The Elderly Friendly Home

8/2/2019 The Elderly Friendly Home

1/42

IN MANY Filipinos homes today, we may finda member of the family, revered for his or her

wisdom, entrusted with the supervision of ourprecious children, or simply regarded withfondness -- the grandparent. Despite the

apparent sophistication of todays lifestyle, thequaint trait of respect for our elders remains

strong.Unlike in western cultures wherein older folksare shuttled off to nursing homes or retirement

farms, the average Asian family still offerspersonal care and attention to its senior

members. For this reason, it may be a good

idea to look at our homes and ensure thatthese are suitable for our beloved elders.

Excerpt from the article of Archt. Marcos de Guzman, Philippine Daily

Inquirer, 09 September 2009


2/42

As Japan proceeds rapidly toward an aged society,housing designed especially to provide greater safety and

comfort for the elderly and physically disabled, with nosteps at the entrance and handrails on the stairs and in the

bathtub, is becoming more and more common. The

Ministry of Construction has formulated guidelines for thebuilding of these elderly-friendly homes, and thegovernment has adopted measures for the promotion of

housing that follows them, including extra loans andpreferential interest rates. The building of houses for a

comfortable life in old age is attracting widespreadattention.


3/42

Respecting Independence, Preventing AccidentsTake the case of a man in his seventies living in Tokyo

who recently rebuilt his home so that he and his wifecould live together with his son and daughter-in-law. Firstof all, he designed the hallways with a width of morethan one meter so that in the future they would allow freemovement in a wheelchair. Then he made sure that thestairs had a gentle incline and that each step had double

the usual width. He also installed handrails on the stairs,in the hallways, and in the bathroom and toilet.Furthermore, he planned the layout of the house so thatthe elderly and younger couples could live separately onthe first and second floors, respectively, though with a

common living room on the first floor where they could allget together. As a result of the house's design, the manreports, there has been an increase in intergenerationalinteraction as the two couples help one another with thehousehold chores and enjoy chatting.


4/42

One of the most important factors in the design of

comfortable housing for the elderly and physicallydisabled is the proper consideration of safety. Whenbuilding new homes or renovating existing ones, anincreasing number of families now pay consideration tothis aspect and take the opportunity to incorporate such

conveniences as handrails and slip-prevention mats inthe bathtub and on the stairs. In the case of two- orthree-generation households, these measures to preventaccidents are essential. But there is also an emphasis onlayout designed to maintain the feeling of independence

and activity of elderly people. For example, space isensured for them to enjoy hobbies or to move easily toand from the living room or garden.


5/42

To respond to these needs, housing-related companies arebeginning to make various efforts to promote housing

construction for elderly people. For example, one leadinghome builder's research institute on special housing forthe elderly conducted a questionnaire survey of 868persons aged 65 or over who visited the company'shousing exhibit site or purchased a home. The aim of the

questionnaire was to investigate the relationshipbetween old people's zest for life and their housing. Theresults of the survey, which were released in September1997, showed that between 20% and 40% ofrespondents who required some kind of care in theirlives cited "no emergency alarm," "cannot use a

wheelchair," and "difficult to use the bathroom" asreasons for their concern about housing. These figureswere all 10 or more percentage points higher than forhealthy persons.


6/42

Also, in the case of elderly people living together withparents or children, while they were satisfied in terms offamily interchange and feelings of safety, many peopleexpressed dissatisfaction that they did not have their ownroom to relax in or a personal kitchen, thus bringing theimportance of room layout into relief.


7/42

At the same time, while 64% of respondents who repliedthat they were extremely satisfied with their housingreported that their mental health condition was good,conversely only 28% of respondents who were

dissatisfied with their housing reported a good mentalhealth condition and 31% even reported a bad mentalhealth condition, which suggests an even closercorrelation than expected by the research groupbetween mental health and the degree of satisfaction

with housing. The institute has stressed the need forhousing construction that goes as far as considering themental health of elderly people.


8/42

Convenient Housing for a Better Aged SocietyAs a result of the increasing population of elderly, thenumber of households with elderly members has beenrising year by year. According to a survey by the Ministry

of Health and Welfare, in 1995 households with elderlymembers aged 65 or over accounted for 31.1% of thetotal, up 5.8 percentage points in the 10 years from1985. The increase in the number of elderly householdsis especially prominent. Households consisting only of

couples aged 65 or over accounted for 5.1% of the total,a large increase over the 2.7% figure for 1985.


