15 Minute OHCE Leader Lesson

Home design for aging in place

Gina Peek, Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorCooperative Extension Housing and Consumer Specialist

Who wants to stay in your home as long as possible? We all do! However, our home environments can have a significant impact on health, welfare, and safety.

We can better our chances of staying in our homes by applying universal design principles.

Universal design focuses on creating home environments that are accessible to all ages and stages of life.

Person A

Person B

Person C

What is universal design?

• “The design for products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”

• There are seven principles of Universal Design. The principles and most examples are derived from the book The Universal Design File: Designing for People of All Ages and Abilities.

Seven Principles of Universal Design1 Equitable Use The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse

abilities2 Flexibility in Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences

and abilities3 Simple and

IntuitiveUse of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level

4 Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of the ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities

5 Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and he adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions

6 Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably with a minimum of fatigue

7 Size and Space Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility

Principle 1: Equitable Use

Guideline:Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.

Example:With a no-step entrance, everyone uses the same door.

Apply the example:Does your home have at least one no-step entrance?

Principle 2:Flexibility in Use

Guideline:Provide choice in methods for use.

Example:Grab bar(s) allow for tub or shower use in seated or standing position.

Apply the example:Does your home have grab bars in the bathroom?

Product: Moen Home Care 16-in Brushed Nickel Wall Mount Grab Bar

Principle 3:Simple and Intuitive Use

Guideline:Arrange information consistence with its importance.

Example:Phone with pre-programmed emergency numbers allow users to quickly access important information (ex. emergency numbers).

Apply the example:Does your home have a pre-programmed telephone that is accessible from the bed? Why is bedside access important?

See the phone? It’s programmed with emergency numbers!

Principle 4:Perceptible Information

Guideline:Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.

Example:A smoke alarm that combines sound and flashing lights provides essential information in more than one way.

Apply the example:Do you have a functional smoke alarm on every level in your home?

First Alert Talking Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Principle 5:Tolerance for Error

Guideline: Provide fail safe features.

Example:Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are devices that are designed to protect consumers from burns and shocks in higher risk areas (ex. near water in kitchens).

Apply the example:Do you have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) on outlets located near sinks?

Pass & Seymour/Legrand 15-Amp White Decorator GFCI Electrical Outlet

Principle 6:Low Physical Effort

Guideline: Allow user to maintain a neutral body position.

Example:Door lever can be operated with a closed fist or elbow, unlike door knobs.

Apply the example:Do you have at least one door that features a lever instead of a knob?

Door lever in place of a door knob

Principle 7:Size and Space for Approach and Use

Guideline: Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.

Example:Wider doorways provide plenty of space for walker and wheelchair passage.

Apply the example:Do you have doors that are at least 32” wide?

Measure the door with a tape measure… is it 32” wide?

15 Minute OHCE Leader Lesson:Home design for aging in place

THANK YOU!

Gina Peek, Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorCooperative Extension Housing and Consumer Specialist

Reference:Story, M., Mueller, J.L., & Mace, R.L. The Universal Design File: Designing for People of All Ages and Abilities. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University, 1998.