging in place needs.”

According to Helms, access to quality health care is
paramount when considering the final home purchase.
Last year, Brunswick Forest, in conjunction with the area’s
leading medical center, New Hanover Regional Medical,
opened a 40,000-square-foot medical complex, offering
easy access to primary care and specialty physicians as
well as laboratory, imaging and diagnostic services and
convenient care. The center includes: orthopedics, cardiology,
gastroenterology, neurology, pediatrics, urology and
internal medicine, as well as MRI, CT Scan, digital mammography,
ultrasound, bone density scans and X-rays.

CRF Communities in central Florida takes its commitment
to aging in place seriously. Lake Ashton and Vienna
Square, two CRF communities, are modeled with
the idea that anyone should be able to live in their home
for as long as they desire, regardless of their age or ability.
Lake Ashton offers affordable, active adult living with
an amenity-rich atmosphere featuring golf, dining, every
type of fitness and numerous activities. Vienna Square,
located next to its continuing care campus, offers Lake
Ashton’s amenities with low- or no-maintenance housing
built with green standards and universal design.

The communities provide complete professional
health care services with an à la carte concierge menu of
services. Their Secure Care Pledge offers priority access
to the new state-of-the-art, no entrance fee continuing
care campus. The continuing care campus offers companionship
and home helper services, home care
supplies and group care services at the best prices.

Universal Design

In the past, visions of ‘Universal Design’ conjured
thoughts of unsightly grab bars in bathrooms, chair lifts
and ramps. Fortunately, today’s designers and homebuilders
incorporate beautifully stylish elements that
you would never suspect.

Consider incorporating these ideas when planning
your new home.

Exterior

Low-maintenance exteriors of brick, stucco or composite
materials reduce painting and repair. For landscaping,
try planting low maintenance shrubs and plants that
require the water available through rainfall only (xeriscaping).
Or, you may want to consider purchasing in a
neighborhood that offers maintenance-free landscaping.

Limit the number of steps in your home.

It’s easy to trip and fall on even a small
step into the home. Use gradual ramps
(that don’t look like a ramp) to get from
the driveway or garage into the home.
One-level living makes it easier for all ages.
Climbing stairs for grandchildren can even
be problematic. Or, if you prefer a multilevel
home, consider installing an elevator.

Windows & Doors

Choose wider doors (36” minimum on
entry doors) with levered door handles. It’s
easier to just push down than to turn a
knob. Consider keyless entry. Entry doors
should contain a sidelight (providing privacy
and safety). Place doorbells at an accessible
height and include a sensor light at the entry.
Crank-opened windows are also preferable.

Open Floor Plan

Limit the number of hallways in your
home. An open floor plan with great room,
dining area and open kitchen creates
not only a spacious feeling, but enables
easy access for all. Hallways should be at
least 42” wide or wider.

Kitchen

Consider eliminating an island to provide
more room to move around. Install
more floor cabinets and fewer upper
cabinets. Manufacturers also make easy to
use pull-down upper cabinets. Use pull-out
shelves in the pantry.

Vary counter heights to accommodate
standing or sitting. Elevate dishwashers 8”
above the floor to facilitate loading and
unloading. Use wide kitchen chairs with
high seats and strong wooden arms and
a kitchen table without corners.

Consider using smaller appliances,
where appropriate, that are lightweight and
easier to grip. Double door refrigerators
with easy-to-grip handles work well.

A helpful tip for filling a pot with water—
install a water spigot with a movable arm
at the stove. Think of how much easier it
would be to fill a pot of water in place.
And, make sure the controls are on the
front of the stove.

Developers at Brunswick
Forest have collaborated with
builders to improve home
designs to meet boomers’
aging in place needs.

Bath

Design your bathroom adjacent to the
bedroom, and include seating to make it
easier to dress. Add grab bars to make
baths and showers more accessible and
to reduce the likelihood of falls.
Use slip-resistant bathroom surfaces.
Install easy-maintenance vanity counters.
Allow for easy access under counters.
Raise the level of toilet seats. As one
ages, it’s more difficult to get up from
lower toilets.

Install a walk-in shower with curbless
entry and a hand-held shower set. It’s also
a good idea to include a bench or seat in
the shower. Avoid installing whirlpools
or spas if they are too difficult to get in
and out of. Use lever faucets, as knobs are
hard to use. Locate shower and tub controls
close to the point of entry.

Lighting

Increase ambient lighting. Larger windows
allow for more natural lighting.
Larger button light switches are easier
to turn on and off. Use lighter colors to
brighten the home, and add sensors to
automatically turn on lights.

Bedrooms

You may want to consider having two
master suites. In addition to being great
for guests, it allows for you to be a caregiver
to aging family members and allows
accommodations for a caregiver if you
might need one someday.

Make sure your room is large enough,
and include large walk-in closets with
wide doors.

Outdoor Living

Many boomers are looking to integrate
outdoors with the indoors for entertaining.
Especially in warmer climates, opening
the indoors to the out allows you to
enjoy outdoors year-round.

Over the past five years, homebuilders
and building suppliers have identified the
need for universal design and implementation,
and now, a wealth of resources are
at your disposal.