9/42

Against the background of this change in the household

structure and increasing interest in the role that housingplays in realizing a fulfilling life, the Ministry ofConstruction in 1995 compiled guidelines for the buildingof housing for elderly people. The guidelines encouragebarrier-free design so that elderly and physically disabled

persons can live comfortably and provide for an extraloan of 1.5 million yen (12,000 U.S. dollars at 125 yen tothe dollar) from the governmental Housing LoanCorporation for new construction or rebuilding of housingthat fulfills certain conditions. An extra 3 million yen

(2400 dollars) is added to the loan if the household has amember aged 60 or over. And preferential interest ratesare available if the construction or remodeling conformsto certain barrier-free building standards.


10/42

Even if people do not have the opportunity to build newhomes or rebuild existing ones, they can employ variousideas to reduce the anxiety and stress in daily life. Manyhousing-related goods for elderly people are now

available, such as sloping blocks for steps and slip-prevention mats for stairs and bathtubs. These efforts toremove obstacles and improve the quality of life in theaged society look set to continue.


11/42

Singapore 's population is ageing rapidly. The first batchof baby boomers (born between 1947 and 1964) willreach 65 years of age by 2012. The number of elderlyaged 65 and above is one out of every 12 Singaporeans.

By 2030, it will be one out of five. To achieve successful ageing in Singapore , we have to

be well-prepared to face all the challenges of an ageingpopulation. The family as the first line of support shouldlook after the physical and emotional needs of their

senior members. Individuals can improve their existinghomes to create an elder friendly environment wherebyelderly can enjoy an independent and active lifestyle.


12/42

Home Improvements To CreateAn Elder Friendly Environment

The Main Entrance- Visual

doorbells with vibration or lightindicators, in addition to audiodoorbells were recommended forelderly with hearing impairment.- For elderly on wheelchair, a clearmanoeuvring space of minimum1250mm by 1500 mm at theentrance within the unit isrecommended Clear ManoeuvringSpace at the entrance within theunit (Minimum 1250mm by

1500mm) - Free of any obstacles,projection & protrusions at thecommon corridors, main entranceand within homes


13/42

The Living Room

- To facilitate elderly on

wheelchair, eye viewers ofappropriate height installed onthe main door is advised.- Vertical grab bar should be

located at accessible distancefrom the main door, to providesupport when opening thedoors.- Grab bar should be of groove

patterns to give better and extragrip


14/42

- Provision of support hand bars along the main

circulation path leading to bedroom and inbathrooms/toilets.- Free of dangerous overhanging & unprotected fallinghazards.- Telephone lines and electrical wires to be kept neat and

tidy so as to prevent fall accidents.- Repaint is recommended to incorporate effectivecontrast of building elements. Walls and ceilings shouldbe finished in plain colour (not complex patterns, whichcan be confusing) of light tones (to help diffuse light

around the room) and matt finishes (to avoid unwantedglare or reflection).


15/42

The Bedroom

- Provision of an unobstructedaccessible path on at least one side of

the bed to facilitate movement.- Wardrobes to be of appropriate heightdesigned for seniors on wheelchair.- Sliding doors in lightweight material

are recommended for wardrobes.- Two-way light switch at maximum 1200mm above the finished floor level arehighly recommended as elderly does nothave to cross the room in the dark to

turn the light on or off. One of the lightswitches should be installed near thebedside table or bed frame while theother should be installed near the

bedroom door .


16/42

The Kitchen

- Kitchen sink tap with a leverhandle and a pull-out flexible

hose that can be extended to

the stove for easy filling ofpots.

Sink tap with a lever handleand a pull-out flexible hose


17/42

Two way opening swing door bypressing the metal plate

- Door designed to be easy to open.

- Taps to facilitate easy usage (e.g.lever tap).- Provision of sufficient secured grabbars.- Accessories (e.g. soap dispensers)

to be of accessible reach and willnot hinder the main circulation pathwithin the area.- A shower head with adjustableheights is recommended. It will be

good if the shower head comes witha flexible hose of at least 1500 mmlong.


18/42

Switches and Sockets

- Light switches and sockets to

be installed at a comfortableheight, between 600 mm and1200 mm above the finishedfloor level.- Easy-touch rocker lightswitches are highlyrecommended for the elderly.

