by Anne-Marie Brunet, CKD, CBD, CAPS
Houzz Contributor, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and the principal of Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens + Baths.
While your family may not require any changes to your home right now, consider those visiting your home. Perhaps you have friends, parents, grandparents or other visitors with mobility devices. Including the following three accessibility features will make your home easier for them to visit.
- At least one zero-step entrance on a route that's accessible from either the driveway or sidewalk — a slight slope blended in with the landscape is always friendlier than a bulky ramp.
- Interior doors that have at least 32 inches of unobstructed width (for walkers and wheelchairs).
A half bath on the main floor (accessible without stairs). - These features also will help any nonimpaired individuals remain in the home down the road should they develop a disability, either temporary or permanent.
When we're vibrant and independent, we rarely give consideration to these concerns. However, consider for a moment the possibility that you or one of your family members may sustain a temporary injury requiring the use of a chair or walker for the recovery period. How would your home measure up?
