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Home Modifications

Helpful Ideas and Products

• How well our home fits our specific needs is a unique to each of us.

• However, there are some ideas and products that are helpful to many.

• Starts with Universal Design

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Welcome and Introduction

Presented by:

Ted van Nostrand

• Executive Certificate in Home Modifications

• School of Gerontology, USC

• tvannost@gmail.com

• AdaptingHome.com

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Presentation Goals

By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

• Recognize the principles of Universal Design

• Recognize how homes can be modified to suit our needs

• Have an understanding of some of the supportive products available

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Universal Design

The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.

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Principles

1. Equitable Use

2. Flexibility in Use

3. Simple and Intuitive

4. Perceptible Information

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5. Tolerance for Error

6. Low Physical Effort

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Fitting Home to You

Universal Design is a starting point.

We need to look at our own home and our needs.

We’ll look at modifications and products that can help make us more comfortable, independent and safe.

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Your Home

We’ll look at

• Access to your home

• Room by room

• And consider some recommendations

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Entrance

Ramps can be installed to improve access.

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Entrance

Ramps can be installed to improve access.

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Entrance

Elevators can be installed to improve access.

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Entrance

Swing-wide door hinges widen existing entrance.

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Entrance

Motion sensor lighting and lever handles

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Hallways and Stairs

• Secure handrails on both sides

• Light switch at top and bottom of stairs

• Colored strip on nose of stair tread

• Automatic night light at top and bottom

• Uncarpeted steps feature nonslip tread such as adhesive strips

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Hallways and Stairs

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Kitchen

The key is easy access and use in a comfortable and safe setting.

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Kitchen

Pull-out cupboard storage

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Kitchen

Lowered counter space for wheelchair access

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Kitchen

Lowered counter allowing seating

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Kitchen Appliances

Automatic stove turn-off

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Kitchen Appliances

Controls located at front of appliances

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Bathroom

Grab bars come in many styles.

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Bathroom

Grab bars can swivel and drop down for use.

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Bathroom

Grab bars can be built into a handheld shower.

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Bathroom

Access and use of an existing tub can be improved.

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Bathroom

Existing tubs can be modified or new added.

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Bathroom

Roll-in or walk-in showers can be installed.

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Bathroom

Fold-down seating added to existing shower.

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Bathroom

Toileting can also be supported.

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Bathroom

And with all the bells and whistles.

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Bathroom

Vanity access and use.

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Bedroom

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Valuable Resources

Two valuable and comprehensive online sites include:

• CMHC Aging in Place

• AARP HomeFit

• HomeFit Video – Smart Solutions for Making your Home Comfortable, Safe and a Great Fit

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Full Home Self-Assessment Strategies

Links can be found on the Resources tab of the

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Check out the

CHMC – Self-Assessment Guide

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Comprehensive Safety Guides

Links can be found on the Resources tab of the

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Check out The Safe Living Guide

from the Public Health Agency of Canada

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