Large, easy-touch rocker lightswitch

- Two-way light switches arerecommended for the control oflighting within comfortablereach.


19/42

Lightings

Elderly will normally require about 2 to 3 timesmore illumination than a younger person and otheraspects of eyesight may also become less reliablein older age.- Provision of adequate natural and artificiallighting.- To have adequate illumination, a comfortablelighting LUX (SI unit of illuminance, equivalent toone lumen per m2) level for visibility should be

provided.


20/42

Singapore Standard 531:2006, Code of Practice forLighting of Work Places Part 1 Indoor Lighting,Singapore

- Direct and reflected glare should be minimized.

- Direct glare can be minimized by ensuring strong lightsources, such as windows and light fittings areeffectively screened.- Reflected glare can be reduced by eliminating reflectivesurfaces especially on floors and walls and by attention

to the location of light sources relative to mirrors, glazingand the light.


21/42

Doors - Sliding doors, which are easier

to operate, are recommended if

adequate wall space is available.

Sliding doors are easier tooperate

- If swing doors are used,

outward opening would bepreferred as rescuer finds iteasier to enter if elderly fallsbehind the door.- Doors with push-pull

mechanisms, U-shaped handlesor lever handles are alsorecommended to facilitate easeof use.


22/42

Lever Handles

- Door knob is not recommendedas elderly have difficulties ingrasping and turning the knob.- Doors to be of mid-tone colour in

order to contrast with walls, andskirting, architraves and door-frames should be of dark tonecolour to help define surface

junctions and openings while

contrasting with floors, walls anddoors.


23/42

Floor Surfaces - Stable, firm, level and slip-resistant.

- Avoid any projection, drop or variation in level.- Where changes in level are unavoidable, contrastingcolour bands are to be provided to alert elderly of thechange in level and handrails and grab bars arerecommended.- have colour and tone that are contrasting with the

walls, otherwise the skirting must provide a cleardistinction between the floor and wall.- Shiny and reflective floors (e.g. granite, marble, glazedtiles) are notrecommended as they could be hazardous especially

when they are wet or greasy, or if they have been highlypolished. Floor surfaces of kitchen, bathroom and toiletare particularly hazardous, as these may be slipperywhen wet with soap solution.- Keep dry as much as possible.


24/42

EXAMPLE OF AN ELDER FRIENDLY HOME


25/42

The Living Room

Quad stick with long handled reacher to pick up light

objects on the floorCorner guard to minimize fall injuryRemote control is within accessible reach


26/42

The Bedroom

Corner guard to minimize fall injury

Rope ladder to assist elder gets up bed easilyLaundry bin for collection of dirty clothesNon-slip shoes


27/42

The Kitchen

Jar tipper serves the purpose of pouring water without lifting up thejar


28/42

The Bathroom / Toilet


29/42

Architects have come up with a new`universal' concept as a guideline indesigning homes that help make the goldenyears shine

Parista Yuthamanop Local property developers and architects are

starting to design housing that accommodatesthe needs of those in their golden years. Theconcept will inevitably become a main

marketing strategy for developers in futureyears.

Taking the elderly to natural surroundings,rather than making them sit in a room with TVsets, will refresh them, advises Mr Eggarin.

Sinn Phonghanyudh, president of theAssociation of Siamese Architecture, said theconcept of "universal design" that seeks toincrease access for physically disabledpersons and the elderly had begun to be

recognised in the country.


30/42

"There are many details to take into account in designsfor elderly-friendly homes, like steps of floors and handrails. The so-called universal design will soon become atransition in local home design to allow all people to livewith dignity," he said.

"Features like warning systems for caregivers will be anecessary design for the elderly."

Public buildings including shopping malls, condominiumsand hospitals have been increasingly ensuring accessfor physically challenged people.

"There are special parking and wheelchair services andramps in many buildings for the elderly," he said. "Theissue is no longer in the interest of just the sick people."


31/42

Mr Sinn said local lecturers in architecture were draftinga code of practices for designing barrier-free buildingsfor the disabled.

"The code of conduct will dictate what are the featuresthat public buildings like hotels should have for disabled

persons," he said. Kittipol Pramoj Na Ayudhya, managing director of the

developer Sammakorn, agrees that home design thatcan suit the needs of the elderly will be increasinglyimportant in the future.

Sammakorn's projects have included flexibility foradjustments to suit the needs of the elderly.


