10 Home Obstacles Keeping You From Being Independent

10 Home Obstacles Getting In Your Way of Keeping Your

Independence

www.designforalifespan.com

Jeanette KnudsenI’m just a left-handed kid who grew up in a right-handed world….frustrating!!

Along the way I discovered there’s a better way to live! Through DESIGN, my home as well as yours can be CHANGED to meet OUR needs. Not the masses!! This is why I specialize in Universal Design, because it helps me and all the other “different” people out there. It also allows for Aging in Place, or as I like calling it, Design For Aging. This is a type of design that could have helped by grandmother by preventing a devastating fall that changed her life.. I never want to see to anyone else experience the heartache we felt because her home couldn’t accommodate her changing needs.

My goal is to teach you the tools so you may make your home function-able, efficient, AND beautiful!

Oh yea…I’m a wife, mom and grandmother. Love it….


What We’ll Cover

• Live Easy & Stay Independent

• 10 Home Obstacles

Solutions, Tips, Hints &

Ideas


Live Easy & Stay Independent

How do we “live easy & stay independent”?

1. Do you know who is the average American home built for?2. Be aware of your surrounding3. Make changes to your home

a. Some are simple and you can do yourselfb. Others you’ll need the help of a professional


Live Easy & Stay Independent

1. Accessible Entrance2. Lever Door Handles3. Clear & Unobstructed Pathways4. Furniture Arrangement5. Illuminating Spaces

6. Non-Slip Flooring

7. Area Rugs8. Color Blocking9. Faucets10. Balance Bars


10 Things to Think About

Accessible Entrance


Mesa Historical Home Tour 2011

Accessible Entrance


• Starts with the driveway• Safe passage• Easily accessible entryway• Room to move about• Well lit• 36” door• Easy to use entry door handles

Lever Door Handles


Private Residence

Lever Door Handles


Private Residence

• Be sure they are:1. Easy to use and operate2. Easy to maintain3. Offers security4. Aesthetically pleasing5. Installed no higher the 36” above the finished floor

Clear & Unobstructed Pathways


http://goo.gl/I2pwEG

Clear & Unobstructed Pathways


http://goo.gl/I2pwEG

• Get rid of the clutter• Make sure walkways and paths are clear and unobstructed• Secure wires and cords (telephone, cable, electrical)• Move or clear furniture that’s in the way• Rearrange furniture so pathways are open• Maximize space at the doorway• Repair uneven pathways and stairs

Furniture Arrangement


Private Residence

Furniture Arrangement


Private Residence

• Remove unnecessary furniture• Avoid wheeled furniture• Position furniture to assure easy access• Seating arranged at 90-degree angles or face-to-face• Separate conversations areas from TV and entertainment areas

Illuminating Spaces


Design Within Reach, Scottsdale, AZ

Illuminating Spaces


• Proper illumination for the task at hand• Good general lighting• Fill each room completely• No shadows• Conceal bulbs • Adjustable dimmers

Non-Slip Flooring


Microsoft Clip Art

Non-Slip Flooring


• NO worn or slick flooring!• Replace with a smooth, firm, slip-resistant, non-glare, durable and

easy to maintain product• After market finishes available and may be applied to slick flooring

Area Rugs


http://goo.gl/TlRNUy - FLOR

Area Rugs


• Low pile• Tight weave• Smooth texture• Thoughtfully placed• Place on a non-skid mat or use special tape on corner and edges• Get rid of throw rugs

Color Blocking


Private Residence

Color Blocking


Private Residence

• Defines spaces for visual acuity• Changes in color and contrast define spaces for others• Contrasting colors between:

• Walls & colors of the furniture• Floors and baseboards• Walls & window treatments

Faucets


Brizo @ Central AZ Supply

Faucets


• Easy-to-operate• Lever handles• Touch control faucet• Touch-less faucet

Balance Bars


http://goo.gl/1ogI5V Jaclo

Balance Bars


• Better known as Grab Bars• No longer institutional looking• Come in many styles• Are decorative and supportive• Does double duty as a towel bar, toilet paper holder and soap dish

Questions?


What We Covered

• Live Easy & Stay Independent

•10 Home Obstacles

Solutions, Tips, Hints & Ideas


http://www.designforalifespan.com/

Special Thank You Offer

Webinar Attendees: • Free offer - 30 Minute Consultation• Good till Fri., March 21, 2014• Call me at 480-695-1630


That’s All Folks!

For now… Thank you for attending


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BEAUTIFU

L

INTERIOR

S

FOR EASY

LIVING

Self Improvement

10 Home Obstacles Keeping You From Being Independent