Elderly

Pointers For Homes For Elderly Parents & Those With Mobility Impairments

A safe and comfortable environment which promotes independence to the elderly.
Design that seamlessly incorporates the necessary support devices and mechanism such as grab bars and handrails in an unobtrusive manner.
A design that addresses the characteristics of ageing that have the larger impact on an older adult’s relationship to their environment (balance & coordination, loss of strength, loss of vision or weak eyesight, hearing problems and cognitive impairments.

Level entry way or ramp with entry level landing for easy door opening. Continuous handrails both sides at the height of 700 mm and 900 mm.
The steps and stair: Edges marked in a contrasting color to make them easily visible.
Uniform risers and treads of 150 mm and 300 mm respectively.
No steps or abrupt level changes on main floor or in circulation path.
Wide doorways (900 mm min.)
Wide corridor (1500 mm preferable).
Door should not be too heavy to operate and should not require a force of more than 20 N to operate.
Audio and visual smoke detectors inside house.
Natural ventilation and optimum illumination.
Windows that have reachable controls & provide a view of the outside for a person sitting on a wheelchair.
At least one large bathroom with a 900 mm clear door opening and clear 1500 x 1500 mm floor space.
Grab bar provisions at least in one bathroom/toilets.
Non-slip flooring in the home especially in bathrooms.
A kitchen large enough for easy wheelchair mobility (U or L shaped or open plan preferred).
Shelves and racks at reachable height of 1200 mm (from floor finish) inside the kitchen and bathroom.
Lever handled faucets in bathroom/kitchen – Easy to operate from hand to compensate for weak hand functions.
Lowered height and tilted mirror provision inside the bathroom.
Commode height at 450 mm from floor finish with grab bars provision.