HOD Interiors - Shannon Topf Specializes in Aging In Place and Universal Design

MCHENRY, Ill. - May 13, 2015 - PRLog -- The terms Aging in Place and universal design are becoming more of a household term. By definition, Universal Design is the making of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible. The idea is to design a room that is functional for any able-bodied individual (regardless of age) and for people who have special needs because of physical limitations.  More than just an architectural concept, universal design is a win-win for generations caring for aging parents and their children at home, for grandparents raising grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for all who are facing the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other chronic diseases.  Whether your family needs the support now or down the road, universal design features are a good long-term investment for the home itself. So what does an age-friendly home look like?

•Improved access by including ramps or railings or by widening doors and halls.
•Addition of grab bars to make baths and showers more accessible and to reduce the likelihood of slips and falls.  These grab bars do not have to be an eye sore.  There are esthetically pleasing grab bars in many styles and finishes to coordinate with the faucet collections in your bathroom.
•Chairs should have high seats and strong, un-padded arms to make them easy to sit in and get up from.
•The quality and quantity of lighting in the design is especially important for persons with vision problems.

These and many other alterations or additions like them help to counteract the loss of function or independence that may result from physiological changes associated with aging. These include:

•Changes in vision, requiring additional sources or intensity of light
•Changes in hearing, requiring reduction in ambient noise
•Changes in strength, affecting reach, mobility and agility
•Changes in color perception, requiring more attention to color contrast and spectrum
•Changes in memory and sense of orientation, requiring environment prompts for way finding and directing attention.

Planning on renovating your home?  Have you considered Universal Design?   Ready to incorporate Aging in Place and Universal Design into your home?  Contact us for a complimentary Aging In Place Remodeling Checklist or to schedule an in home consultation.

Shannon Topf, BFA in Interior Design & LEED Green Associate
Owner and Interior Designer - HOD Interiors
Website: HODInteriors.com
Email: Shannon@HODInteriors.com
Phone: 224-304-7228