32/42

For example, there is one main bedroom downstairs with

a separate bathroom. Residents may not use the roomright now. But it gives them a chance to modify it, say inthe next 15-20 years, should there be a need," he said.

"Assistance tools like hand rails in the bathrooms wouldbe an option that residents can install in their bathrooms

later," he said. It has also focused on details that ensure safety, like

rough-textured tiles and contrasting colours on each floorto avoid accidents.

"We also ensure that there is enough light in bedrooms.There are windows at two walls of the room for thebenefit of ventilation," he said.


33/42

It is not necessary to have bathtubs in every bathroom.However, the bathtubs might be an option for children.While the grown-ups rarely use it, the kids love bathingin it."

Eggarin Anukulyoghin, dean of Kasetsart University'sFaculty of Architecture, said houses with ample outdoorspace also would benefit the elderly.

"The elderly want to have interaction with the outsideworld. They are likely to be depressed to stay in a closed

room for a long period of time, regardless of expensivefurniture," he said.


34/42

"Taking the elderly tonatural surroundingswould refresh them,

rather than makingthem sit in the roomwith TV sets and nicepictures."


35/42

Orlando Custom Homes, BRC Custom Homes

Elder Friendly Homes

Whether you are building your dream Orlando retirementhome, or simply planning to live in your new home for a

long time, you may want to consider designs that arefriendly to senior citizens. As people age, they oftenexperience limitations in mobility and sight that canbecome dangerous. The good news is that risks can beminimized by designing a home with older people in

mind.


36/42

Lighting

People over 65 generally require three times more light

to see clearly than younger people. If their homes arenot designed accordingly they are at risk for falls andother accidents. Some easy ways to increase lightingand visibility include:

Use contrasting colors as much as possible. Like adarker colored sink than the countertop or darkerbathroom floor tiles than the wall tiles.

Skylights and large windows will not only bring in

sunlight but much needed vitamin D. Track-lighting provides both better lighting and easier

use than multiple lamps.


37/42

Senior citizens often have limited mobility and relativelyfragile bones. This can make moving around a crowdedarea both inconvenient and dangerous. Easy tips todesign a safe home include:

Keep things level. Keep stairs and inclined outdoor pathsto a minimum.

Use sturdy guardrails for the stairs at an easy-to-reachheight. Likewise these are also good to install in thebathroom shower area or bathtub.

Minimize slips and falls. Rugs should be placed

over non-skid backing. Carpets should not be easilyfrayed. Better still, no rugs or carpets should be used.


38/42

What is a Mobility Friendly Home?

A mobility friendly home is a purposely built villa in Spain

designed to accommodate the specific needs of ourclients, easy access.

Off street or unrestricted on-street parking within 25metres.

No steps between the car parking and the entrance tothe villa, plots with gradients will have ramps.

Level access to at least one entrance to the property.The entrance may incorporate an access ramp or asmall threshold.

Level access to all main living floor rooms.

A WC on the same level as the entrance to the property(or lift access to WC on another floor)


39/42

Wheelchair friendly kitchens

A bespoke design will mean thatevery aspect of the kitchen ismade to your exact tastes,measurements, and user ability.You will not have to lose out on

looks, and you can have a fullyfunctional space made for just thedisabled user, or one that ismultifunctional for both thedisabled and ambulatory alike.Many fear that such quality willcome at a high price, but it ispossible to get great design at lowcost.


40/42

Bathroom

If you or a member of your

household is elderly orhandicapped, manoeuvring in thebathroom is very difficult, if notimpossible. By making a fewadjustments at the design stage we

incorporate 100% wheelchairfriendly bathrooms to meet eachindividual clients needs, by workingclosely together with our clients and

our architect we can create theperfect living conditions.


41/42

Toilets

The toilet is higher than average toilets. Threeand a half inches higher is therecommendation. The seat is elongated rather

than round and the individual should havesupport, such as a hand rail, available to helphim or her move from the chair to the toilet andback again without assistance.


42/42

Even the western countries have started to be conscious

today of providing a good environment for the greyinggeneration.

By making age-friendly changes both inside and outside

of homes, we can help break the link between old ageand dependency.

We dont need to spend much to make our beloved

elderly enjoy a happy, dignified existence. In fact, whatthey need most is our love and respect that would makethem feel an important part of the family.

Documents

The Elderly Friendly Home