AARP has identified specific design elements and safety features (referred to as universal design) that enable people to live safely, comfortably and independently for as long as possible. If you’re interested in developing a smart, age-friendly home that will be comfortable in any phase of life, here’s a checklist to guide you with a planned home renovations.
Entrances & Exits
Clearly visible house number so the home can be easily located by emergency responders
Exterior pathways clear of any slipping hazards
Entrances free of clutter
No-step doorway thresholds
Handrails on both sides of all steps
Doorways at least 36″ wide
Exterior lighting at all entrances
Outdoor light fixtures with motion-detecting or automatic on/off sensors
Peephole, viewing panel or security system at entry doors
Secure slide latch or chain inside entry doors
Easy-to-use lever-style door handles
Table near the entrance to place packages while locking/unlocking the door
Steps & Stairways
Secure handrails on both sides of stairs, placed at a user-appropriate height and properly secured to the walls
Switches to stairway light at both the top and bottom of the stairs
Stair treads in good condition
Uncarpeted non-slip steps
Stairs clear of clutter
Carpeted steps with tightly woven low-pile carpet with thin padding, no busy patterns
Automatic night-lights near steps and staircases
In the Kitchen
Easy-to-access cabinets
Pull-out beneath counter, Lazy Susans in corner cabinets
Task lighting for the sink, stove, kitchen countertops and other work areas
Lever-, touch- or sensor-style faucets
Pressure-balanced, temperature-regulated sink faucets kept at or below 120°F
Easy-to-grasp D-shaped pulls and handles on cabinets and drawers
No-slip floors
Easy-to-see colored or backlit stove or cooktop controls at the front of the device
Work surfaces can be accessed while seated
Living Room & Bedroom
Furniture allowing for clear, wide passageways
Electrical and phone cords kept out of the way
Rocker-style light switches between 36″ and 44″, and electrical outlets 18″ to 24″ from the floor
Bed placed to allow easy access to the bathroom
Large area rugs secured to floor with double-sided tape or nonslip mats
Natural light during daylight hours
Interior lights and adjustable rods and shelves in closets
Bathroom
Water heater set at or below 120°F to avoid scalding
Higher, comfort-height toilet model
Unplug appliances when not in use, never use near a filled sink or tub
Sink, bathtub and shower faucets with easy-to-use lever handles
Grab bars in the tub, shower, and adjacent to the toilet
Rubber-backed rugs
Bathtub and/or shower floor with nonskid mat or nonslip strips
No-step shower entry
Shower seating to bathe while seated
Handheld or adjustable showerhead
Exposed pipes insulated to protect against touching a hot pipe
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Greenville can help you with your bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, bringing together a cohesive and beautiful universal design for your remodel. Our full-service remodeling approach focuses on delivering a design that meets your specific needs. For further questions and help with your home remodeling projects, call us at (864) 214-0296 or reach out to us online today.
