Information on making buildings more accessible for individuals with disabilities and older people.
Planning for the unexpected isn’t always easy. Try as we might, we can’t see what the future will bring. Simple home mishaps and accidents can cause temporary or severe disabilities. According to the US Census Bureau, between 2018 and 2022, 5.3 percent of Marin County’s population under age 60 were living with a disability. As
Can dementia-friendly architecture help people cope with the disabling symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD)? It’s becoming more than just a theoretical question in clinical and design circles, given that an estimated 5 million people in the U.S. currently live with ADRD, a figure that the Centers for Disease Control projects will grow
After tackling your layout, cabinets and drawers, the next step in your kitchen retrofit for aging in place is planning your countertops, sinks and floors. The right countertops, sinks and floors can provide added accessibility and enhance food safety and fall prevention efforts for those with mobility or vision problems. Kitchen Countertops Height To make
Aging in place is an important issue for many seniors. If you live in Marin County, you may know that seniors make up about 27% of the population. Given the option, many would prefer to live in their homes. However, adjustments are not always simple or easily affordable. Architects can help in assessing a home
Of all the modifications to make for successful aging in place in your home, the kitchen retrofit is probably the most extensive and potentially costly. Most homeowners will only undertake a kitchen remodel once or twice, which means you may need to think about retrofits for aging in place long before you reach retirement age.
Human-centered design is a process that focuses on human needs and problem-solving. In the architecture field, it is a collaborative undertaking, a partnership between architect, client, and the client’s end-users that takes into account multiple perspectives to create spaces that are functional and inspiring. Benefits of Human-Centered Design A central goal of human-centered design is
After the kitchen, the bathroom retrofit is probably the most important and challenging modification you can make for safe aging in place. The potential for water on the floor, combined with the need to maneuover into and out of a shower or tub or onto a toilet, raises the risk of a serious fall among
Accessible design should be near the top of your list of things to consider when you’re remodeling or designing a new retail space. Given that the 2010 census found that 19 percent of the U.S. population lives with some form of disability, creating retail environments that are accessbile, safe and welcoming for all isn’t only
Many of us will need to consider making wheelchair retrofits to our homes if we plan to remain in them as we age. According to a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau report, about 10 million people – 66.5 percent of the country’s population over age 65 – have difficulty walking. The number climbs with age, and
In any bathroom retrofit for aging in place, the bathtub and shower are likely to be key considerations. Getting into and out of the tub or shower presents challenges and risks for those with limited mobility or vision, so selecting the right product for your abilities and lifestyle is important. General Safety Recommendations Regardless of
